Plants
Plants are allowed by TSA with no security restriction, but destination customs and agricultural rules may apply separately.
Carry-on
Allowed
Checked
Allowed
Carry-on details
Allowed. A live plant has no TSA security restriction — it's screened like any other item, generally with a visual inspection since soil and plant material don't X-ray cleanly.
Checked-bag details
Allowed. No TSA restriction in checked baggage either, though plants generally travel better in the cabin.
Special instructions
This is a TSA security answer only. Many US states and virtually all countries have separate agricultural rules on importing live plants, soil, and seeds — check destination customs rules if you're crossing a state or international border.
FAQ
- Can I bring a houseplant on a domestic flight?
- TSA has no restriction, though some individual states (like Hawaii or California) have their own agricultural rules on bringing in live plants — check before you fly to those destinations.
Related items
Sources: TSA — What Can I Bring?, U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Travel · Last verified: 2026-08-02
Final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.