Can You Bring Spices On A Plane?

Last Updated on September 10, 2022

TSA Spices Rules

The Transportation Security Administration only has one rule that impacts bringing dry spices on to planes in hand luggage.

Firstly here’s what they say about traveling with spices:

You can pack any amount of dry spices in checked luggage.

But when it comes to carry-on baggage the TSA powders rule could potentially apply.

When packing dry powdery spices in hand luggage you must remove them from your carry-on bag at airport security if they are in containers larger than 12 ounces.

This is because a large jar of spices could obstruct clear images on the x-ray machine making it harder for TSA officers to screen luggage for dangerous items. Removing spices in containers larger than 12 oz from your bags makes it easy for the TSA agents to carry out additional screening.

A 12 oz container of spices is pretty large. The little jars of pre-packaged spices like McCormick make are usually only around 2 oz.

That means that unless you are bringing an unusually large amount of spices on a plane then you don’t need to do anything at the airport security checkpoint. You can just leave the spices inside your carry-on bag.

Containers of spices larger than 12 oz can still be brought in hand luggage:

For your convenience, and to save time going through airport security, you might prefer to pack large containers of spices in checked luggage. But you don’t need to if you don’t mind the potential delay!

Wet spices like curry paste are considered to be liquids by the TSA. That means that they should be packed inside your quart-size bag along with your toiletries and can only be in containers less than or equal to 3.4 ounces.

Bringing fresh spices on your flight won’t be an issue either.

All solid food items are permitted in hand luggage. It is only liquid foods, pastes, or anything spreadable that must be packed inside your quart-size bag.

Traveling Internationally With Spices

If you are crossing international borders you might need to check with the customs rules of your destination country.

Each foreign country his it’s own rules about which foods can be imported. Spices containing whole seeds might not be permitted to enter foreign countries.

Also when returning back to the US check whether any seeds you might be carrying are allowed through customs.

Generally small amounts of dried spices won’t raise any eyebrows. Larger quantities of spices might need to be declared on arrival.

Still Unsure? Ask The TSA

You can reach out to the TSA on Twitter if you have a specific question about traveling with spices.

Mezzy asked about bringing chili powder on the plane:

The TSA replied that “dried spices, including chili powder, are allowed in your carry-on bag”.;

Chris wanted to fly with a 5 oz container of dry rub:

Again the TSA gave dry rub spices the green light.

Laurel’s coworked wanted to fly with Jamacian Jerk seasoning:

Because the spices were in a wet paste form Laurel was advised that they must be packed in checked luggage.

When it comes to spices the simple rule is that if they are dry you can pack them in carry-on or checked bags. If they are wet you must follow the TSA liquids rule.

You Might Also Like

• Can you bring ground coffee on a plane?
• Can you bring dried fruits on a plane?
• Can you bring salt on a plane?