Can You Take Tea Bags On a Plane? 2024

Can you take tea bags on a plane? And can you pack tea bags in your suitcase?

Here is the quick answer: According to the TSA dry tea bags or loose tea leaves are good to go in both carry-on and checked luggage without any restrictions, but if you want to bring a warm cup of tea on board, you will need to follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule which is 3.4 oz / 100ml or less for a single container .

In this post, we’ll take a look at some policies for bringing tea bags on a plane in carry-on and checked bags, the current TSA policies, and can you take tea bags on international flights.

Let’s jump in!

What Does TSA Say About Traveling With Tea Bags?

Can you pack tea bags in your suitcase?

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration ) searches passengers and luggage within and from the US airports.

They mentioned on their website that dry tea bags and loose tea leaves are permitted through the security checkpoint without any issues.

Just ensure that you pack your tea bags in a separate container or box that you can easily remove from your bag for separate screening if needed.

Powdered tea is also permitted in carry-on bags, but it will require additional screening if you are taking more than 12 oz / 340 grams, and it may include opening the container.

Just like liquids, powdered items are more suspicious and will usually need more screening or even a manual inspection.

So it is a good idea to pack any powdered tea more than 12 ounces / 340 grams in your checked bag to avoid any inconvenience.

Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.

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.

Morgan asked the TSA if she can bring an unopened box of tea bags.

And the AskTSA customer service confirmed to her that ” Sure, tea bags are allowed in carry-on and checked bags “.

Obviously she is not planning to prepare a cup of tea on the airplane.

Can You Bring Tea Bags In Checked Luggage?

None.

Taking tea bags in checked luggage is much easier than carry-on, so you can take teabags or leaves without need to worry about the airport security.

However; sometimes the airport security may tend to open your suitcase if they have to inspect the item, but most of the time they will leave a note inside if they open your bag.

Traveling with your tea bags in its original package may help the airport security or the TSA identify what your product is and prevent them from opening your suitcase.

Taking Prepared Tea On Board The Airplane

If you want to take some sips during your flight.

Here is what to expect if you want to take a prepared cup of tea on board the airplane.

The TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule will apply, so your tea must not exceed 3.4 oz / 100 ml for a single container, and must be packed in a quart sized bag along with your toiletries.

Which is a weird thing to do.

You can just skip the hassle of the TSA liquid rule by preparing your tea after you pass the security checkpoint, but if you bring some special tea from home as a gift or for someone you just need to follow the 3.4 oz / 100 ml limit or place it in your checked bag.

You can also go for ready-to-drink, tea or coffee purchased at the airport, they are super awesome.

Jan wanted to take a 2 oz / 59 ml of tea in her carry on bag (Jan wanted to bring a powdered tea bag).

The TSA customer service didn’t get Jan’s question but they answered our question on traveling with liquid tea.

So the TSA confirmed that liquid tea is allowed in carry-on luggage but only in containers of no more than 3.4 oz/100 ml for each single container inside a quart size bag.

Can You Take Tea Bags On International Flights?

Tea bags for personal use are admissible to bring to the US.

And there are no strict rules on traveling with a bag of tea for personal use on international flights.

However; there are no fixed rules that are applied to all the countries. To bring tea bags or tea in general to a certain country will depend on where you are flying from and where you are heading.

So ensure to check the specific rules for the country of your destination.

How Much Tea Can You Bring On a Plane?

Domestically there are no limits on the amount of tea bags you can take on your flight, however it is better to take reasonable quantities, if you are traveling with a large quantity, you may get questioned by the airport security, even though it is not a big issue.

For international flights, if the country of your destination does allow you to bring tea bags or any other type of tea ensure that you bring only tea for personal use.

Large quantities will be subject to the requirements of the country you are traveling to, like paying the TVA and if you need to have the permission to bring certain types of tea.

How Do You Travel With Tea Bags On a Plane?

If you are an avid tea drinker, there is more chance that you want to take your tea along wherever you go.

If you are taking your tea bags inside its original packaging that will keep them fresh, otherwise you can use airtight containers to seal in flavor and transport your teabags.

You can pack your tea bags inside small glass containers and wrap them neatly or you can use plastic bags or bins if you don’t like containers, they will work just fine.

and when you get to your destination you just keep your tea bags in a cool area without temperature fluctuations.

Tip: When transporting multiple flavors of tea bags, try to sort them and use multiple bags, you can sort them and make the one you will drink first accessible.

Final Thoughts

Tea is a great stress reliever, and a great present to bring to people you love.

So you are free to bring tea bags on the airplanes in both carry-on luggage or checked luggage on domestic flights.

There are no special instructions or limits if you are traveling with dry tea bags.

The one thing to keep in mind for international flights is that it’s best to check the country rules of your destination about bringing tea.

I hope this helps

Happy travels

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Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.