Can You Take Plants On A Plane?

While boarding a plane can be a smooth and easy process, this doesn’t mean that certain items are allowed on board.

In fact, there are countless restrictions that must be met before you can enter the plane and find your seat. Whether that be the number of items in your carry-on or dangerous materials on your person.

Because of this, it can be hard to understand what is allowed on a plane and what is prohibited, which can make it difficult to pack your suitcase and bags.

So if you want to know if you can take plants on a plane, then you have come to the right place.

In the following article, we have compiled some important information concerning plants and airport procedures, so that you can learn more about these regulations and how they apply to your potted friends.

We have also included some recommended plant pots that are suitable for long-haul flights.

So if you want to learn more about this topic, this article has everything you need to get started…

Overview

If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to read the entire article, we have provided a condensed explanation in the section below:

In most cases, potted plants are allowed in both carry-on and checked suitcases, although they will have to meet both the size and weight restrictions set by the airline.

However, this does not mean that potted plants do not fall under scrutiny, as they cannot contain any water during the screening process because of the TSA liquid rules.

If you want to learn more about taking plants on airplanes, we have provided more detailed information in the following guide.

Can You Take Plants Through The TSA Checkpoint?

Before you can board your plane, you must first go through the TSA checkpoint, where your bags and belongings will be searched for restricted or dangerous items.

According to TSA guidelines, it is possible to bring plants in either your carry-on or checked bags, although there are some restrictions you will need to keep in mind.

For example, your plants cannot be placed in water when going through the screening process, as any amount of liquid will be seen as a violation of the liquids rule.

Because of this, it is recommended that you store your plants inside a cloth or solid pot so that they can handle any mishandling during transportation.

In some cases, the TSA even allows passengers to carry the plant in their hands when boarding a domestic flight.

Can You Put Plants In Hand Luggage?

When it comes to putting a plant in your hand luggage, we recommend reading through the airline policy and requirements first, as this will help you to determine the types of items allowed on the plane.

While airlines such as Southwest are happy for passengers to take their plants on the plane, this may not be a universal approach shared by other airlines.

So if you are ever in doubt about what plants you can take on your flight, it is important to contact the airline for information or visit their website.

Are Plants Considered Carry-On Or Personal Items?

Once you have boarded the plane, you may wonder if your plant is considered a carry-on or a personal item – something that can vary depending on the dimensions of the plant in question.

For example, if your plant exceeds the airline’s personal item size, then it will be classified as a carry-on item.

However, if the plant can be placed under the seat in front of you, then it will be considered as under-seat baggage or a personal item.

Because of this, it is recommended that you pack your plant in a way so that it can fit under the seat in front, which will make it easier to watch during the flight.

It is also important that you contain the plant in a way that does not release the soil or plant matter, as this could make a mess on the plane.

The best way to do this is by sealing the plant inside a plastic bag and then tying the top closed.

However, it is important that you let some air into the bag first, as a lack of oxygen could kill the plant during a long journey.

Can You Take Plants On International Flights?

Fortunately, some airlines will allow you to travel with plants on long-haul flights, as the policies discussed will remain the same on international journeys.

However, this does not mean that taking a plant into a foreign country is always easy, as you will need to research the country’s regulations before boarding the plane.

For example, if you are traveling to the U.K., there are restrictions placed on the kinds of plants that you are allowed to bring into the country.

The plants will also require passports and a phytosanitary certificate.

On the other hand, plants being taken into Europe will also require a certificate attesting to the plant’s health, as this assures that the plant is free from dangerous pests.

Of course, there are some countries that do not allow exotic plants to pass their borders, as the introduction of a foreign species could damage the local ecosystem.

So before you can book your flight, you must always research your destination and see what the law says about bringing plants into the country.

While some may have strict rules on the subject, others may allow you to travel with the plant for personal reasons.

How Can You Pack Your Plants?

When you have done your research, you will need to pack your plant in a way that keeps it alive and healthy during the flight.

As we previously mentioned, the best method to do this involves sealing the plant inside a plastic bag, which helps to contain the soil and water.

Before sealing the bag, you will need to make sure that the plant has air, which can be done by letting some in or by poking holes in the plastic.

Another useful method involves removing the plant from its container and cleaning the soil from around the roots.

While the plant is still wet, you can wrap it in a plastic bag and secure it with tape or elastic bands.

What Is The Best Plant Pot For Traveling?

Traveling with a plant can be a difficult task, which is why it is advisable to transfer your plant to a solid container before boarding the plane.

To help you find the best plant pot for traveling, we searched the internet for containers that are solid and durable, so that they can withstand turbulence and other obstacles.

In our search, we discovered the Mueller Austria plant pot, which is an industrial pot that drains the water to the bottom of the container.

Final Thoughts

As we have discussed, the TSA and most airlines will allow you to take plants on their planes, although they will have to meet certain requirements.

It is important that you pack your plant in a sturdy container or by using a method that keeps the plant looking healthy throughout the flight.

If you run into any trouble, you can ask the flight attendant for assistance and they will help you to look after the plant during the journey.

However, if you are traveling to a foreign country, you will need to research their regulations on foreign species entering their borders.