Reprinted with permission from Top Tree Herbs
Breaking up your daily routine to travel can be a welcome change, but it can also pose some challenges. If you regularly consume kratom, you might be worried about how you'll maintain your kratom routine on your next vacation or business trip. Restrictions on flying with kratom can be confusing, but with the right preparation, you can do it easily. Can you fly with kratom? Most of the time, the answer is yes, but there are exceptions. It really depends on where you're headed and what kind of kratom you're packing. Let's dive into the rules, tips, and tricks to keep your trip as smooth as possible. Keep in mind, none of the information in this article should be taken as legal advice. Local, state, federal, and international laws are subject to change. Make sure you double-check the legality of kratom in your layover locations and your final destination before you travel.
US and International Restrictions on Flying with Kratom
As long as you're flying to and from locations where kratom is legal, you can legally pack it in either your carry-on or checked bag. Kratom is legal federally in the U.S. but banned in a few states, towns, and counties. Here are most of the U.S. locations that you cannot legally fly to with kratom:
- States: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Wisconsin
- Counties: Sarasota County, Florida; San Diego County, California; Ascension Parish, Louisiana; Rapides Parish, Louisiana; Concordia Parish, Louisiana; Alcorn, Calhoun, Itawamba, Lowndes, Monroe, Noxubee, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, and Union, Mississippi
- Towns: Franklin, New Hampshire; Monument, Colorado; Parker, Colorado; Jerseyville, Illinois; Corinth, Derma, Fulton, Guntown, Iuka, Mantachie, Marietta, New Albany, Okolona, Oxford, Pontotoc, Ripley, Saltillo, Senatobia, Tishomingo, and Vardaman, Mississippi
If your flight includes layovers, make sure kratom is also legal in those locations. If you're on a direct flight, you can fly over areas where kratom is restricted without issue. The legal status of kratom can vary internationally as well. Kratom is legal in popular destinations like Mexico or the Netherlands, but criminalized in countries such as France or Switzerland. Other countries, like Malaysia, allow residents to grow kratom trees, but ban the sale and possession of kratom. If you're worried about flying with kratom or you'll be passing through a location where kratom is illegal, you have a few alternative options. You could potentially buy kratom in your destination once you land. Depending on where you're staying, you might even be able to ship your usual kratom products to your destination before you start traveling. Just make sure to do your research beforehand. Accessing kratom can be difficult in some locations, and finding high-quality, lab-tested kratom is even more challenging.
What Forms of Kratom Can You Fly With?
The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) deals with millions of travelers every day. They have strict rules about what you can and cannot bring on a plane. Though kratom products are allowed on planes to and from states where kratom is legal, TSA agents may be unfamiliar with it. Taking a proactive approach when packing your carry-on bags can help prevent delays if TSA has to check your kratom products. To get through airport security without a hitch, here are a few pointers:
- Give yourself plenty of extra time for security checks.
- Keep your kratom accessible and don't try to hide it.
- Stick to original packaging when possible.
- Be familiar with the TSA regulations and local laws about kratom.
- Don't hesitate to chat with TSA officers if you have questions for them or if they have questions about your kratom.
Traveling with Kratom in Your Carry-On
There are restrictions on the types and amounts of kratom products you can pack in a carry-on bag. These restrictions aren't unique for kratom; they're the same regulations that apply to other natural products, foods, and personal items you might fly with. Here are the restrictions on the various types of kratom products you can bring on a plane:
- Kratom powder or capsules: You can pack up to 12oz of powder in your carry-on bag.
- Kratom tea: Kratom tea bags and loose leaf tea are allowed in your carry-on (as long as they're not steeping yet).
- Liquid kratom products: You can bring various types of kratom liquids (including extract shots, tinctures, and tonics) through security as long as the bottles are no larger than 3.4 oz.
If you typically drink steeped crushed-leaf kratom tea or mix kratom powder with water or juice, you can still do this at the airport. You just have to wait until you've passed through security. Many airport restaurants or inflight services offer hot water and other drinks that you can use to make tea or a slurry. Thankfully, you don't have to completely upend your routine on travel days. On that note, don't forget to stay hydrated when you fly. Many people avoid drinking lots of water when flying—moving around or using the restroom on an airplane isn't exactly the easiest thing to do—but staying hydrated is important when consuming kratom.
Traveling with Kratom in Your Checked Bag
If you want to fly with a larger amount of kratom products, or you don't have room in your carry-on, you can pack kratom in your checked bag. Just don't forget to protect your kratom (and the other items in your luggage) from potential spills. A change in pressure could cause flimsier bags or bottles to burst inside your checked luggage. To prevent a huge mess, pack your kratom products inside a larger outer bag that's tightly sealed. That way, if any pouch of kratom powder or bottle of liquid kratom bursts open during your flight, it won't spill on all of your other items.
Final Tips and Notes About Traveling with Kratom
Long flight ahead? If you want to consume a serving or two of kratom during your flight, don't forget to pack some in your personal item (the bag that goes under the seat in front of you). You might not be able to access any bags you place in the overhead bins during your flight. Don't forget to check the legality of kratom in the places you are flying to before you head to the airport. This is especially true for international travel, where airport security laws may differ from the TSA regulations. With a bit of forethought and knowledge, flying with kratom doesn't have to be a hassle. Whether you're planning to brew some kratom tea mid-flight or just want to have your favorite product ready when you land, keeping these tips in mind will help make your adventure a lot smoother. Safe travels!
