Traveling with Bees, TSA screening and bees

[Daveg59]

We have a trip to Florida planned. I'll be returning the beginning of May. I'd like to bring a few mated queens back on the plane. I'm wondering if there is any special preparation needed to get through TSA? Who has flown with queens? Any suggestions for success?

[guitarstitch]

This sounds extremely risky, and possibly illegal.  Most agriculture from other states must be inspected before it can cross state lines.  I also have to question whether the queens would be able to survive like that.

[iddee]

I think it would be safer shipping them by USPS, as the breeders do daily.

[Michael Bush]

I studied all the regs and can not find any regulation against taking queens.  I have taken them in my carry on.  No one can guarantee what a given TSA agent might get wound up about though...

[FloridaGardener]

Yep just open the queen clips and drop them on top of the collection bin if TSA objects...

(general pandemonium...)

[Beeboy01]

Try calling them your emotional support animal. ;)

[JojoBeeBoy]

Try calling them your emotional support animal. ;)

That's about what mine are. At least a fun distraction. :)

[Daveg59]

Spoke to TSA. There are no restrictions concerning traveling with bees. I suppose that should make me happy, I think there should be a few rules. It kinda leaves the gate wide open, when someone does something really stupid then it will be just outlawed.

[JurassicApiary]

Spoke to TSA. There are no restrictions concerning traveling with bees. I suppose that should make me happy, I think there should be a few rules. It kinda leaves the gate wide open, when someone does something really stupid then it will be just outlawed.

I suggest you get it in writing from TSA and have the memo on you if you travel with them.  As someone who used to pass through TSA regularly (almost daily basis) for work, I've seen people travel with obscure things that are not clearly outlined by TSA policy (or not well known by the ground-level workers and even supervisors even if they are since they are rarely encountered.)  Usually they don't have the time to sort it out with upper offices so the Supervisor on duty makes a discretionary decision--which may be the opposite of what you have been told, in what they believe is in the best interest of passenger safety (think like a regular person, not a beekeeper).  If you have it in writing and keep a copy on your person when traveling, being able to provide it to them if they are uncertain may save yourself a headache and some queens.  My 2 cents...actual value may vary.  ;)

[Kathyp]

We have a trip to Florida planned

If you have it in writing and keep a copy on your person when traveling, being able to provide it to them if they are uncertain may save yourself a headache and some queens.  My 2 cents...actual value may vary.  ;)

TSA can be twitchy.  If you do a search back on here you'll find posts about TSA confiscating jars of honey out of checked baggage because they didn't know what it was. I took to writing "Dear TSA, this is raw honey with comb in it...etc." and leaving my cell number and a disposable spoon for them 
They never called or tasted the honey and I hope the notes made them smile.   

Overnight shipping might be cheaper and safer than losing them to TSA agents.

[Bill Murray]

This is off the cuff, but if inspection cert from florida, within your states guidelines 30 days, 60 days etc. and you declare them should be no issue. I will call my inspector tomorrow and ask.