You’ve booked your flight and started your packing list when you realized you don’t know if you can bring your kratom on the plane. The answer is slightly more complex than a simple yes or no. If you’re flying domestically to and from a location where kratom is legal, you should be good to go. Still, we have some extra tips about how to avoid a hassle at the airport
and how to keep your kratom fresh and potent.
Where Can I Fly With Kratom in the U.S.?
Whether or not kratom should be available for sale over the counter is still being debated by people across the country. Kratom regulations vary from state to state and are subject to change as several state governments are actively considering changes to their kratom regulations. For now, if you’re flying to any of these six states, it’s recommended that you avoid traveling with kratom since its possession in these states has been banned:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Rhode Island (will be legal as of January 2025)
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
What about the Transportation Security Administration?
Fortunately, the TSA doesn’t have a specific ban on traveling with kratom. Nevertheless, since kratom isn’t known to everyone, it could be flagged as suspicious either in your checked luggage or in your carry-on. Even if you’re traveling from a state where its possession is legal and landing in a state where it’s also legal, it doesn’t mean you won’t be questioned about what it is.
Kratom shots are subject to the same 3-1-1 rule as your other liquids. This means you can bring liquids in your carry-on but they must be in containers no bigger than 3.4 ounces, they must be placed in a clear plastic bag no bigger than one quart, and you can only carry-on one plastic bag of liquids regardless of size.
The good news is that even our larger, multi-serving kratom shots come in 30ml containers, letting you bring as many as 31 shots with you. Most people bring no more than a handful, leaving plenty of room for travel shampoo and other liquid toiletries.
To add another hurdle to the sometimes tricky process of traveling with kratom, the TSA’s policy on traveling with powders states that it could be subject to further inspection if it is over 12 ounces and in your carry-on bag. If you intend to travel with 12 ounces of powder or more, it’s suggested that you pack it in with your checked luggage. However, this does not guarantee it won’t be screened and rejected.
More Tips for Flying With Kratom
If you’ve determined that kratom is legal at your final destination, it’s still vital that you follow some simple rules to help you avoid any unforeseen hassles. Even if kratom is legal at your current location and your destination, that’s not to say that airport security staff know what kratom is.
To ensure that your travels with kratom are as stress-free as possible, here are some essential tips for traveling with kratom.
- Original packaging: Traveling with kratom that’s no longer in its original packaging could cause airport security some concerns as to what it is. Always keep the product in its original packaging.
- Unopened: If possible, only travel with unopened packages of kratom. Traveling with unopened kratom products leaves little doubt as to what its contents are.
- Accessibility: Don’t try to hide or disguise it. Even when it’s legal to possess, doing so will look suspicious to security. Pack it in your carry-on or luggage so it’s easily accessible. If searched, this makes it easier to retrieve without emptying your bag of its contents.
- Be prepared to answer questions: Not all airport security personnel will know what kratom is or its legality. Be prepared to answer any questions about it and its purpose. Remain calm and friendly.
- Allow for extra time: When placed in your carry-on bag, give yourself extra time to make your flight. Inadequately trained security personnel may be uncertain about handling the situation, regardless of whether it’s legal.
Flying With Kratom Internationally
Lovers of kratom who are traveling outside of the country should be extra cautious. Still, if your international destination and any layover locations allow kratom, it’s certainly possible. In fact, MIT45 is actively working on becoming the first company to put kratom in duty-free stores!
Keep in mind international kratom laws are also subject to change, so it’s a good idea to double check before your trip. As of this writing, the following countries have made the sale and possession of kratom illegal:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Belarus
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland (Prescription required)
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- Israel
- Japan
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Moldova
- Myanmar
- New Zealand (Prescription required)
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand (Recreational use is banned; medicinal use is legal)
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
As you can see, many countries don’t allow kratom, so if your destination is any of these places, do not attempt to travel with kratom. Doing so could land you in a bit of trouble.
Bon Voyage and Safe Travels
Packing your favorite kratom products when flying all comes down to where you’re going. And the key to a stress-free trip is to understand kratom’s local status, while also being aware that not everyone has this knowledge.
For more information about kratom, its benefits, and anything else you might want to know about this botanical, check out MIT45’s other blogs. And happy traveling with kratom!
For Further Reading
Staff writer. “Kratom State Legality and Legislation.” American Kratom Association. Accessed June 2023.
General Assembly Bill H7231. “Kratom Consumer Protection Act.” State of Rhode Island. Published January 2024.
Staff writer. “What is the policy on powders? Are they allowed?” Transportation Security Administration.
