Are you allowed to fly with plants? That is one of the most common questions travelers ask.
Yes, passengers are allowed to bring plants on an airplane, according to the policy stipulated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the U.S. The TSA controls all airline operations and allows passengers to bring fresh plants both in checked and carry-on bags.
Keep in mind that the type of plant you have: whether it is a potted plant or fresh-cut flowers will also determine how easy or difficult flying with it will be.
While bringing fresh-cut flowers on a flight is relatively simple, bringing potted plants is a little trickier.
If you are traveling internationally, you must check country rules on plants before you board.
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.
If the TSA sees these, they will confiscate the whole bouquet. Liquids are also prohibited, so you should make sure the plant contains no water. It should be packed in a sealed container.
Although you should check airline regulations before bringing plants onboard, you can bring a few. The TSA regulates U.S. airspace, but some international airlines may have stricter rules on bringing plants and seeds.
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.
You can’t take a plant with you without a phytosanitary certificate.
As long as you can get a window seat, you can bring a plant with you. The plant should be positioned between your leg and the fuselage.
You can also check airline rules about the size of your plant. If it fits in the overhead bin, you might be allowed to bring it as a carry-on. In some cases, it may qualify for the free third item. It is important to note that the TSA rules do not apply to all types of plants.
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.
Some of them may require special permits, but this is not always necessary.
It’s recommended to bring only those that are safe and don’t contain toxic chemicals.
If you’re traveling abroad, you can also bring a small container of water and your plant.
When you arrive at your destination, you’ll need to re-pot your plant and re-pot it.
As far as the size of plants on a plane is concerned, you should know that it is not prohibited. It’s up to you to find out what types of plants are allowed.
You should also check the rules of your destination country and airline. If the plant is not allowed, the TSA will confiscate it. However, if it is allowed on the plane, it’s perfectly fine.
When traveling with a plant, it’s best to keep in mind that it is not permitted in the carry-on bag.
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.
For most plants, ceramic pots are not the best choice. They are more likely to crack during transportation, and they are more difficult to repot once you’ve removed them. In such cases, it is best to keep them “bare root,” which is also legal in some situations.
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.
If the flight is only a few hours, it’s a good idea to remove the roots completely before packing them.
Be sure that the soil is dry before leaving. In a long flight, you might need to transport the plant bare-rooted. For this, you need to remember to water it a few days before flying to prevent root rot.
Flying With Bare-root Plants
Be aware of the rules regarding the transport of plants.
In the United States, you can bring bare-root plants. This is because customs cannot predict the potential existence of soil pests, and it can be disastrous to the environment if you transport plants.
If you can, cut the plant and place it in a plastic bag, so you can minimize the risk of damage to it. Aside from the size, the material of the container can help keep the plant safe.
You should also make sure that you have enough soil on your plant to prevent a lot of damage to the plant. However, if you don’t want to take a chance on this, make sure you follow the rules of the airline.
Conclusion
All in all, if you’re going to take your plant on a flight, it’s important to remember that liquids aren’t allowed on airplanes.
You can’t take a plant with you without a phytosanitary certificate. You can bring plants on board the plane if they’re not too moist.
If you’re taking a plant with you, be sure to carefully wrap it in newspaper or plastic wrap.
