Can you take an espresso machine on a plane? (Answered)
Some people can’t live without their espresso machine. So, it probably comes as no surprise that many people want to load their espresso machine into their bag when they hop on a plane. Can you do that, though? We have all the answers you need.
TSA guidelines state that you should have no issues carrying a coffee or espresso machine in either your hand luggage or checked bags. You will only run into problems if you carry liquid accessories e.g. milk or cleaning supplies.
Let’s expand upon this a little bit. This way, you will know whether you can bring your espresso machine along or whether you should probably be leaving it at home.
Can You Take An Espresso Machine On a Plane?
Yes. The TSA guidelines are clear. Bringing an espresso machine on the plane is perfectly fine.
Your espresso machine can be placed in either checked-in or your hand luggage. Although, do bear in mind that your airline may have limitations on what can and can’t be brought on board.
However, we don’t think we have ever seen an airline that explicitly forbids bringing an espresso machine onboard. That would be an odd thing to ban.
There are rules about bringing batteries onboard an aircraft. Even if you have a battery-powered espresso machine, chances are that you won’t fall foul of them.
The one exception may be the Makita espresso maker. This uses lithium-ion batteries from Makita power tools. If the battery is over 100w/h, you will need pre-approval from the airline to bring it on board. All of this information can be found on the battery.
The only time that you will likely run into problems with bringing an espresso machine onboard is if you have an espresso machine that uses coffee pods. Dry pods should be fine.
However, any pods that contain liquid may not be. I will discuss this in a bit more depth shortly.
Airline Weight and Size Limits
Do bear in mind that your airline will have rules regarding the size and weight of any items that you bring as hand luggage.
You probably aren’t going to run into too many problems if you are just carrying an espresso machine. I don’t think I have ever seen an airline with such strict rules that an espresso machine wouldn’t get through as hand luggage.
However, if you are planning on bringing other things as your hand luggage, you should double-check the size and weight rules given by the airline. If you fall foul of them, then you could be ‘enjoying’ some rather hefty charges.
Should You Take an Espresso Machine In Carry-On Or Checked-In Luggage?
I would always recommend taking an espresso machine in your hand luggage.
From personal experience, I know how risky it can be to pack expensive gadgets in your checked-in luggage. While I personally have never lost an espresso machine, I have lost laptops, tablet computers, and even a set of scales.
The problem with putting an espresso machine in your checked-in luggage is the fact that the bag will be banged around quite a bit.
Your bag will go through a series of conveyor belts on its journey to the plane. There are some pretty sharp drops on those belts. You will then have people throwing the bags into the aircraft hold (this is the fastest way to load them!). Finally, your bag will likely be stacked under multiple heavy bags.
Since your espresso machine is likely to be made from plastic, I just wouldn’t risk putting it in your checked-in. If it didn’t break, you would be exceedingly lucky.
At least if you take that espresso machine as a carry-on, you will have complete control over it every single step of the way. But, of course, if it breaks, then it is your own fault.
The Best Way To Pack An Espresso Machine
If you can, you should always try to pack the espresso machine in its original box. You can then load the box up with packing material.
If you don’t have any packing material, throwing some clothes in should be fine. You don’t want that espresso machine to ‘bounce’ around in the box. There is a strong chance that it could be damaged if that happens.
If you are going against my advice and choose to pack that espresso machine in your checked-in luggage, then I suggest that you surround the box with towels and clothing. This may help to prevent it from being crushed. I can’t guarantee that it will, though.
Do You Have To Remove An Espresso Machine From Hand Luggage When You Go Through Security?
No. Not unless you are asked.
Most people will be able to place their espresso machine on the security scanner and be fine. However, some people have been asked to remove it from their bag or box to be scanned again.
It seems to be a bit random about whether the espresso machine will need to be scanned separately. It is rare, but it does happen. Because of this, I recommend that you pack your espresso machine near the top of your hand luggage.
Can You Take Coffee Pods In Your Hand Luggage?
You will be fine if you have coffee pods that just have coffee in them.
There may be a problem if you take the pods that contain milk or other liquids.
There is a strict limit on the number of liquids you can take in your hand luggage. So while a single milk pod will not cause too many issues, several of them will, particularly if you are bringing other liquids with you. This is because all of those milk pods will need to fit into a relatively small bag when you are going through security.
I recommend that you don’t even bother to take coffee pods with you. However, if you must take them, pack them into your checked-in luggage.
Suppose you have a coffee machine that uses coffee pods. In that case, I can assure you that unless you are going to some far-flung destination, you may be able to find suitable coffee pods during your trip.
Conclusion
You should have no issues bringing an espresso machine onboard an aircraft. It can go in either your checked-in or hand luggage.
I do recommend that you pack the espresso machine carefully, though. Even the best machines can break if they are knocked about a bit too much.
Related Questions
Do you need to place the espresso machine in a bag?
If you are checking in the espresso machine, then yes. However, if you bring it on board as hand luggage, most airlines will allow you to carry it in the box.
Will travel insurance cover a damaged espresso machine?
Yes. Although, you will need to check your travel insurance policy. Most travel insurance policies will cover any damage to your luggage, though. This applies whether you bring your espresso machine in checked-in or your hand luggage. The travel insurance will likely not cover the total value of the espresso machine.
References
https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/ugh-how-can-i-travel-with-an-espresso-machine-610855/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293920-i5037-k6275813-Coffee_Machine-Phuket.html
https://www.beanpoet.com/can-you-take-nespresso-machine-on-airplane/
https://travel-made-simple.com/can-you-take-batteries-on-planes/
