Can you bring plants on a plane internationally? Seeds, Cuttings & Succulents

It can be quite tempting to bring back a plant, some seeds or a cutting from a plant you fall in love with while away on vacation to grow in your own garden.

But can you take plants on a plane?

We have thoroughly researched this to ensure we answer every question that may pop into your mind related to carrying plants on a plane.

The Quick Answer: Can you bring plants on a plane? TSA rules allow passengers to bring plants on a plane in either carry on bags or checked bags. Some airlines may not allow them and those that do insist that if the plant is carried separately as a personal item, and not in your carry on bag, then it either fits in an overhead bin or underneath the seat in front. Customs rules may prohibit plants on international flights.

Can you bring plants through TSA airport security?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) makes it possible for most plants to pass through the security checkpoint. They will need to be screened, either separately if you are carrying them, or in your carry on bag if small enough for that.

It should go without saying that you can only bring plants that are legal, so obviously you cannot take a cannabis plant for example.

The following is a query to the excellent #AskTSA service on Twitter from a passenger regarding carrying a plant on a plane and through airport security:

Can you carry plants on a plane?

You can take plants in your carry on luggage almost without restriction as far as airline rules are concerned.

If the plants are too large/fragile to go in your carry on bag, so must be carried separately as a personal item, then you need to check out the guidelines with the airline you are flying with to see if they have any specific requirements regarding traveling with plants or taking personal items as well as one carry on bag. 

Here are a few general restrictions that you should keep in mind:

1. The plants should be packed to make sure that there is no spilling of water or loose soil while in transit. Packing it up in a sealed plastic bag.is probably the best way of ensuring this.
2. The plants should fit easily into the overhead compartment or beneath your seat to avoid any hindrances for fellow travelers.

Can you take seeds on a plane?

You can take seeds on a plane in your carry-on or checked luggage within the US.

It is a good idea to keep seeds in their original packaging to clearly identify them where possible.

Can you take plants in your checked bags?

Plants can be packed in your checked luggage, but you should consider the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) rules (see below) if you are not traveling domestically within mainland US.

Clearly if you do pack such things as potted plants in your checked baggage then there is a very good chance that they will be damaged as checked luggage can get very roughly treated on its journey from check-in to aircraft and then aircraft to luggage carrousel. I would not recommend that.

However, checked bags would be suitable for other types of plant parts such as seeds or cuttings.

Packing plants in carry on luggage or checked luggage

Bringing live plants safely in your hand luggage or checked bag requires some extra effort to make sure they arrive in good condition.

To pack plants consider the following suggestions.

1. If possible, prune the plant to make packing easier
2. If bringing potted plants make sure they are in something which keeps all the plant matter contained within it
3. If taking bare-rooted plants then wrap the roots in moist paper and place them in a plastic bag
4. If taking cuttings then make sure they are placed in a sealed plastic bag as soon as the cuttings are taken to prevent the cutting from drying out too quickly and pack them carefully, perhaps in a shoe if they are small

Can I take a plant on a domestic flight?

There are no restrictions on taking plants on domestic flights between different states in mainland US.

Since you will not pass through a customs checkpoint when traveling on domestic flights within the mainland no checks will be made on any plants you may have with you.

Restrictions do depend on where you have traveled from. For example, there are a set of rules for traveling from Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands, another set for Hawaii and then yet more for different foreign countries.

This is a query to #AskTSA on Twitter regarding carrying a lei from Hawaii:

Can you bring plants on a plane internationally?

There are differences in the rules applying to bringing plants on domestic and international flights.

There are various Customs and agricultural policy restrictions relating to plants being carried into mainland US and also flying internationally.

Bringing plants into mainland US

There are various restrictions imposed by the US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on what plants, or types of plant material, you can bring into the mainland US.

These rules are predominately to ensure that foreign pests and diseases are not brought in that may harm US agriculture or the environment.

Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural products on their U.S. Customs forms. U.S. agricultural inspectors will examine your items to be sure they meet entry requirements and do not harbor harmful foreign pests or diseases.  U.S. inspectors have the authority to make a final determination about whether your products can enter the country.  We recommend that you keep receipts and original packaging of agricultural products as proof of their country of origin.

As long as you declare all the agricultural products you are bringing with you, you will not face any penalties – even if an inspector determines that they cannot enter the country.

USDA: International Traveler: Plants, Plant Parts, Cut Flowers, and Seeds

Can you bring seeds on a plane internationally?

Yes, you can bring seeds on an international flight, but there are restrictions and regulations.

Before traveling, you should check the regulations of the destination country. Many countries have strict agricultural and customs regulations to prevent the introduction of invasive species or diseases.

You may need a phytosanitary certificate or import permit for the seeds. Always declare the seeds at customs upon arrival. Failure to do so could result in fines or confiscation of the seeds.

Taking plants overseas from the US

Just as the US does, many other countries also have restrictions on what plants or plant parts you can take into their country with you.

You will need to check online or with an embassy for specific rules governing the importation of plants, plant cuttings, cacti, succulents or seeds.

General rules relating to flying overseas with plants

You should check the rules for the country you are traveling from or to but there are a few general rules which are:

• 12 or less plants are generally allowed that also meet the other rules
• All plants and plant material will need to be declared and inspected on arrival
• Dried plant seeds can normally be carried but tree and shrub seeds are not normally allowed from overseas
• Bare rooted plants can normally be carried (as soil is normally restricted)
• Cuttings are normally allowed (but they must have no pests on them)

Conclusion

Bringing plants on domestic flights is not a problem as far as airport security is concerned and you comply with the regulations of the airlines that you will be traveling with. Make sure that you pack plants carefully to prevent damage.

If you transport plants separately as carry on items and not in your carry on luggage, then the entire plant should be able to fit into the overhead compartment or beneath the seat in front and it may be that plants count as your personal item. You may find that some airlines have their own rules on bringing plants on a plane.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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