Seeking advice: transporting tea
#1
Original Poster




Join Date: May 2003
Programs: ZaeroPlan 0
Posts: 1,999
Seeking advice: transporting tea
I will be traveling from Canada to Europe via US. I have to bring to a friend 500gr (about 1 lb.) of premium Earl Grey tea from a local shop.
With the idea of minimizing trouble with customs officers, I am looking for recommendations as to whether I should place a (fairly large) bag of tea leaves in my carry-on or checked luggage.
(I am currently tempted to place this in a Ziploc with my carry-on for easy inspection if required.)
With the idea of minimizing trouble with customs officers, I am looking for recommendations as to whether I should place a (fairly large) bag of tea leaves in my carry-on or checked luggage.
(I am currently tempted to place this in a Ziploc with my carry-on for easy inspection if required.)
#2
Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M




Join Date: May 2000
Location: Louisville, KY
Programs: Destination Unknown, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD)
Posts: 58,133
Tea in your carryon is no problem. Declare it when you arrive, carry it on when you connect.
Ironically, should you choose to steep it before you connect, you are a bad person.
Ironically, should you choose to steep it before you connect, you are a bad person.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: AA EXP/Marriott Plat/Hertz PC
Posts: 12,724
I haven't tried carrying my Lapsang Souchong yet, but I bet that anything that looks like tea and smells like smoke isn't going to go over too well.
#4
Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M




Join Date: May 2000
Location: Louisville, KY
Programs: Destination Unknown, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD)
Posts: 58,133
Before airport "security" went into the crapper, I brought a box of gunpowder tea back from the UK.
I wonder what would happen if that were noticed in my carryon today.
I wonder what would happen if that were noticed in my carryon today.
#5
Original Member




Join Date: May 1998
Location: PDX
Programs: TSA Refusenik charter member
Posts: 16,127
I haven't tried carrying my Lapsang Souchong yet, but I bet that anything that looks like tea and smells like smoke isn't going to go over too well. 


I hadn't thought of that! That's my fave kind of tea ...
Last edited by essxjay; May 1, 2007 at 11:55 pm
#8


Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Europe
Programs: M+M, VN
Posts: 576
To be honest, I'm not even sure you need to declare it. I never have and I don't see what part of the customs rules you'd need to declare it under.
Specifically tea is mentioned by the Customs rules:
Specifically tea is mentioned by the Customs rules:
As a general rule, condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee and tea are admissible.

