Last Updated on December 4, 2023
There’s simply nothing quite like the perfect cup of coffee in the morning. Once you find your ideal cup of joe, you never want to go without it—even when you’re out of town.
So if you’ve found just the right Nespresso machine, you might start to wonder whether you can take it on an airplane with you when you travel for an extended period.
The simple answer is yes, you can take a Nespresso machine on a plane, in either checked or carry-on luggage.
In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about transporting your Nespresso machine by air—even what the Transportation Security Administration has to say about it—and how your destination might factor in as well.
Packing your Nespresso machine
The best way to transport your Nespresso coffee machine, or any larger electronic item, is in its original packaging. There are two reasons for this. First, the packaging it came in was designed to keep the machine safe during long-distance travel. There’s no better way to repack and transport it.
Second, it reduces the chance that the machine gets flagged by security. If you think about it, a Nespresso might look a little suspicious on the imaging monitors used to screen luggage. If the coffee maker is in its original box, though, it’s pretty obvious what it is. Even if the TSA decides to check it, you know they’ll pack it back correctly in the box rather than leaving it unwrapped in your suitcase.
What the TSA says
The TSA falls within the Department of Homeland Security, which has a website where you can search for their policies on many items you might want to take on a plane. Here’s what they have to say about espresso machines:
Please carefully pack your electronics items and make sure all cords are wrapped. While you can pack expensive, fragile electronics items in checked or carry-on bags, we recommend packing them in your carry-on.
Although they’re referring to a standard espresso machine, it’s probably safe to assume the same applies for an espresso machine or Nespresso.
If you don’t have the original packaging, it’s best to pack your Nespresso machine in a snug box that is well padded with cloth or packing materials. Even though that may mean checking an extra piece of luggage, it’s worth it to get the machine safely to your destination.
Before packing, be sure to completely empty the water tank and let it dry. You should also thoroughly clean the machine to be doubly sure that it won’t leak or cause problems, either on the plane or security. After all, coffee grounds are a powdery substance!
Joking aside, ground coffee is allowed in either checked luggage or in your carry-on, so you can carry capsules with you if you want.
Checked luggage is best
If you’re going to bring your Nespresso with you on your next air travel adventure, it’s better to check it than carry it on, especially if you have the box. While it’s true that your machine will be out of your hands and perhaps more likely to break, it might be worth the risk.
Think about having to carry it through the airport and through the airport security checkpoint (which may search your bags because of it). Then you have to take it on the plane and worry about getting overhead bin space for it (which means any other carry-on items will have to be tucked at your feet). If you have to change planes to get to your destination, you’ll have to repeat that process all over again.
This also depends on the size of your coffee machine. If you have one of the very small models, you might be able to get away with fitting it in your backpack or a large purse.
If you choose to carry it on
Even if you take your Nespresso as a carry-on item, the best way to do so is still in the original packaging, or a similarly-sized box if you don’t have it anymore. Keep in mind that you’re limited to two carry-on items per person, and only one of them can be stored in the overhead bin.
Think about your destination
Another factor to consider is whether or not you’ll be able to use your Nespresso coffee machine when you get to wherever you’re going. If you’re traveling overseas, you’ll almost certainly need an outlet adapter. Nespresso machines draw different amounts of power in different countries, and countries in Europe, Asia, Africa have different electrical outlets than North America. They may not accommodate your machine’s power plug, but the right adapter will take care of it.
Also, consider whether you’ll be able to buy pods for your coffee maker when you get there. There is no point in bringing the machine along if you won’t be able to buy the coffee capsules to go in it, so you may have to bring your coffee on board. Think about incidentals as well. Will the machine need to be descaled while you’re away? If so, you might have to pack your descaling solution, too.
Drink like the locals
Finally, think about what the coffee is like in your destination. Part of the fun of going somewhere is experiencing what life is like and how the locals live. If you’re a coffee lover, coffee can be a huge part of that. It’s true that you may not have a Nespresso machine in your accommodations, but don’t let your usual routine stop you from trying the local flavors.
