If you are planning to give your flight an extra boost of joy with a Starbucks hot cup of coffee, or chocolate, you may be wondering if you can bring Starbucks on a plane.
Here is a quick answer. Yes, you can bring Starbucks on a plane, provided you purchase it at an airport location after passing through the security checkpoint. Any drinks bought before security that are larger than 3.4 oz / 100 ml pass the security checkpoint, so you will need to buy a full cup of Starbucks after the security checkpoint.
I this post I will cover everything you need to know about, taking Starbucks on planes in both carry-on and checked bags.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR:
- You can bring a large Starbucks on a plane, but only if you buy it after passing through TSA security.
- Large coffees, Frappuccinos, and other drinks cannot go through the checkpoint unless they are under 3.4 oz / 100 ml.
- Most airlines allow Starbucks drinks on board, and you can also bring empty reusable cups or thermoses to fill after security.
- Starbucks food, coffee beans, K-Cups, and ground coffee are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
Can You Take Starbucks Through The TSA Security Checkpoint?
The TSA didn’t specifically mention Starbucks on its website.
But as I mentioned above, the TSA has strict rules about any liquids.
To take liquids and drinks (and it doesn’t matter if it is hot or iced coffee) in your carry-on, they should be in containers of 3.4 ounces / 100 milliliters or less and placed inside a quart-sized bag.
I do not know of any beverage served in such a small size.
But there is no chance that you can take a full cup of Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts in your hand and clear security.
Even though Starbucks hot coffee or chocolate does not contain any flammable ingredients or banned chemicals.
In general, any Starbucks drink will need to follow TSA regulations.
There are other solutions, though, if you want to enjoy a cup of Starbucks on your flight.
You can buy it after the security checkpoint.
Or you can bring your favorite empty reusable Starbucks cup and fill it after you pass the security checkpoint.
I wanted to find more answers in TSA social media and here is what I found.
This is Janeta asking about why she can’t bring her sealed coffee through the security.
The TSA replied that beverages and liquid items such as coffee, are allowed in carry-on and checked bags, but they need to be in 3.4 oz / 100 ml containers when placed in carry-on bags.
The same answer are given to Rae who wanted to bring 11 oz / 320 ml Starbucks double shot energy drink.
But of course you can bring empty reusable Starbucks Tumblr in carry-on, without any issues.
But what about the airline?
Can You Bring Starbucks on Airlines Rules?
Most US airlines do allow passengers to bring Starbucks on board the airplane, while only a few airlines may not allow it.
The reason some airlines won’t allow passengers to bring Starbucks can vary.
For instance, they may want to sell their own drinks, or they may have a partnership with a specific brand to offer free coffee on board.
But it may not be the best-tasting coffee you will ever have.
So even if the airline agent you are dealing with is picky, you can still bring your own Starbucks by filling a thermos or HydroFlask with coffee, placing it inside your bag, and enjoying your coffee after takeoff.
Final Thoughts
You cannot bring large cups of coffee through the security checkpoint.
But it is generally allowed to bring a cup of Starbucks coffee or hot chocolate on a plane after you pass the security checkpoint, as long as the airline allows it on board.
Most airlines will not have any problem with passengers bringing a hot cup of coffee or chocolate on board. Even if they do not allow open drinks, you can still refill your Starbucks in a thermos and place it inside your bag or personal item.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
FAQs About Bringing Starbucks On A Plane
Can You Bring Starbucks On a Plane After Security?
Yes, once you pass the TSA security checkpoint, you can buy Starbucks inside the airport terminal and bring it onto the plane.
Can You Bring Starbucks On International Flights?
You can bring Starbucks on most international flights after you clear the security. Just remember that some countries do not allow fresh food or dairy products through customs after landing.
Can You Bring Starbucks Frappuccino On a Plane?
Frappuccino counts as a liquid, so you cannot bring a large one through TSA before the checkpoint.
Can You Bring Starbucks Coffee Beans or Ground Coffee On a Plane?
Starbucks coffee beans and ground coffee are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
Can You Bring Starbucks K-Cups or Coffee Pods On a Plane?
You can pack Starbucks K-Cups and coffee pods in both carry-on and checked luggage without any issues.
Can You Bring An Empty Starbucks Cup Through TSA?
Empty Starbucks cups, tumblers, thermoses, and reusable mugs are allowed through security. You can fill them after you pass the checkpoint.
Which Airlines May Not Allow Starbucks On Board?
Some airlines may not allow outside hot drinks for safety reasons. This happens more often on low-cost airlines or some international carriers.
Can You Put Starbucks Coffee In Checked Luggage?
Yes, but make sure the container is tightly sealed to avoid leaks and spills inside your suitcase.
Can Flight Attendants Stop You From Bringing Starbucks On Board?
If the drink is too hot or difficult to carry safely, a flight attendant may ask you to finish it before boarding or store it carefully.
Can You Bring Iced Starbucks On a Plane?
Yes, as long as you buy it after security. Before TSA, iced drinks must follow the 3.4 oz / 100 ml liquid rule.
Can You Bring Starbucks Through TSA In a Carry-on?
Only small drinks under 3.4 oz / 100 ml can go through TSA. Larger Starbucks drinks must be purchased after security.
Can You Bring Starbucks On Delta, United, or American Airlines?
Most major US airlines like Delta, United, and American Airlines generally allow Starbucks drinks on board.
Can You Bring Food From Starbucks On a Plane?
Starbucks food like sandwiches, pastries, cookies, and snacks is usually allowed in both carry-on and personal bags.
Can You Order Starbucks In Your Reusable Cup At The Airport?
Many airport Starbucks locations will fill your reusable cup if you bring one with you.
People also ask:
- Can You Bring Coffee K Cups and Pods on a Plane?
- Can You Take Water Bottles On a Plane?
- Can You Bring a Thermos On a Plane?
- Can you bring chocolate on a plane?
- Can You Bring a Mug On a Plane?
- Can You Bring Ground Coffee On a Plane?
- Can You Take Tea Bags On a Plane?
