Can You Take Fresh Flowers On A Plane?

If you’re planning to travel by plane and want to bring along some fresh flowers, you might be wondering: “Can you take fresh flowers on a plane?” 

In this article, we’ll explore the rules and regulations regarding bringing fresh flowers on a plane, as well as some helpful tips to ensure that your floral arrangements arrive at your destination in the best possible condition. 

So if you’re curious about the do’s and don’ts of traveling with fresh flowers, read on to find out more.

Can You Take Fresh Flowers On A Plane?

Yes, you can generally take fresh flowers on a plane, however, there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed. It is important to check with the airline you are flying with as there may be specific restrictions regarding the transport of fresh flowers. 

It’s also important to check the importation restrictions of the country you’re travelling to before carrying fresh flowers. 

Some countries may prohibit the importation of certain types of flowers due to concerns about pests or diseases. 

You should check with the relevant authorities to ensure that the flowers you’re carrying are allowed into the country.

If you’re transporting fresh flowers in checked baggage, it’s best to place them in a sturdy box or container and add some padding material to protect them. 

Be sure to label the box as “fragile” and mark it with “live plants” to ensure that it’s handled with care.

Can You Take Fresh Flowers On A Plane In Carry-On?

Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash 

Yes, however, flowers must not be in the water, as the maximum allowance for liquids in your carry-on is 3.4 oz bottles. Instead, consider wrapping the stems of your bouquet with a damp cloth or paper towel to keep them hydrated during the trip. 

It’s also advisable to place the flowers in a plastic tub or bag to prevent them from coming into contact with your clothes.

You may also be able to bring flowers as an additional item above the permitted carry-on baggage allowance, provided that the airline allows it. 

If this is not possible, you are still allowed to travel with your bouquet of fresh flowers in your hands so long as you can carry it away from the main cabin.

Can You Take Fresh Flowers On A Plane In Checked Luggage?

The answer is yes! Fresh flowers are allowed in checked baggage, though there are a few things that travelers should keep in mind before packing their blooms. When packing fresh flowers for travel, it is important to make sure that they are properly secured and wrapped. 

This is especially true for large bouquets as the weight of the stems and petals can cause them to become damaged in transit. 

Any loose petals or leaves should be removed before packing, and all stems should be bound tightly together with rubber bands or twine. 

Additionally, it is helpful to place the flowers in a plastic bag before packing them in your suitcase, as this will help to prevent any water from escaping during the flight.

Can You Take Fresh Flowers On A Plane On International Flight?

Yes! However, traveling with fresh flowers on international flights can be complicated due to the agricultural restrictions that many countries have in place. These regulations are put into place to protect a country’s environment and horticultural and agricultural industries that may be harmed by pests and diseases in plants.

Depending on your destination, some of these restrictions may include an outright ban on the flower, transporting it without soil, obtaining permission in advance, or declaring the flower upon arrival. 

For example, since Brexit occurred in the UK you are now required to have a Phytosanitary Certificate (PC) to import certain products of plant origin from the European Union. 

It’s essential to research and determines what specific rules apply to bringing flowers into the country you’re visiting. 

This will help ensure that your flowers are allowed and can be cleared without any issues. 

Generally, it is recommended to contact your destination’s embassy for guidance on their particular requirements for bringing in fresh flowers. 

Here is a table on different countries’ restrictions on bringing flowers on a plane.

Regulations By Different Countries On Travelling With Flowers On A Plane

Photo by Caleb Russell on Unsplash 

Here is an overview of the regulations that surround traveling with flowers in different countries.

Australia:

You are allowed to bring fresh-cut flowers into Australia on an aircraft or a cruise ship. The maximum allowable amount is 6 small (shoe box sized) boxes, florist packages, and bouquets. 

All flowers and foliage need to be declared on your incoming passenger card and will be inspected upon arrival at the Australian border. 

USA:

According to the U.S Customs and Border Protection regulations, travelers arriving in the US are allowed to bring up to two floral arrangements with them but they must declare it on their incoming passenger card during the inspection. 

France: 

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, travelers entering France are allowed to bring 15 stalks/stems with them but they will be examined by a customs officer before being released into circulation.  

Additionally, all flowers must be declared on their incoming passenger card and be free from pests or diseases that could affect plants or crops. 

How Do You Keep Flowers Fresh On A Plane?

Whether you’re transporting flowers on a plane, it is important to cut the stems at an angle before packing. This will allow the flowers to absorb more water, keeping them fresh for longer. Make sure to cut the stems at least 2 inches from the bottom.

Here are some more tips to keep them fresh during air travel.

Moistened Paper Towels

Take a few paper towels and moisten them with water. The paper towels should be damp, but not soaking wet. Lay the stems of the cut flowers on the moistened paper towels.

Wrap the Stems

Fold the paper towels around the base and sides of the stems. Cover the moistened paper towel with a double layer of plastic wrap.

This will help keep the moisture in and prevent it from evaporating during the flight.

Secure with Masking Tape

To ensure that the plastic wrap stays in place, secure it around the stems using a piece of masking tape. Make sure the tape is not too tight, as this can damage the stems.

Pack the Flowers

Place the wrapped flowers in a sturdy box or bag. Make sure the box is not too big, as this can cause the flowers to move around and get damaged during the flight. 

If you’re carrying them in your hand luggage, make sure to wrap them in protective material, such as bubble wrap, and place them in a sturdy container to avoid crushing or bruising. 

Avoid packing any sharp objects, such as thorns or stems, that could cause harm to other passengers or crew members.

Check With The Airline

Before you travel, check with the airline to make sure they allow flowers on board. Some airlines have restrictions on the type and quantity of flowers you can bring. 

You may also need to declare the flowers at the airport.

How Do You Preserve A Bouquet For Travel On A Plane?

The first step in preserving a bouquet for travel is to hang it upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area. This process is called air-drying and is a traditional method of preserving flowers. Doing this allows gravity to pull the moisture out of the stems.

This helps the flowers dry out more evenly.

Now, here is an in-depth guide to help you preserve your bouquet all along your journey; 

Keep the Bouquet Out of Direct Sunlight

It’s essential to keep the bouquet out of direct sunlight during the drying process. Direct sunlight can cause the flowers to fade and lose their vibrant color. 

Hang the bouquet in a dark room or a closet where sunlight cannot reach it.

Allow Two to Three Weeks for the Drying Process

The drying process can take up to two to three weeks, depending on the type of flowers in the bouquet. 

Be patient and resist the urge to touch or move the bouquet during this time. Moving the bouquet can disrupt the drying process and cause the flowers to lose their shape.

Spray with Unscented Hairspray for Protection

Once the bouquet is completely dry, take it down and spray it with unscented hairspray. The hairspray will help preserve the flowers and protect them during travel. Be sure to spray lightly and from a distance to avoid saturating the flowers.

Wrap the Bouquet for Travel

To protect the bouquet during travel, wrap it in tissue paper and secure it with a rubber band. Then, place it in a sturdy box or container. 

Be sure to pack the bouquet in your carry-on luggage if you’re flying to avoid any damage during baggage handling.

Preserving a bouquet for travel requires some patience and care, but it’s worth it to have your favorite flowers with you on the go. 

By following these steps, you can ensure that your bouquet stays vibrant and beautiful throughout your journey.

How Do You Transport Cut Flowers On A Plane?

Photo by Roberta Sorge on Unsplash 

To transport cut flowers, first, wrap the arrangement in plastic wrap. This keeps the flowers hydrated and keeps them from wilting too much during the flight. It is important to choose a plastic wrap that is strong and durable enough to withstand the pressure of air travel.

Securely place your floral arrangement into a sturdy container or box that is large enough to fit your bouquet. 

Make sure that the box is tightly closed and not easily opened, as this can cause damage during turbulence or when luggage handlers are loading and unloading bags from the aircraft.

When you arrive at the airport, you should place your cut flower arrangements in a separate bag from your other luggage items so that they will be less likely to be damaged. 

You can also keep them on your lap during the flight if they are small enough to fit.

Taking flowers on an international flight is a bit more tricky, as the extended time out of water can cause them to wilt significantly. 

To help with this, you should pack a few plastic bottles filled with water and place them in the box with the flowers to create a humid environment that will help keep your bouquet fresh  during its journey.

Finally, when picking up your luggage at baggage claim, check that your floral arrangement has arrived safely before leaving the airport. 

If any damage has occurred, make sure to document it and speak to customer service about potential reimbursement for any losses incurred due to the mishandling of luggage.

Can You Take Flowers In Soil On A Plane?

Yes, you can. However, you should begin by making sure that the plants are stable and secure within the checked or hand luggage. Then, you will need to ensure that the soil is dry enough so that it doesn’t spill or leak out of the packaging during transit. 

To further protect your plants from being damaged during transport, wrap them in either bubble wrap or newspaper before placing them inside plastic bags with a few extra inches of space around each pot.

In addition to following TSA guidelines, you should take into account any additional restrictions your chosen airline may have when it comes to packing plants with soil. 

Some airlines require that plants be placed inside a sealed container to limit the amount of soil that can be expelled. 

Others may also have specific size and weight limits on any hand luggage containing plants.

Finally, it is important to take into consideration any additional items you may need in order to transport your flowers safely and securely. 

These items can include plant carriers, absorbent material such as peat moss or sawdust, and tie wraps for secure transport. 

Additionally, if you are bringing live plants with you, be sure to check the TSA website for their list of prohibited plant species before packing your plants.

FAQs

Are Flowers Allowed In Cabin Luggage?

The answer is yes, but with some restrictions. Internal flights seem to be fairly simple, as long as the flowers are not stored in liquid as airlines have a limit of 100ml of fluids per container, which should be stored in a see-through bag. 

However, when it comes to international flights, there may be more restrictions.

It is important to check with the airline you are flying with as they may have their own policies regarding bringing flowers on a plane. 

Some airlines may not allow certain types of flowers or quantities, so it is always best to check ahead of time.

Another important consideration is the destination country’s customs and agricultural regulations. 

Some countries have strict rules about importing plants or flowers, so it is important to research this before bringing flowers on a plane.

Can You Bring Flowers Through Airport Security?

The answer is yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to travel with fresh, dried, and artificial flowers. However, there are rules in place for transporting these types of items in carry-on luggage or checked bags. All water should be emptied from vases before traveling. 

This is because liquids are subject to the 3-1-1 rule which restricts containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). 

If you’re bringing an entire bouquet and not just individual stems, make sure they are securely wrapped or placed in a resealable bag. 

Dried flowers, such as wreaths and bouquets of dried herbs, are usually allowed in carry-on bags unless they’re larger than 17 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 8 inches deep (45 cm x 33 cm x 20 cm). 

How Do You Pack A Bouquet Of Flowers In A Suitcase?

When packing a bouquet of flowers in a suitcase, it is important to choose the right materials so that they arrive in the same condition as when you left. Wrap the stems of the flowers in damp paper towels and plastic wrap or foil to keep them hydrated during transit. 

Place them inside a sturdy box with generous cushioning to protect them and make sure there is plenty of room around the flowers for air circulation. 

When putting your suitcase into an overhead bin, be sure to place the box with your flowers on top, as this will be less jostled and minimize any potential damage that could occur from shifting baggage below it. 

Can You Take Dried Flowers On a Plane?

Yes, dried flowers are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage on almost all airlines. However, for the best results, it is better to transport them in your carry-on luggage due to their fragile nature and the risk of damage from the pressure during flight. 

Remember to secure them properly with bubble wrap or similar material so that they don’t get damaged while traveling. 

You should also check airline policies before bringing any type of flower onto an airplane as some may have restrictions or prohibitions on certain types of plants or flowers. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is possible to take fresh flowers on a plane, but there are several important factors to consider before doing so. 

Airlines may have specific rules regarding the types and quantities of flowers that can be transported, and it is essential to check with the airline before packing them in your luggage. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the flowers are properly packaged to prevent damage or leakage during the flight.