Need a fast reply! Do I pack a flask in hold baggage or carry on? - Page 2 - Orchid Board

Kaykay · #11 01-09-2010, 08:41 PM

Thank you all so much for your thoughts. I'll think I'll keep it on me- I guess I'm hoping that security will just think 'crazy bottle souvenir'. I have all the letters from the botanical gardens to get them out of Indonesia, which would be the main concern.
I'll show some pics when I get home.
Thanks again! You are all Great!
Kay

orchidsamore · #12 01-10-2010, 11:07 AM

Orchids require a cites certificate from the government. Letters from a botanical garden are not sufficient. However, customs may not know this and the letters may get you through.

Since they are sterile health certificates are not necessary but here the opposite is true the customs may not know this and confiscate them as well.

lambelkip · #13 01-10-2010, 01:40 PM

Orchid seedlings or mericlones in sterile flasks do not require a cites certificate. I'm not sure about the requirements for the U.K., but they may require an import permit and phytosanitary certificate.

Jerry, the U.S. requires phytosanitary certificates for orchid flasks, even if they appear to be sterile. Customs is required to confiscate and destroy it if no phytosanitary certificate is provided. Changes to this rule have been proposed, but never implemented.

nancy · #14 01-10-2010, 05:19 PM

From a practical standpoint (since I don't know for sure about the rules, CITES, etc.), I think the cabin would be better for temperature control. The luggage hold of aircraft can get sub-freezing at high altitudes. Plus, the pressurization is not consistent - that's why your shampoo, toothpaste, etc. end up exploded on your clothing.
Good luck - Nancy

stefpix · #15 01-12-2010, 01:06 AM

you have to go through security twice.
bottle with gel and terrorist paranoa i bet it wont make it through.
padded and inside a plastic bag tied close in your checked in luggage would be more likely.
also even if it is not in climate control yet it would not be freezing and clothing would insulate.

i heard they took expensive make up / nail polish from travellers.

how can you prove he agar gel is not some sort of explosive?
people that work in security are better safe than sorry and do not care too much.
especially since that misguided kid smuggled some explosive onto the plane

Kaykay · #16 01-13-2010, 03:22 AM

Thank you all again for your thoughts! I took them in my hand baggage, and all was OK. Just in case anyone else is thinking of doing this, my bag was taken aside by security, but it seemed that they saw the seedlings, and not the agar, so didn't consider them a problem at all. Now all I have to do is give them some time to acclimatise, and then I'll be deflasking my Epicattleya Chocolate Drops...

Kay
x

Becca · #17 01-13-2010, 09:57 AM

Glad it worked out for you! Congratulations! I bet you were very nervous!

camille1585 · #18 01-13-2010, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaykay

Thank you all again for your thoughts! I took them in my hand baggage, and all was OK. Just in case anyone else is thinking of doing this, my bag was taken aside by security, but it seemed that they saw the seedlings, and not the agar, so didn't consider them a problem at all. Now all I have to do is give them some time to acclimatise, and then I'll be deflasking my Epicattleya Chocolate Drops...

Kay
x

Glad it turned out ok! If you have a seedling or 2 that you don't know what to do with later on, I'll gladly buy them from you!

I love Chocolate Drops!

stefpix · #19 01-13-2010, 11:24 AM

Did they ask for any paperwork?

Kaykay · #20 01-16-2010, 08:08 AM

Here they are, 2 days out of their flask!
Picture 1 are the runts. I still have some misguided hope for some of them. In case you'd like to know, they are in a cling film covered ice cream tub on kitchen roll soaked in a nutrient solution.

Picture 2 are the big ones (and they are HUGE!) They were the reason I deflasked- they couldn't have stayed much longer in at that size!

Picture 3 is the set up- both on a towel on a broad radiator in my living room. I keep it on low and it acts as a heating pad...

Oh yes, and I was only asked for paperwork taking them out of Indonesia. The grower provided me with it, and there were no problems at all. (The grower works with the national botanical gardens so has a good reputation out there for conservation work etc)

Thanks again for all your advice! I hope my experience is useful to others!
Kay