Can You Take a Plant on a Plane: A Step-by-step Guide

Traveling with plants can be tricky, and you might be wondering, “Can you take a plant on a plane”? Yes, many people often prefer to carry plants on planes to their homes or the destinations they plan to visit. But, due to a lack of proper information, they tend to limit themselves.

Does a question strike your mind can you bring plants on a plane internationally? Let’s discuss and try to understand the rules and regulations you need to know for international journeys before taking a plant with you. This blog will give you comprehensive details on whether you can travel with your favorite plant or not.

Bringing Plants on International Flights

While searching for Can you take a plant on a plane, didn’t you get fruitful outcomes? Fret not. Flying with a plant is slightly easier on domestic flights than on international flights, where you have to abide by the destination country’s regulations.

Thus, there are some elements to consider before carrying them on international planes. By reading the following points, get the right answer to Can you fly with a plant.

Type of plant carrying

It depends on the plant a passenger wishes to take. For instance, if the plant is delicate, it is difficult to carry it with you. You need to take extra care throughout the journey. So, always consider less delicate and long-standing plants.

Size restrictions

Try to bring a plant that can fit in the overhead bin, beneath the seat, or in front of you with ease. Various airlines do not allow plants that do not fit under the seat or plants that are large in size.

Airline considerations

If you’ve planned to travel with a plant, research well about the policies of various airlines. Some airlines do allow plants and some do not. So, before selecting your airline, do your research carefully.

Security checks

Be ready with your plant at the security checkpoint and remove the packaging that you’ve used. Both checked and carry-on baggage are inspected at the airport security checkpoint.

Can you take a plant on a plane: Guidelines to Consider

It is a good decision to respect international regulations. You can read all the international regulations and policies online. The majority of airlines design their policies on the region’s national agriculture department. For instance, the majority of US airlines will base their policies on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines.

You must read the guidelines or articles online to enrich your knowledge of your concern. If you have no idea whether Can you take a plant on a plane, the guidelines can be useful for you.

Understanding International Regulations

Are you still baffled about Can you fly with a plant? Understand the international regulations first. Whenever you plan to take plants to a country like the USA, you need to provide them with a special document called a phytosanitary certificate for verification.

The certificate proves that the concerned plant is free from all the related pests and diseases.

The USA always has strict guidelines related to the safety of both the surroundings and passengers. Because of this, getting a phytosanitary certificate is essential if you wish to transport your plants without any problems.

Issuing Phytosanitary Certifications

Phytosanitary certificates are just like your travel passport. The only difference here is that it is the “health passport” for your plants. It gives a travel permit to your plant on an international plane.

The ultimate purpose of issuing phytosanitary certificates is to keep the local flora safe and secure from outside bacteria, pests, and even diseases. So that, in the future, it doesn’t create any problem for any local plant species by introducing them into a new environment.

Be Prepared for Customs Checks

If you are unsure about Can you fly with a plant, you should be familiar with the customs checking procedure. Custom inspectors will check all the required documents and certificates to determine whether your plant is fit and fine for getting a permit or not.

The authority needs to validate your documents and phytosanitary certificates. Always take time to consider your plant’s health standards.

In the unlikely event that your plant does not appear to meet globally established health criteria, it will likely require more testing and care, which can take time. Always try to avoid them by ensuring you have a healthy plant that is pest- and disease-free.

Conclusion

In short, traveling with a plant requires special care, whether you’re on a domestic flight or an international flight. It is relatively easier to carry plants on domestic flights, as you don’t have to carry plant verification certificates.

While on international flights, it sometimes becomes complex to fly with the plant due to the strict agriculture laws and airline policies of different countries. For anyone who is curious to know Can you bring plants on a plane internationally, interacting with their airlines is undoubtedly an excellent decision.

To know more about bringing plants in flights to India from USA or any other route, get in touch with flightstoindia.