A question about plants and bulbs through airport security
Laura & Dave (Tue, 27 Feb 2007 13:40:16 PST)

Does anyone know the effects of the x-ray machines on plants at Airport
security? I'm going to the NARGS Winter Study Weekend in San Mateo, and
probably will run into something that won't let go of my leg until I
promise it a home. In years past, there was no problem; I just carried
them on and shoved them into the overhead bins. More recently I brought
bulbs back from Chicago, and they insisted they be x-rayed, despite the
easily inspectable net bags they were in. And while I admit it is
probably poor culture on my part, several of the bags full have not done
well (Galanthus elwesii and Leucojum vernum in particular), waning over
the three year span since arriving. I grow others of these species, and
they do well.

I'm not sure that plants can even be carried on anymore. I could pack
them well and put them in my luggage, but I think those are x-rayed now
too. And there is always the problem of cold and low pressure in the
baggage compartment. Another alternative is shipping them (USPS, UPS
etc.), but I don't know what they are subjected to after they leave my
hands.

Thanks, any advice would be appreciated.

Dave Brastow, Tumwater Washington USA zone 7A
(With a light dusting of SNOW?! this morning)