Last Updated: September 13, 2023
Can You Take Plants On A Plane?
Shopping for plants on a vacation seems like a good idea until you’re in your hotel room trying to figure out if you’re even allowed to bring them on a plane. It’s possible sometimes and this detailed guide will tell you exactly when and how you can take plants on a plane.
We’ve covered everything you need to know about flying with plants, from TSA rules to how you should pack a plant to maximize its chances of surviving the flight. So, if you’ve got a flight coming up and you want to bring a plant with you, this guide will tell you all you need to know about bringing a plant on an airplane!
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Can You Take Plants on a Plane in Your Checked Baggage?
You’re allowed to transport unloaded firearms in your checked luggage so you can definitely pack plants in a checked bag. But this might not be the wisest idea, considering how most checked baggage gets treated.
Baggage handlers are notorious for treating checked luggage like piles of trash. It gets thrown around a lot, and a plant could get seriously damaged if you pack it in checked luggage. It might be fine for some smaller plants like cacti and succulents, but anything bigger likely won’t survive the trip.
Can You Take Plants on a Plane in Your Carry On Bags?
Yes, you’re allowed to bring plants on a plane in carry-on luggage. The only restriction is that the soil mustn’t be too damp because of the TSA restrictions on liquids in carry-ons. It’s actually recommended to transport plants in your carry-on luggage since they’re more likely to survive the flight.
It’s important to note that you can’t bring a plant in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item because plants count as personal items. They need to be packed in one of the two bags and depending on whether you want to store it under the seat or in an overhead bin, an airline might decide against allowing you to transport the plant on the airplane.
Packing plants in personal items that will fit under airplane seats are generally the best and safest thing to do.
Taking Plants on Domestic Flights
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows plants in both carry-on and checked luggage for flights within the United States. However, you should keep in mind that the TSA officers at the airport have the final say on what’s allowed on the plane, so there’s still a possibility they might confiscate your plant before you board.
The main rule to follow when taking plants on domestic flights in the US is the 3-1-1 rule. There can’t be too much liquid in the plant, otherwise, it will definitely get taken away from you. Also, you need to declare that you’re transporting plants in your luggage – even if the security decides you can’t bring the plant on the plane, you shouldn’t get in trouble for trying to fly with it.
Bringing Plants on International Flights
Traveling internationally with plants is much trickier and it’s generally not the best idea. It depends on the specific laws of the country you’re going to, but you’re usually not allowed to bring a potted plant with soil into foreign countries. This is because of the various pests that can be found in the soil, which can be harmful to new ecosystems.
When it comes to bringing plants from foreign countries into the United States, you’re allowed to have up to 12 bare-rooted plants. Plants in soil are forbidden, and you need to declare that you have plants in your luggage. Don’t bother lying – the dogs are trained to find plants and will rat you out if you try to hide something.
Travelers who want to bring more than 13 plants will need to either get an import permit from APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) or ship them to a USDA Plant Inspection Station.
When it comes to flying with plants in other countries, it depends on the laws of the specific country you’re traveling to. If you’re trying to import a plant in the European Union from a non-EU country, you will need a phytosanitary certificate that states the plant is entirely free from any pests.
How To Pack Plants for Domestic Flights
When packing a plant for a domestic flight, you want to keep the soil, water, and plant matter contained inside the pot. You’ll need to water the plant a day or two before the flight so that the soil isn’t too wet by the time you’re boarding the plane. You won’t be allowed to bring a soaking wet plant on an airplane, so keep that in mind.
The way you pack the plant depends on what kind of plant it is. For potted plants, it’s best to place a damp paper towel on the soil and pack the plant in a newspaper or a paper bag. Then you should pack it in a plastic bag or a garbage bag, to contain the plant entirely. Place it upright in your backpack or bag and make sure that it doesn’t get squished in your personal item.
Packing bare-rooted plants is similar, but you should take extra care not to crush them in your luggage. Clean the roots, place a damp paper towel around them, and wrap them in a plastic bag. Then wrap the entire plant in paper and plastic, and it won’t hurt to place it in a solid container before you put it in your luggage.
How To Pack Plants for International Flights
You’re not allowed to bring any potted plants on international flights, so you will need to take some extra care when packing the bare-rooted plant if you want it to survive the flight. First, you must remove the plant from the pot and clean all the soil from the roots. The soil is the main reason why potted plants are not allowed on international flights – it can carry all kinds of pests that could be harmful to the ecosystem, so there’s a total ban on plants in soil.
It’s best to rinse the roots and wrap them in a plastic bag while they’re still moist – that way the plant won’t dry out entirely during transport. You need to wrap the rest of the plant as well and it’s best to wrap it in paper first, and then put the entire thing in a plastic bag. Pack the wrapped plant in your personal item or carry-on gently, and make sure that it doesn’t get crushed during transport.
Are Flowers Allowed On A Plane?
The TSA allows fresh flowers on planes as long as they don’t contain any water. They’re allowed in both carry-on and checked bags, but it makes zero sense to pack flowers in a checked bag. They’re very delicate and they’re unlikely to survive the trip – you’re better off just throwing them in the bin at the airport than trying to transport them in a checked suitcase.
You could bring flowers in a carry-on bag or a personal item but only do this if you’re flying for a short period of time. Flowers are extremely sensitive and they won’t survive long in a bag. If you try to take flowers on a longer flight, you’ll arrive at your destination with a bag full of potpourri.
Are Sharp Succulents Allowed on a Plane?
The TSA allows sharp succulents on domestic flights as long as they’re packed properly, but it ultimately depends on the rules of your airline. If you’re not entirely sure what your airline allows, it’s best to contact them before your flight and ask.
They’re actually easier to transport than most other plants because they’re so small. You still need to declare them and package them in a way that will protect both the plant and anyone who might go through your luggage.
Potted plants are forbidden on international flights, and that rule applies to succulents as well.
Are Seeds and Dried Plants Allowed on a Plane?
TSA doesn’t really have any rules about seeds. You can transport them in both checked and carry-on luggage, as long as they’re packed properly. Dried plants are also allowed in checked and carry-on bags, but they must be packed in ziplock bags.
Also, you need to declare that you’re transporting agricultural products and the security agents have the final word on whether or not you’ll be able to board the plane with them.
Conclusion
To sum up, you are allowed to travel with plants on both domestic and international flights, but it’s a hassle. Potted plants are allowed only on domestic flights and if you want to bring a plant on an international flight, there mustn’t be any soil.
Also, if you’re carrying plants into the United States from a foreign country, you need to declare them at costumes. You won’t get in any trouble even if the plants are ultimately taken away from you, but you might get into trouble if you lie about transporting plants in your luggage.
It’s best to transport smaller plants in your personal item or carry-on, and it’s important to package it properly so that the plant can survive the flights. Flowers, sharp succulents, seeds, and even dried-out plants are all allowed on domestic flights in the US, but not on international flights.
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About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
