Last Updated on October 30, 2021
Sometimes you end up unexpectedly with a bouquet of flowers after an event like a wedding. It’s a pity to let flowers go to waste.
So can you bring flowers on an airplane? Are there any rules against it?
Or maybe you would like to take flowers with you when you travel so you will have a gift with you upon arrival.
Let’s take a look at flying with flowers.
TSA Flowers Rules
Here’s what the Transportation Security Administration has to say about flowers.
You are allowed to bring fresh flowers in either carry-on bags or checked bags. However, your flowers cannot be in water when going through the security checkpoint because of the liquids rule.
It’s a good idea to wrap the cut stems in a damp paper towel and then wrap them in foil or plastic to keep them from drying out.
This passenger asked if there was a limit to the amount of flowers permitted on planes.
The TSA rightly points out that you need to comply with your airline’s carry-on policy so let’s see if the airlines in the United States mention anything about flying with flowers.
Airlines & Flying With Flowers In Hand Luggage On Domestic Flights
Many airlines allow passengers to bring two bags, the personal item, and the carry-on suitcase.
You might need to use your personal item allowance for your bouquet of cut flowers. This would involve putting any purse or laptop bag inside your main carry-on.
Don’t assume that you’ll be able to bring a purse, carry-on bag, AND flowers.
Your flowers will probably need to fly as your personal item.
Alaska Airlines
Jessica spotted the flight attendant on her Alaska flight putting some roses in water for the trip. Once you’ve got your flowers past airport security you could try asking the flight attendant if they can put your flowers in water.
Delta Airlines
Travel asked Delta if he could bring some flowers on board.
Delta replied that flowers are allowed on their flights but didn’t give any packing advice.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier only permits you to bring one personal item unless you pay the fee to bring a carry-on.
If you are bringing flowers on a Frontier flight you may need to purchase the carry-on allowance.
Frontier can be strict about their hand baggage policies so your flowers will count as a personal item.
JetBlue Airlines
Danielle asked JetBlue about bringing flowers on the plane.
They pointed out that the flowers would count as either a personal item or carry-on.
Also, they indicated that it’s really down to the crew managing the flight whether or not the flowers will be able to be brought on the flight.
Southwest Airlines
The Southwest crew took care of Matt’s flowers making sure they arrive safely.
United Airlines
United assisted Jennifer when you flew with an orchid.
Flying With Flowers Internationally
Since there are concerns about pests it might not be a good idea to bring flowers on an international flight.
They would probably need to be inspected at the destination country by the agricultural authority and there is a risk they may be discarded.
If you want to give flowers as a gift after an international flight it’s usually best to buy them locally.
Still Unsure? Ask The TSA
Eric asked the TSA about bringing fake flower arrangements for a wedding on his flight.
The TSA replied that flower arrangements are allowed in carry-on or checked bags.
Erin asked the TSA about bringing potted flowers since she wanted to fly with an orchid.
The TSA answered that they don’t have a problem with passengers bringing flowers through airport security but that you need to check with your airline about their baggage policies.
This traveler asked about bringing artificial flowers.
You are allowed to bring artificial flowers on a plane. You just need to worry about your airline’s hand luggage policies.
The Verdict
You can bring flowers on a plane but you can’t bring them through the security checkpoint while in water. It is the water that is restricted not the flowers.
After you have passed through the security checkpoint you could put the flowers in some water again. You can pack a 3.4 container of water in your quart-size liquids bag or you could buy some water after security.
If you ask nicely the cabin crew might put your flowers in water for the duration of your flight.
You may need to store your flowers under the seat on the plane. It might not be practical to have your flowers in water during the flight.