Orchid Flasks and Airport Security (US domestic)?

[francisduvinage]

Hello all, first-time poster here, with a time-sensitive question about taking flasks (2) in a carry-on bag on a USA domestic flight. We're talking about ~15 ounce sealed plastic/glass flasks with seedlings and of course agar. If anyone can share recent experiences about whether these go through TSA security or not, I'll be grateful. I want to deflask in advance if necessary! Thank you!

[francisduvinage]

Hello all, first-time poster here, with a time-sensitive question about taking flasks (2) in a carry-on bag on a USA domestic flight. We're talking about ~15 ounce sealed plastic/glass flasks with seedlings and of course agar. If anyone can share recent experiences about whether these go through TSA security or not, I'll be grateful. I want to deflask in advance if necessary! Thank you!

[Ray]

I would suggest keeping them in a carry-on that can be easily opened for inspection. As there are no liquids more than 3 ounces per unit, it should be no issue.

In fact, I suspect anyone asking about them will be fascinated....

[francisduvinage]

For those who may be in suspense, flasks passed through airport TSA security with no problems at all!

[estación seca]

Can you put them in checked luggage? A flask over 3 ounces volume with gel is outside the permitted volume.

Edit: You said in a separate thread they went through security with no problem. What is the size of the flasks?

[Dimples]

It would be easier, and likely safer, to check your bag. Get a bunch of disposable hand warmers and stuff them around your flasks if they’re a warm-hot grower. The baggage area gets cold.

[francisduvinage]

Thanks for these responses! As it happened, I checked with the TSA counter at the airport before entering the security screening area, and was assured my two flasks would be fine to carry onboard (I never check bags!). That was indeed the case, they went through the screening with no trouble at all, not even noticed. I hope that info is of use to others....

[My Green Pets]

that is good to know. my little po-dunk hometown airport stopped me every single time if i had a candle with me. they'd certainly have lost their minds over a flask.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by My Green Pets

that is good to know. my little po-dunk hometown airport stopped me every single time if i had a candle with me. they'd certainly have lost their minds over a flask.

Also a consideration.

At one point in my career, I averaged 13 flights a week for a 3-1/2 year period, traveling all around the US and smatterings of Canada. The little airports were routinely “more curious” - and that was well before today’s level of security.

[estación seca]

In 1978 I returned to Miami from the Caribbean. I was so tired packing I put a machete in my carry-on cylindric canvas duffel bag, wrapped in a towel. It was slightly longer than the bag so it tented both ends. The bag was searched in front of me in Miami. The agent did not notice the machete.