Can I Bring a Plant On a Plane? 2025

Bringing plants on a plane whether for domestic or international flights is not a tedious task.

You can bring plants in both carry-on and checked luggage. The key is making sure your plant fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. But remember, TSA folks have the final decision at security checkpoint.

This post will answer all your questions about traveling with plants, including TSA rules and tips on how to safely bring your potted plant on a plane.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the details traveling with plants on airplane.

Can you bring plants through the TSA checkpoint?

According to the TSA, you can bring plants through the security checkpoint and carry them on board.

However, plants cannot be in water when passing through security due to the TSA liquid rule. (You can bring water only after you’ve cleared the security checkpoint.)

Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.

It’s a good idea to wrap your plant in cloth and place it in a solid pot to help it withstand any rough handling during transportation.

Large plants or trees may not be allowed on planes due to size, even if TSA doesn’t prohibit them. Always check with your specific airline about policies for transporting large plants.

I checked the TSA social media to find more info.

Mike wanted to bring a 2.5″ x 2.5″ potted plant on a domestic flight by hand, since he had no packaging.

The TSA customer service confirmed that small plants are allowed at the checkpoint. However, he still needed to check with the airline.

Here is a response from Southwest:

Angela asked Southwest if she could travel with a live plant as carry-on or if it had to be checked.

Southwest responded that she could carry it on, but it may be subject to additional TSA screening.

Do Plants Count As a Carry-On Or A Personal Item ?

f your plant’s dimensions exceed the limits for a carry-on or personal item size, it will count as one of those.

The best option? Pack your plant in a way that fits under the seat in front of you—so you can keep an eye on it during the flight.

Make sure the soil, water, and plant material are securely contained. A simple method is placing the entire plant in a plastic garbage bag. Let in some air and tie the bag shut.

Can You Bring Plants On a Plane Internationally?

Yes, most airlines allow plants on international flights, treating them like any other piece of luggage.

However, international travel with plants requires knowledge of the destination country’s agricultural and customs regulations.

• United Kingdom: Certain plants require a phytosanitary certificate (check gov.uk for more info).
• Europe: Similar rules apply when traveling to Europe you may need a certificate showing the plant is free from pests and diseases.
• Canada: Check with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for specific import rules.

How Do You Pack Plants For A Flight?

Now as you confirmed that you can take your plane on a plane, pack it carefully to keep it safe and healthy:

• Place the plant in a plastic garbage bag without holes to prevent soil leakage.
• Poke a few small holes at the top of the bag so the plant can breathe and stay healthy.
• Alternatively, remove the plant from its pot, clean the roots, and wrap them in a moist paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag.

Best Plant Pots For Travel

Taking plants in a solid container can save you the hassle or the possibility of your plant getting damaged during the transportation and will help your plants make a successful move.

I checked Amazon for some of the best pots to help you with your plant moving, and I found that the solid Mueller Austria Plant is a good pot to choose.

What is good about these pots is they keep water in the bottom, so you don’t need to add water constantly.

Alternatives To Bringing Plants On A Plane

Don’t want the hassle of airline rules? Here are other options:

• Ship the plant ahead: Use a plant-specific courier or a service like FedEx or UPS. They offer express delivery, though it can be pricey.
• Buy a new plant at your destination: Sometimes, it’s cheaper and easier to purchase a plant locally.

It’s always a good idea to check the plant for any pests or diseases before bringing it into your home or garden.

Important

Final Thoughts On Taking Plants On a Plane.

Yes, you can bring a a plant on a plane, and with a little preparation, it’s a smooth process.

Unsure that you follow the TSA rules I mentioned above to skip any issues at the airport.

If you’re on a long flight and need water, remember that liquids aren’t allowed through security, but you can fill a bottle after you pass the security checkpoint.

You can also ask a flight attendant for help they’re usually happy to assist with things like water or an extra bag for protection.

Once you get to your destination, replant your green friend and give it a good drink.

If it looks a little tired from the journey, give it a few days to adjust. Most plants bounce back quickly with a bit of care.

I hope this helps

Happy travels

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Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.