Single-serve coffee K-CUP and PODS have become a popular choice for preparing a quick and tasty cup Java, but are coffee K-cups allowed on planes?
The short answer is YES.
You can bring K-cups pods whether it is coffee or tea in both carry-on and checked baggage without any restrictions.
Keep reading to know more about traveling with coffee pods ( k-cups ) on planes in both carry-on and checked bags.
Let’s dive right in.
Can You Take Coffee K Cups and Pods Through Airport Security?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), regulates what you can bring on planes within and from the US.
They have rules about several types of coffee like ground coffee and coffee beans but they don’t have any information about K-cups or coffee pods.
So i did research their social media to find some answers.
Angi wanted to bring these Camerons and Starbucks k cups / pods in carry-on in a domestic flight within the US.
The TSA customer service replied that ” Single-serve coffee creamer pods that are less than 3.4 ounces / 100 ml each are allowed in carry-on bags. You can take as many as you can fit in a single quart-sized resealable bag with your other travel-sized liquid items. ”
Angi clarified them that his K-cups are not creamy, making the TSA confirm that single-serve coffee pods are permitted in carry-on bags without any specific packaging requirements or quantity restrictions.
If you take grounded coffee in quantities of more than 12 oz / 340 gram you will need to remove them from your bag at the security checkpoint, for additional screening.
“For your convenience, place powders in your checked bag: the TSA says “
This doesn’t apply to K-cups as they come in small pods ( the average weight of K-cups is around 0.3 – 0.4 oz or 8-11 grams ), but ensure that you keep them easily accessible and to reach in case of a security check.
If you are planning to bring a coffee machine along you may find this post helpful: can i take a coffee machine on a plane?.
Can You Bring Coffee K-Cups and Pods In Checked Luggage?
If you plan to bring a large number or a box of K-cups when you travel, then checked baggage may be a viable solution.
Since checked baggage is not subject to strict rules, you can always pack any amount of coffee pods, tea pods or creamy pods without any worries.
But it is important to note that checked bags are not always handled with care, so any delicate items are more prone to be damaged or even stolen.
If you are traveling with an expensive type of K-cup, ensure that you take them with you in your carry-on instead.
How To Pack Coffee Pods For a Flight?
The coffee inside the coffee pods is already protected inside durable containers. However, it is always wise to you do some additional precautions to prevent any potential leakage or damage to the pods.
You can pack the K-cups or coffee pods in a ziplock bag (separately from toiletries) and place them between your clothes and belongings in the middle of your bag.
Please remember to keep heavy objects separate from the pods and cups to avoid any possible damage to the packaging.
Tip: Check out this Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Carry-On Spinner, a sleek and versatile carry-on that is designed to fit within the limits of most airlines, to save you from the hassle of the airports and the pesky airline fees.
Can You Take Coffee K-Cups On International Flights?
Surprisingly, most countries didn’t mention coffee pods in their list of allowed or prohibited items.
However; since the majority of countries allow the transport of coffee beans and grounded coffee, it is reasonable to assume that K cups and pods are also permitted without any issues.
| Countries | K cups Rules |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom, | Like in the US, Uk have no restrictions on taking solid food items ( like Coffee pods ) in both carry-on and checked bags. |
| Canada | There are no restrictions on importing coffee and spices for personal use to Canada. Coffee cups and pods are not specifically mentioned on the list of allowed items in Canada but they have obviously the same rules as coffee beans and powdered coffee (up to 20 kg). |
| Australia | Roasted coffee is allowed to bring to Australia for personal use, you can bring up to 10 kilograms of roasted coffee. K cups and pods are considered rotated coffee. |
| Europe | Generally powdered food are allowed to bring to Europe for personal use, and in both carry-on and checked baggage. However; larger amounts of powders will be subject to additional screening. K cups and coffee pods are quite light, so you don’t need to worry about any restrictions or quantity limits. |
| New Zealand | According to the flight authorities in New Zealand, there are no restrictions on taking food items and powders, including K cups, in both hand luggage and checked luggage. This means that you can carry these items in any quantity without any limits or restrictions. |
Read also: Is the Coffee and Tea in Your Hotel Room Free?
Final Thoughts On Bringing Coffee K Cups and Pods on a Plane.
Whether you prefer Miss Ellie’s Single Cups, Marley Single Cups, Tim Hortons or Coffee USA Single Cups, you can bring any brand of single coffee pods on planes without any restrictions.
But creamy K-cups pods need to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule when transported in carry-on bags, small containers of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less placed inside a quart sized bag, read more about traveling with liquids here.
If you are taking large quantities of K-cups it is better to pack them in checked baggage to avoid any inconvenience at the airport.
We hope this helps
Happy travels
FAQs
You are not required to take your coffee pods from your bag when going through the security checkpoint, unless the security officer told you to do so.
To prepare a cup of hot coffee with K-cups on board the airplane, you will typically need a coffee machine. However, if you have access to hot water, you can also prepare a K-cup without a machine.
Yes, cold brew coffee pods are allowed on planes, but it’s important to adhere to the TSA liquid rules. Remember that any liquids, including creamy pods, must comply with the TSA limit of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less for each individual container.
To declare food items at the customs depends on the country of your destination. However, it is advisable to declare any coffee pods when traveling internationally.
