Last Updated: January 30, 2023
Can You Bring Spices On A Plane? (Check This Detailed Guide)
Wondering if you’re allowed to fly with spices in your suitcase? Then you’re in the right place because this detailed guide will tell you all you need to know about flying with spices!
Maybe you spent some time in Asia and bought some wonderful spices to take home, and now you want to know if that’s fine by the TSA. The rules are different for domestic and international flights, mostly because it depends on the rules of the country you’re flying to. So, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about flying with spices in your luggage and avoid any surprises at the airport!
Table Of Contents Show All
Can You Bring Spices in Hand Luggage?
You can have spices in your carry-on bag in most cases. The general rule is that you’re allowed to bring dried herbs, and items like salt, pepper, and chili powder in your hand luggage, but you’re usually not allowed to bring fresh spices in your carry-on luggage. This is because fresh spices are treated like plants, and you would need to declare them and present a Phytosanitary certificate, depending on the destination country.
Dried spices are treated like other powder substances by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), so you’re allowed to bring up to 12 ounces in a sealed container. Technically, you’re allowed to have more than 12 ounces of powder substances in your carry-on bags, but larger containers have to get screened separately, and the security agents might instruct you to open them to check the contents.
So, for your own sake, make sure that any spices that are going in your carry-on baggage are packed in sealed 12-ounce containers.
What about wet spices and liquids like chili oil and similar items? These are all considered liquids by the TSA, so they will need to be packaged together with your other liquids in containers no bigger than 100 ml.
Can You Bring Spices in Checked Luggage?
Yes, you are allowed to bring (dried!) spices in your checked baggage. There’s no restriction on the amount of spice you’re allowed to have in your checked bags, and TSA even advises all passengers to pack any powder substances (spices included) in containers larger than 12 ounces in their checked bags.
The rules for fresh herbs and spices are the same for carry-on and checked luggage. They’re fine for domestic flights, but not always on international flights. The same goes for wet and liquid spices – you can pack as much as you want in your checked luggage, but not in a carry-on.
Can You Carry Spices on International Flights?
Dried and ground spices are okay on international flights in both carry-on and checked luggage. Naturally, you still have to pay attention to the quantity of spice, especially if you’re packing it in your carry-on.
Fresh spices and herbs won’t always be allowed on international flights, depending on which foreign country you are traveling to. It’s the same as flying with plants, and in some cases, you might have to present a certificate that guarantees that your “plant” is free of parasites. You also need to declare any fresh spices and herbs in your luggage, so it’s generally less of a hassle if you avoid flying with them altogether.
How Much Spice Can You Bring on A Plane
There really aren’t any rules that dictate how much spice you’re allowed to pack in a checked bag, whether they’re dried or liquid. But if you’re packing spices in a carry-on, you need to pack them in resealable containers that are no bigger than 12 ounces. This is TSA’s general rule for all powder-like substances.
You can usually bring larger bags of spices in your carry-on, but you will need to remove them from your carry-on to get screened separately. The TSA also reserves the rule to open up these spices and inspect the contents of the bag, so keep that in mind.
How to Pack Spices for a Flight
Your spices (whether they’re liquid or dried) need to be packed in sealed containers. That can be a small jar with a lid or a simple resealable plastic bag. This is the best option because the security might decide to inspect your spices and open the bag, and you’ll be in trouble if the bag the spices are in cannot be resealed.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
