Were you planning on bringing home some Peruvian coffee for your best friend? Or spices from Istanbul’s spice market for your next gourmet club’s dinner? Well think again. The TSA has new rules for powders that may impact your souvenir or gift.
Effective June 30, on domestic and international flights incoming to the US, any container of powder-like substance of 12 ounces or more will have to be X-rayed separately or inspected by hand. And, if security officers consider the substance to be unidentifiable or dangerous, you’ll have to throw it away or move it to your checked bag to board the plane.
The kicker here is “powder-like”. Keep in mind, the TSA thinks peanut butter and jelly are liquids. So, powder-like isn’t just protein powders, baby powder and makeup, it’s also ground coffee, spices, and tea.
For the next few weeks, give yourself some extra time for security - especially overseas. Remember the chaos and confusion, previously, each time a new screening rule was implemented? Remove your shoes, limited liquids, no laptops (that one went away, thank goodness!)
It’s not just security personnel a bit unfamiliar with new rules, but travelers show up unprepared, slowing down lines. I think this one will be less impactful than some of the previous rules because of the advance notice, but better safe than sorry until it becomes routine.
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