Can I Take Plants On A Plane?

If you are among one those people who wonder 

“Can I take plants on a plane?” 

If so, you’ve come to the correct spot, as we cover everything from whether or not you may bring plants on the flight, as well as any changes between flying domestically and internationally. 

If you’re flying overseas with your plant, it’s very important to familiarise yourself with these regulations. 

The Transportation Security Administration has stated that passengers may bring live plants onto aircraft. As long as they don’t exceed the airline’s size and weight requirements and the soil doesn’t contain too much liquid, you can pack plants safely within checked luggage or hand luggage. 

According to the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids, you cannot carry plants and saplings with wet soil or roots in a water container as carry-on luggage.

In this article, I’ll explain how to safely travel with a planet in a plane. I’ll break down the key distinctions between domestic and overseas travel. I’ll show you how to properly prepare the plant in its container for transport on planes.

OK, let’s check this out!

Can I Take Plants On A Plane?

Can I Take Plants On A Plane?

The TSA (U.S.) allows passengers to bring plants on planes. If you’re flying with the TSA, you can pack your potted plants in either your carry-on or your checked luggage. However, keep in mind that the TSA personnel on duty have the last say in determining what you can and cannot bring through screening.

Different airlines have different policies regarding carry-on items. Most of their regulations are consistent with the TSA’s, but you should still double-check with the airline before attempting to bring a plant on the plane. Your plants will need to be able to fit inside the checked luggage. If you plan on bringing them with you, use the overhead bin or the space underneath the seat you are sitting in on the airline.

Is it possible to bring live plants on an aeroplane as checked or carry-on baggage?

Carry-on dimensions are typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches, so your plant must be within those dimensions to be transported with you. If your plant is larger than that, you will need to check it as it will not fit in the overhead bins. 

To avoid any potential damage, it is recommended that you place your plant inside a hard-sided piece of checked luggage. The typical length limit for checked bags is 32 inches, so even relatively large plants should fit.

The x-ray machine will be used to inspect plants before they are allowed through the checkpoint. There is no way around putting your plant through the x-ray equipment, so it’s best to leave it at home. Physical inspections are only done on a small number of goods, like baby food and prescription drugs.

The TSA also has exclusive jurisdiction over American airspace. Consider what not only the airlines themselves but also other aviation authorities, have to say before booking an international flight. We were unable to find any information that said passengers aren’t allowed to bring plants on planes by any airline or aviation regulator. 

Customs and immigration are the only government agencies with stringent regulations regarding plant transportation, so if you’re planning on going abroad or even just across the country, you should read the following parts.

Can I take Plants on Domestic Flights?

Transporting plants within the United States is typically uncomplicated. Bringing plants on a domestic flight inside the United States is generally permitted. Nonetheless, there remain some limitations on internal travel.

Traveling with plants to states like Arizona, California, and Florida requires additional permits. The Agricultural Department may not permit bringing in certain plants into the state, but as many people have pointed out, domestic planes rarely undergo agricultural inspections, so you’re probably safe to bring them in anyhow. 

But pants are much harder to bring into or out of Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands because of stricter rules. Even though they are technically part of the United States, many of the flora and pests found there might have a detrimental effect on the environment if introduced to the continental United States. 

The same precautions should be taken with plants from these states as with those from other countries.

Transporting Live Plants Around the World:

Carrying plants unprepared on an international flight is generally not recommended. To protect the environment, passengers on international planes are only allowed to bring a small number of plant species. 

Even though you might be able to get a certain plant through customs, you still have to follow other rules:

  • Plants must be bare-rooted and pest-free, which requires them to be dug out and packed in a damp towel or newspaper.
  • You can enter the United States with 12 or fewer items of permitted plant life without a special import license.
  • Certain plant species may need permits, post-entry vaccinations, ESA or CITES paperwork, or other steps.
  • A phytosanitary certificate issued by the originating nation is required.
  • There can be no insects on plants.
  • Sick plants are not permitted and will be discarded by security personnel.

Helpful Tips for Bringing Houseplants on a Plane:

Even if you know it’s okay, the question of how to keep a plant alive and safe while traveling still stands. It’s recommended that you use a waste bag that has a few holes poked in the top as a portable plant carry-on. 

If there is any loose soil, this should keep it contained and out of the way. A plant can also be moved cleanly and safely by removing the soil and exposing the roots. Get rid of the grime at the roots first. 

Afterward, while the roots are still wet, wrap a plastic bag across them. To prevent damage to the leaves and branches, wrap them in newspaper and tape them shut. 

Most plant species can endure such conditions for several days. Once you bring it home, take it out of the packaging and put it on the ground.

When flying, is it possible to bring a plant in a pot?

To begin with, let’s address the most pressing concern, which is whether or not you’ll be permitted to bring it onto the plane. This is subject to TSA discretion on domestic flights. You’ll probably get a quizzical look. However, you can bring the plant on board the airline without any problems.

You should also consider any guidelines set forth by your airline. The TSA is often used as a basis for these. So long as you and your plant make it past airport security unscathed, you shouldn’t have any trouble bringing it on board.

Where you fly will determine what regulations apply to you. You shouldn’t get into any trouble as long as you stay within your own state’s borders. Flying between states, though, can add a layer of complexity to the process.

Your ability to bring certain plants with you may be subject to restrictions. Before leaving, you should familiarize yourself with these rules. You cannot bring any prohibited vegetation with you.

A monetary penalty may result from such action. You shouldn’t have any trouble with state officials if the plant isn’t illegal there.

Are artificial plants allowed on planes?

Plastic, foam, sateen, polyester, and paper can all be used to make artificial plants that don’t need to be watered.

This implies that you’ll have no trouble putting fake houseplants on a plane, either in your carry-on or checked bags.

Plant Packing Guide:

Plants are delicate and should not be packed in luggage.

To keep the soil in place and keep the plants from getting hurt, you need a special container to pack plants in your suitcase.

A used towel wrapped all around the top of the root system will do the trick.

Tips for Traveling with Alive Plants:

Wrap the plant’s stems in a moist towel and a plastic sheet or foil if you need to take it on an airplane.

This will quench the plant’s thirst without breaking TSA rules that say you can’t bring liquids larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) through airport security checkpoints.

If you have to store the box containing the plant in an airplane’s overhead compartment, it’s a good idea to line it with plenty of soft packing material.

Bringing flowers on a plane: yes or no?

The same restrictions apply if you wish to bring flowers on a plane.

Therefore, if your flowers are in water, you can’t bring them on the plane with you.

Conclusion:

To sum up, the answer is yes, you can take plants on a plane.

As was already said, both the TSA and most airlines let you bring live plants on board or in your checked luggage.

If you want to avoid any problems with the soil or even the plant rotting from too much water being left in it, simply make sure your plant is stuffed and fastened nicely.

If you’re taking a lengthy flight and want to pack some water, be sure you comply with the TSA’s rules on carrying liquids.

Bring If you ask them nicely, the flight attendants will be happy to help you with the plan. 3.4-liter container of water or fill up your bottle after passing through security.

If you ask them nicely, the flight attendants will be happy to help you with the plant.

When you arrive, re-pot the plant in its original container and water it thoroughly. You need to just wait a few days before seeing your plant fully recover from any damage it may have sustained during shipping.

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