travelling with a phalaenopsis flask - Orchid Board

Zildjian · #1 09-01-2010, 09:25 AM

hello to those who tried bringing home a flask from travel. is there any restrictions on hand carrying a flask on international flights? does a permit or certification of some sort required.

Brotherly Monkey · #2 09-01-2010, 12:51 PM

I believe all the restrictions apply no matter if carried across, or handled via a corrier. So no matter what, you would need your phytosanitary certificate, and possibly adhere to various other regulations, as well

But you should be able to find more specific information here:

USDA - APHIS

Ben Belton · #3 09-01-2010, 10:36 PM

I don't know about there, but here if you are traveling with more than 3 or 4 ounces of a liquid or gel, they will throw it in the trash. The media in a flask would qualify as a gel. I buried a flask in my bag one time and it went right through security though. I just don't think orchids would grow in explosives anyway. :-)

stefpix · #4 09-01-2010, 10:41 PM

A bottle of after sun moisturizing lotion went thru security...
how much gel in a flask?
you could always put it in a baggage. But I wonder if temperatures in the baggage compartment may get too low

UKCat · #5 09-02-2010, 04:34 AM

If the flask has been bought at a goo nursery they will provide a phytosanitary certificate disclaimer saying that the contents are sterile.
I have had plants brought through from the US and from Singapor in this fashion with not problems, and they were checked by Customs
But do check with your countrys import rules and restrictions

Zildjian · #6 09-02-2010, 07:43 AM

thanks to all your replies they are greatly appreciated. looks like i might get a flask of phals from the USA. there isn't much available here in our country which is an irony since most phals seems to be native from here or its just me not knowing were to get a flask from here.

stefpix · #7 09-02-2010, 11:32 AM

I think the USA might be stricter than other countries about this stuff and I get the impression that customs agents are less flexible than elsewhere.
A friend's friend bought a flask with brassavola at the duty free in Costa Rica and did not have to declare it. Well was from the Duty Free shop after all