Non-Bonsai Question for Bonsai Experts

17 years ago

Hello Experts,

I have a question and I thought that a bonsai enthusiast may have the answer. Because your plants are so precious, I imagine that someone out there has attempted air travel with one. It is a tradition that I bring my sister some seedlings from my garden each spring, and unfortunately, this year I will have to fly. Is it possible to take growing plants through airport security? I could easily carry them on, but I imagine that the x-ray might damage them somehow.

Has anyone travelled with a live plant and could you tell me if this is even possible. The flight is domestic of course. I've already had a packet of seeds for a French variety of pumpkin seized after my one and only international flight - and it was my prized souvenir!

I really hope to continue this special tradition with my sister. Buying seedlings at my destination just wouldn't be the same.

Thanks!

SpoonPlayer

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Comments (3)

lucy
17 years ago
You need to check with the state you are going into - you can probably Google the info. you need - because some (e.g. Calif.) have strict regs about 'importing' certain plants or trees in, as they've had problems with serious insect pests etc. Maybe your sister could call her Agric. extension office to find out. Air travel should be checked with the individual airline as to whether you can carry them on board, or if they'll need to be packed (use styrofoam) and put in the cargo (where it gets cold!).
xerophyte NYC
17 years ago
It might be easier for you to ship the plant to its destination; if it's international, then there will be permits and paperwork, but that still might be easier than being delayed at an airport inspection. Jusy my opinion.

x
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biodegradeable2
17 years ago
Dear Spoonplayer;
I hope you have not left for your trip to see your sister yet, or given up on your idea of bringing plant material during travels. I am far from an "expert" at bonsai, but I have been messing with it for about 20 years and have around 30 trees now. I offer the following info for you:

In year 2000 I moved with my family, and belongings (including bonsai) from Connecticut to Texas. This is a little bit different event than the one you descibe in your note. However, I think maybe some items will apply to both situations.

Firstly, I was told by my moving company that anytime live plant materials are shipped across state lines, the applicable state Department of Agriculture must inspect them for disease and pests. I had to arrange to have my trees inspected. Your state may be less strict I suppose. I did not have them inspected in Texas when we moved back to Connecticut in year 2001.

Our movers carefully packed my trees and shipped them with all the other household goods by truck to Texas in February of 2000. Since they were all dormant in Winter sleep mode, they made the trip fine and nothing at all was damaged. The return trip to Connecticut one year later went smoothly also - again packed and shipped by movers in a truck. No Dept. of Ag. inspection was done in Texas - the moving company was not hip to the requirement I think.

Understanding your situation is very different, I only offer my experience as food for thought. Things could get very complicated at the airport if your baggage or carry-on is scanned and un-inspected plant material is found.

You may wish to consider shipping by UPS or US Postal Service next day service. Not sure if they would require you to have your items inspected though.

Non-Bonsai Question for Bonsai Experts

Comments (3)

lucy

xerophyte NYC

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