Flying With Kratom: Can You Take Kratom on a Plane?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not promote or endorse traveling with kratom where it is restricted. Always check local laws and airline policies before taking kratom on a flight.

For frequent travelers who use kratom, a common concern is whether it’s allowed on a plane. Since kratom’s legal status varies by country and within different U.S. states (cities even), traveling with it can be risky if you don’t do proper research.

Planning a vacation or business trip and not sure if you’ll be able to take your kratom on a plane? This guide explores the legal considerations, airline policies, and best practices for carrying kratom on a plane.

Don’t let legal issues or unnecessary delays ruin your trip. Here’s what you need to know about flying with kratom—abroad and within the U.S.

It depends on your destination. Kratom is legal in some places but banned in others. If you’re traveling to a state or country where kratom is prohibited, carrying it with you—even unknowingly—could lead to serious legal consequences.

Before you pack kratom in your luggage, consider the following:

• Is kratom legal in your departure and arrival locations? Laws vary at federal, state, and local levels, so check multiple sources.
• Do airport security and customs have restrictions on kratom? Even if kratom is legal, some countries and states screen for plant-based substances more strictly.
• Does your airline allow kratom in carry-on or checked baggage? Some airlines have policies against transporting certain herbal products, even if they are legal.

Understanding these factors before your trip can help you avoid unnecessary complications, so be sure to do your research.

While there is no federal ban on kratom in the United States, it remains unregulated, meaning that individual states and cities have their own restrictions. Some places allow kratom without restrictions, while others ban its possession or sale entirely.

If you're flying within the U.S. to a state where kratom is legal, you can generally bring it on the plane. However, to avoid confusion with security officials, always store kratom in its original packaging with clear labeling.

Speaking of security officials…

One of the main reasons travelers hesitate to bring kratom on a plane is airport security procedures. Airports have strict screening protocols, and navigating them with an unfamiliar substance can feel overwhelming.

In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for screening passengers for prohibited or suspicious items, which means any unfamiliar substance—like kratom—may receive extra scrutiny.

So, can you take kratom through TSA?

Yes, if you’re traveling from and to locations where kratom is legal, you can bring it on a plane. The TSA does not specifically ban kratom, and it is generally permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage.

However, keep in mind that TSA officers may not be familiar with kratom. This makes proper storage even more important to avoid any confusion. 

Keep your kratom in its original, sealed packaging with clear labeling to prevent unnecessary delays or questioning. If kratom is repackaged into unmarked containers or baggies, it may raise suspicion and result in additional screening.

Many countries heavily restrict or even completely ban kratom. In some places, possession of kratom can lead to fines, confiscation, or even criminal charges.

Kratom tea bags and loose or crushed leaves are arguably the easiest forms of kratom to travel with. Since TSA specifically allows dry tea, you can bring sealed tea bags or loose-leaf kratom tea in both your carry-on and checked baggage.

You can bring kratom extracts and liquid shots in a carry-on bag only if they are under 3.4 oz (100mL), as per TSA’s liquid restrictions. Larger bottles must be packed in checked luggage.

Also, if you’ve already brewed kratom tea, you won’t be able to bring it through security in a large container. However, you can bring an empty, reusable thermos and request hot water from the flight crew to make tea during your flight.

If you're flying with kratom to a destination where it’s legal, follow these simple tips and best practices to avoid problems at the airport:

Keep Kratom in Its Original Packaging. Kratom is still relatively niche, and security officers may not recognize it. Having it in its original, labeled container reduces confusion and prevents unnecessary questioning.

Store Kratom in Your Checked Luggage. While kratom is not banned by the TSA, carrying powder in your carry-on bag might raise suspicion, leading to additional screening and delays.

Check Airline Regulations. Some airlines have strict policies on transporting herbal supplements. Before your flight, review the baggage restrictions to ensure you can fly with kratom hassle-free. 

Be Prepared to Answer Questions. Security officers may ask questions about kratom. If asked, explain that it is a natural herbal supplement. Being calm and informed will help avoid unnecessary issues.

Research Kratom Laws Before Departure. Laws change frequently. Check official government websites to ensure you have the most up-to-date legal information about your destination.

Kratom’s legal status and airline regulations vary, making it important to research before traveling. While you can safely carry kratom on domestic flights in legal states, international travel poses greater risks.

When in doubt, it’s better to leave kratom at home to avoid legal troubles, confiscation, or delays. If you do decide to travel with kratom, always follow best practices, check laws, and store it properly to ensure a smooth journey.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not encourage or promote carrying kratom where it is illegal. Always check local laws, airline policies, and customs regulations before traveling with kratom.

1. https://www.tsa.gov/
2. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/LSB/LSB11082