For tea lovers, bringing their favorite tea bags on a trip can be essential to have a taste of home. However, the rules of flying can be confusing, and you may be wondering if you can bring tea bags on a plane.
The answer is yes, but there are some things to consider before packing your bags.
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about bringing tea bags on a plane, so you can enjoy your favorite tea no matter where you go.
First things First Before Bringing Tea On A Plane
Be aware of the country’s customs regulations and prohibited items when it comes to bringing tea bags into a certain country because yes does not always mean YES.
If you’re traveling internationally, be aware that customs rules in other countries might differ from what is allowed in the US.
After water, tea is the most popular drink in the world but that does not mean you can bring it to all countries.
Some countries prohibit the import of organic matter, such as tea, which may have a negative impact on the local environment.
Some countries advise declaring your tea which means it may end up not being accepted.
For example, Australia will only let you bring tea in if it`s commercially prepared, packaged, and labeled.
As Per the abf.gov.au website, the tea can only be Plain black or green teas and plain black or green teas with flavoring
So forget bringing in that tea that you personally picked from Kenyan Tea plantations as a favor from a friend and you quickly packed in some neutral packaging paper.
Kinds of Teas
- Rooibos
- Yellow tea
- Herbal tea
- Black tea
- Green tea
- White tea
- Matcha tea
That`s a lot of tea there, this is to say there is no straight yes when flying with your loved beverage.
If still unsure, contact the embassy of the country you’re traveling to in advance to know the customs rules on bringing tea bags or tea leaves and avoid any issues with customs.
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Does Carrying Tea Internationally Attract Customs Duty
When carrying and flying with tea internationally, it is important to be aware of potential customs duties and taxes.
Depending on the country of destination, different regulations may apply when bringing tea into the country.
In general, if you are carrying tea as samples or for commercial reasons, you will need to declare it at customs. Additionally, some countries may require special permits.
Find out if there’s a maximum number of boxes that can be brought on board, most countries will only accept 1kg otherwise it will be considered for non-self-consumption.
Rules About Carrying Tea In Your Hand Baggage
When it comes to carrying tea on planes, the rules can vary from airline to airline. However, in general, it is acceptable to carry dry tea bags and loose tea leaves in both your checked and hand baggage.
As long as the container holding the tea meets all TSA (Transportation Security Administration) requirements. TSA on flying with tea.
When it comes to carrying tea on planes, airtight packaging bags are key. Storing teabags in reusable airtight containers helps keep the contents fresh and prevents any spills or messes.
Not only does this help reduce the chance of messes onboard your flight, but it also ensures that your teabag stays fresher for longer!
How Should You Carry Tea In Your Hand Luggage? the answer is yes, provided your carry-on does not exceed the allowed weight.
Varying Rules For Carrying Tea Bags (Or Loose Tea Leaves) Onto A Plane
The rules for carrying tea bags or loose tea leaves onto a plane vary from airline to airline, and even countries.
It is important to check the specific regulations of your airline before traveling with tea.
Some airlines allow passengers to bring small amounts of liquid (including brewed tea) in their carry-on luggage, while others only allow solid items. But I’m sure the rules are there for a reason.
How Should You Carry Tea In Your Hand Luggage?
When traveling by plane, the answer to the question of how you should carry tea in your hand luggage depends on a few factors.
The first is what type of tea it is. Loose-leaf teas are not allowed due to security concerns, so these must be left at home or checked in.
But again if you are brave enough to fly with loose tea leaves, I’m sure you`ve figured out how to safely transport it.
Can You Carry Liquid Home-Made Tea In Your Hand Luggage?
I can`t even believe we are taking about this, because if you have this idea, then you should also know how to do it, but I’m going to try and answer.
Bringing tea bags on a plane is not only possible but it’s also allowed in both hand luggage and checked baggage.
To ensure that the tea bags are adequately packaged for transport, keep them sealed in their original packaging or place them in a zip-lock bag or other protective covering.
Also, bear in mind that customs may inspect your tea and decide not to let it into their country.
the only way I can think about this is for you to restrict your cup of tea to one a day so it`s not considered food importation because food items are also a no-no most of the time.
Can you take tea bags in hand luggage on Cheap Airlines
I have flown with cheap airlines(especially Easy jet so many times) they will let you bring your coffee or coffee but remember their hand luggage size is quite small.
What type of tea will you be bringing?
Safely enjoy your tea while traveling! Though, some tea types may trigger suspicion at airport security. Stick with the black tea if you have to.
Packing commercially-produced teas in their original packaging with clear labeling is the safest and easiest way to skip potential issues while traveling.
Teabags are also a great option as they tend to be less suspicious to TSA security officers than loose-leaf tea.
Can you take tea bags and coffee in hand luggage?
Yes, you can take tea bags, loose tea leaves, and coffee (I just took 2kg of Coffee to Kenya recently, for personal use, no issues)in your hand luggage in quantities for your personal consumption.
Now be prepared to lose your beverage if you can not take it with you on a plane unless you have someone who can take it back.
I usually drive to the airport alone, so any item I have in my suitcase that can not board the plane is usually lost as left luggage holds are just too expensive.
Summing it up
Unleash Your Travel Spirit: Don’t Let Tea Stop You!I hope you found this post helpful, if you have any questions, just leave me a message below.
I didn’t know bringing tea on a plane was restricted in the first place in some areas! This is very good to know as a tea drinker myself 🙂
Hi Jess,in my opinion anything can be restricted when flying, you just have to make informed decisions when you fly.Fyling with tea or loose tea may not be an issue if you fly locally but once you board international flights,things change real fast on what you can or can`t take, not forgetting that customs are not the same in every counutry.
Because even scissors can be taken on a plane.
TSA agents are usually the ones with the last say