Can I bring live plants or plant products onto an airplane?
Can I bring live plants or plant products onto an airplane for domestic travel? We recommend that you search the Transportation Security Administration's What Can I Bring webpage for information about plants and other products you can bring in your carry-on and checked baggage.
How do I take a plant on a plane?
Your best bet would be to pack your plant inside a hardside suitcase that has been checked in to avoid any damage. Checked bags are usually up to 32 inches in length, so you should be able to fit pretty large plants in there. Plants will have to be screened in the x-ray machine to pass through security.
How to fly with plants internationally?
You need to work with the luggage allowance that your airline allows and you need to check the rules of your destination country if you are flying with plants internationally. Full-service airlines usually allow you to bring two pieces of luggage, one personal item, and one carry-on bag.
Can I take my plant through airport security?
When taking your plant through airport security as a carry on one of the biggest concerns is the liquid. If the plant comes in a vase, bowl, or vial with water you will most certainly need to dump it out prior to going through the security checkpoint.
Where do plants need to be on a plane?
In general, if you are carrying plants on a plane, they will need to fit in the overhead compartment or in the space under the seat in front of you. Bringing plants on a plane becomes more complicated with foreign travel or when flying to Hawaii.
How to safely travel with a plant?
Another way to neatly and safely travel with a plant is to remove the soil and bare the roots. Rinse all the dirt from the roots first. Then, with the roots still moist, tie a plastic bag around them. Wrap the foliage in newspaper and secure it with tape to protect leaves and branches. Most plants can survive hours to days like this.
How to keep a plant healthy while traveling?
For a plant carry on, try securing it in a garbage bag with a few holes punched in the top. This should prevent a mess by containing any loose soil.
Can TSA officers deny anything?
You should know , however, that the TSA officers on duty can deny anything and will have the final say on what you can carry when you go through security. Airlines also set their own rules as to what is or isn’t allowed on planes.
Can I Take Plants on an Airplane?
Yes, you can bring plants on an airplane, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the U.S. The TSA allows plants in both carry-on and checked bags. You should know, however, that the TSA officers on duty can deny anything and will have the final say on what you can carry when you go through security.
How to protect a plant from a flight?
If the flight is short, it’s best to water your plant the last night. Cover the soil in the pot with a few newspapers to avoid having the solid spill out and creating a mess. For additional protection, you can wrap the pot in a small plastic bag. To protect the visible part of the plant, wrap it fully in a newspaper.
How to keep a plant moisturized on a plane?
Wrap the whole plant in a newspaper to keep it moisturized and to protect it during your flight.
What are the restrictions on plants?
Some plants have additional restrictions: Permits, post-entry quarantines, ESA or CITES documentation, and other treatments.
How to pass a plant in a car?
Place your plant in a plastic bag, and you’re good to go. If it’s small enough, you may be allowed to pass it as a personal item and place it under your front seat.
How big is a potted plant for a plane?
Make sure that your plant, together with the pot, fits the airline size requirements for hand luggage. Most commonly, it’s 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
How to get rid of a plant in a suitcase?
You will save some space in your suitcase, and there will be fewer plant parts to damage. Take your plant out of its pot, and try to get rid of the soil manually. Get rid of as much of the soil as possible but be careful not to damage the plant. Use a bowl full of water to wash off all the excess soil from the roots.
Why do plants need to be bare root?
That’s because they can’t predict what pests and insects lie in the soil. There could potentially be hidden infectious pests inside, which could be catastrophic for the environment.
TSA Plants Rules
If you are flying on a domestic flight you can relax. The Transportation Security Administration doesn’t have a problem with you bringing plants on a plane.
Check Your Airline Luggage Allowance
Full-service airlines usually allow you to bring two pieces of luggage, one personal item, and one carry-on bag.
Check Your Destination Country Or Zone
If you are flying internationally you should check that you are permitted to bring plants into the country.
How To Prepare & Pack A Houseplant For Flying
This video has lots of great tips about how to pack plants to protect them.
The Bottom Line
You can bring plants on a plane in carry-on luggage or checked luggage.
Are Houseplants and Flowers Allowed on Flight?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows house plants and flowers on airplanes. When traveling with a bouquet, be sure to remove any pins or other securing items that might be dangerous.
Do The Paperwork First Before Bring Plants Onboard
Be sure to check the size guidelines of the carrier before bringing any plants aboard. In the U.S., it is illegal to bring live plants or seeds without proper paperwork, so make sure yours will fit in the overhead compartment.
The Size and Weight of Plants Matter
There are some limitations to the size and weight of plants that can be carried onboard a plane.
How to Pack Plants for a Flight
When transporting your plants, you need to know how to pack them for air travel. Plants should be trimmed with long branches and dead leaves before packing them.
Water Your Plants Before the Flight
It’s also a good idea to water your plants before traveling. This will keep them fresh throughout the flight, but don’t overwater them. Too much water can cause root rot and will cause a problem with airlines.
Keep the Soil Dry
Before packing your plants, make sure the soil is dry. If you’re traveling on a long plane, you may need to cut your plants to fit them in your checked luggage.
Are sharp succulents allowed on planes?
Sharp succulents are allowed on domestic planes, but you should contact the airlines before you carry them. It may be more complicated to carry sharp succulents on international flights as they have stricter regulations. So it’s best to check the flight regulations.
Can you take plants on an international flight?
Many countries have strict laws about the type of flora and fauna they allow. You’ll need to check these laws when planning your trip.
Can I take a potted plant on a plane?
On a domestic flight, this will depend on the TSA. In most cases, you’ll get a raised eyebrow. But they will allow you to take the plant onto the plane.
Can You Bring Plants on A plane?
Different Types of Plants
- Bringing a fresh cut flower or arrangement through airport security is pretty straightforward but a lot of people have questions about other types of plants like cacti and dried plants. So we supplied some additional info to help you navigate those sometimes *prickly* situations.
Agricultural Restrictions
- Not every state will allow you to simply bring in plants without some type of inspection or declaration. To make sure that you are not violating the law and bringing in plants to another state, check the national plant boardand/or check with the appropriate department of that state. For example, if you have questions about bringing plants into California then you may want to co…
Travel to Hawaii
- Hawaii will allow you to bring different plants into the statebut there are some conditions. First, you will need to declare your plants on the “Plants and Animals Declaration Form,” which you should receive on your flight. The plants will then need to be inspected at the Agricultural Inspection Counter located near the exits in the baggage claim area. All plant material must be f…
International Travel
- The requirements may differ based on whether you are traveling from the US to an international destination or traveling into the US. I’ll cover instructions for each scenario below.
Final Word
- Taking your plants on a plane is relativelystraightforward when you are traveling around the US. But if you are heading to certain destinations like Hawaii or traveling internationally, the stakes get much higher. The keys are to make sure that you comply with TSA and airline rules, pack properly, and that you always prioritize agricultural regulations.