Can You Bring Spices On A Plane? Travel With Spices

Are you engaged in packing bags? Make sure to keep your checklist ready and not miss any necessary items, of course, while following the regulations set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

If you are planning to take spices with you, this guide will inform you about all the relevant aspects. 

There could be a few scenarios. You are packing your daily spices or seasoning herbs as you have a long stay at your destination, or you are taking them for your dear ones. Else, you purchased the spices or got them from your relatives and now bringing them back home. 

So, what are the TSA rules for spices?

Go further to know everything in detail. 

TSA Rules : Can You Take Spices On A Plane?

Packing In A Carry-On Bag

You can pack dried, ground, or liquid spices in a carry-on bag. However, please keep in mind to proceed as per the specific type you want to carry.

Carrying Solid Spices On A Plane

As you may already know about different TSA rules for solids and liquids, it is crucial to pay attention to the defined limits. Well, there are no limitations on keeping spices in solid forms in your carry-on. They can be taken in unlimited quantities in this bag.

Taking Liquid Spices

But, if you are habitual in using liquid spices or seasoning pastes, you need to comply with the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule. This rule says that passengers can keep liquid items in containers that are not more than 3.4 ounces or 100 ml. These containers need to be placed in a clear quart-sized bag, which is then kept in the hand luggage. 

Bring Powder Spices On A Plane

Apart from this, your spices can also be in powder form. So, you need to follow the TSA rule for power-like substances, according to which, passengers can keep 12 ounces or 350 ml of powder items in their carry-on.

Essentials Points To Consider Before Travelling With Spices

1. It is better to keep the pouch or bag of your spices at the top of your hand luggage, as you may have to remove them and take them out for separate X-ray screening if a TSA officer asks you to. The containers of spices may also need to be opened for additional verification.
2. As per the TSA powder items rules, if you have products in powder form in quantities greater than 12 ounces or 350 ml in carry-on luggage, the officers may conduct additional screening at the central checkpoint, in case you are flying from an international final point of departure to the United States.
3. If these products cannot be cleared or verified at the central checkpoint, you will not be permitted to go ahead with them on the flight. These products will be discarded.
4. Such regulations are mandatory so as to avoid the occurrence of dangerous incidences on the plane, as some people might carry illegal or prohibited items in the form of powder spices.
5. You must acknowledge the fact that a TSA security officer at the checkpoint has the discretion to decide whether they wish to let you go further with your items. These items might be confiscated or discarded if found doubtful.

Bring Spices In Checked Luggage On A Plane

Be it solid, liquid, or powder spices, you are permitted by the TSA to keep them in unlimited quantities in your checked luggage.

In fact, spices in powder form or any sort of non-essential powders of more than 12 ounces or 350 ml are strongly recommended to be packed in your checked baggage. This is because if they are not cleared at the security checkpoint, they will be confiscated or disposed of.

Can You Bring Spices On An International Flight?

Yes, you can bring spices on your international flights too. Rules are almost the same. However, there may be restrictions on carrying herbs and fresh spices to a foreign country. Therefore, while planning your visit to another country, you must acquire all the information in advance.

This is because of similar concerns as that of plants, which may be infected by insects. If such items are taken to a foreign land, there are chances of spreading the infection to other plants and harming them.

Can You Bring Seeds On A Plane?

Well, you can pack seeds in your carry-on bag and/or checked luggage, as stated on the official website of the TSA. There are no limitations on the quantity as such. Ideally, there won’t be any problem if you are traveling domestically within the USA.

Nevertheless, restrictions start coming into the picture when you are on international travel. If you visit the USA from any other country or have an international flight from the USA, you need to be aware of specific rules.

Some countries may not allow you to bring seeds due to the risk of parasites. If the seeds are infected, there is a huge chance that when they will be sown, they will destroy other plants in the vicinity.

At the same time, the conditions of growth of seeds that you carry may not go as per the climate of the country you are traveling to. Therefore, it may not be considered suitable for the growth of other plants in that country. But, to be on the safer side, you must collect all the crucial significant details before taking seeds on a plane, whether traveling domestically or internationally.

Can You Bring Herbs On A Plane?

Well, it’s just the same as that of the seeds. There may not be issues with domestic travel. But if it is international travel, you may be restricted to bring them in certain quantities or not at all due to the fear of infected herbs.

Therefore, please make sure to confirm the rules of the particular country you are visiting. 

Packing Tips For Carrying Spices On A Plane

It is necessary to pack your spices in your luggage the right way. Otherwise, you will end up finding all your belongings in a messy state after reaching your travel destination.

Here’s how you can pack your spices with ease and keep your journey full of flavor.

Bringing On Carry-on Bag

If you need to take the spices in hand luggage, it is better to keep them in a plastic bag for an easy X-ray screening or inspection at the security checkpoint. Well, if they are in liquid or paste form, you are well aware of the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Taking Spices in Checked Baggage

1. If you have the original packets of spices, it’s good enough to take them as it is. But, if not, you can pack them in small to medium pouches or vacuum-sealed bags.
2. You can also store them in airtight containers or small spice jars so that they remain packed properly and don’t get spilled.
3. It’s a good idea to put a label on the pouches or containers so that you will know which spice has been put in which container.
4. You must reserve a separate place, section, or pocket for spices in your baggage. This will enable you to find them quickly without any difficulty.

Concluding Lines

As far as the TSA is concerned, please be mindful of the form of spices, whether solids, liquids, or powders. Make sure to confirm all details in advance, especially in the case of international travel. This will save you from complications at the end moment. Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions