Flowers bring beauty, joy, and a touch of nature wherever you go, but can you bring fresh on a plane? and can you take dried flowers on a plane?
Generally you can bring flowers on a plane. Fresh flowers are TSA-approved in both carry-on and checked bags, as long as they’re not in water. ensure they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
In this post, I will cover everything you need to know about taking flowers, blooms and blossoms on planes, in both carry-on and checked luggage.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- Fresh flowers are allowed in carry-on and checked luggage, but must be without water.
- Carry-on is safer for delicate flowers to prevent damage.
- Dried and artificial flowers are allowed with no restrictions.
- For international flights, check destination rules; some require a phytosanitary certificate or ban certain flowers.
- To keep flowers fresh, wrap stems in a damp cloth or towel.
- Popular flowers to travel with include roses and anemones.
- Ensure your bouquet fits airline size limits and consider fellow passengers’ allergies.
- Potted flowers are allowed if soil is dry and within size/weight limits.
- You cannot carry flowers in water due to TSA liquid rules.
- Shipping flowers via a floral delivery company is an alternative to carrying them on a plane.
Can you bring flowers through airport security?
So are flowers allowed in airports?
According to the TSA, flowers are good to go through the security checkpoint without any restrictions.
You can take flowers on planes on all U.S. domestic flights without any problem.
International flights may have different rules, so it’s better to check the regulations of your destination country and make sure they allow flowers to enter their territory.
However, if you want to take fresh flowers, you’ll need to make sure they are not in any water to comply with the TSA liquids rule.
The simple solution is to pack your flowers wisely or take them in your lap.
Can you take flowers in carry-on baggage?
You are allowed to take flowers in either carry-on or checked baggage without any problem.
But flowers should not be in any liquid because the maximum allowed liquid is 3.4 oz / 100 ml per container in your carry-on.
You can also travel with a bouquet of flowers in your hands on most airlines if they permit an additional item beyond the standard carry-on baggage.
If you want to travel with a bouquet of love inside your carry-on bag, place them in a plastic tub and separate them from your clothes.
The TSA also allows flower pots on airplanes.
Hannah asked the TSA about her beautiful pot, and the answer was that pots are allowed without any restrictions.
But make sure to review your airline’s carry-on size and weight limits first.
Take flowers in checked baggage
Flowers are fragile and can easily be bruised, broken, or damaged during transportation.
That’s why I don’t recommend transporting your flowers in checked baggage.
It is always preferable to take your valuable and fragile items inside your carry-on baggage because you can keep them in front of your sight.
Checked luggage is more prone to mishandling and damage during the handling process.
Can you take dried flowers on a plane?
Dried flowers can be carried in both carry-on or checked baggage on almost all airlines. However, as stated above, flowers are better transported in your carry-on baggage.
Can I take flowers on international flights?
Each country has different rules about traveling with flowers.
For example, if you are traveling to the UK, here is what the UK government displays on its website.
Other countries may require certificates for certain kinds of flowers, and they may apply additional restrictions.
It is preferable to visit the country’s website before heading to the airport that will help you save time and avoid hassle at airport security.
Taking flowers on a plane to Europe will also require you to present a phytosanitary (plant health) certificate, attesting that the product is free from certain specific pests.
How to pack flowers in your suitcase?
If you decide to take your flowers in checked baggage, it will be more efficient if you pack your flowers inside a small hard container like cardboard, plastic, or a wooden box that will protect them from being spoiled.
Also, your suitcase should be full enough that nothing moves when your bag is tossed around by the luggage handlers.
How to keep flowers fresh when flying?
To keep your flowers fresh while you are on your flight, wrap them in a wet towel or piece of cloth.
As long as the cloth stays wet, your flowers will keep their freshness. However, for long flights, the towel might dry out, and you will need to re-wet it whenever it gets dry.
Most delivery companies use refrigerated vehicles to keep flowers crisp and fresh.
What is the most popular type of flower people travel with?
If you are a flower admirer or want to give flowers as a gift, roses are the most popular flowers people buy and travel with.
There is no doubt that many people offer them as gifts since they are symbols of romance, friendship, and joy.
Also, anemones are popular for their bright white cut flowers with dark centers that can last a long time.
There are many other types of flowers that are popular, gorgeous, expensive, and rare.
Juliet Rose: Considered one of the most expensive roses ever developed, it took rose breeder David Austin 15 years and $4.3 million (£3 million) to create this beautiful flower. It debuted in 2006 at the Chelsea Flower Show in London.
Final thoughts: can you bring flowers on a plane?
There are no restrictions preventing you from bringing flowers on domestic flights.
Some flowers may cause inconvenience for your fellow travelers (especially if they have allergies).
If that happens, you can politely ask the flight attendant to store them somewhere until you reach your destination.
One other thing to consider is international flights. Some countries have special restrictions on taking flowers into their territories, so check the country’s official website before you start packing your flowers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bringing Flowers on a Plane
Can you bring fake or artificial flowers on a plane?
Artificial or faux flowers are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. Since they do not contain water or dirt, you don’t need to worry about the TSA rules.
Can you bring potted flowers or plants on a plane?
You can bring potted flowers on a plane if the soil is dry and the pot is within your airline’s size and weight limits. However, on international flights, soil may be banned due to agricultural restrictions, so make sure that you check your destination country’s plant import laws on their official website.
Can you bring flowers on an international flight?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Most countries request a phytosanitary certificate to guarantee your flowers are pest-free. Some destinations (like Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii) ban fresh flowers altogether to protect local ecosystems.
Do I need to declare flowers at customs when traveling abroad?
If you are importing flowers or other plant material into a foreign country, you must declare them at customs. If you don’t do so, you may end up paying a fine.
Can I carry flowers as a gift on an airplane?
You can bring a bouquet as a gift in your carry-on or hand. Again, make sure it’s not in water and will fit under your seat or in the overhead bin.
Can I fly with flowers from Hawaii or to Hawaii?
Not all flowers are permitted to come to or depart from Hawaii. The USDA and Hawaii Agricultural Department restrict some plants, seeds, and flowers moving to Hawaii to prevent the spread of pests. Check the Hawaii Agricultural Restrictions before you pack.
Can I take flowers through TSA security if they are in water?
No, water is subject to the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule, so empty the vase or the container before you go through the security checkpoint. Or you can just leave the stems wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep them fresh.
Can I ship flowers instead of carrying them with me?
Yes, sending flowers through shipping companies specializing in floral delivery is a bright idea. These companies use refrigerated packaging to keep blooms fresh and avoid airline restrictions.
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