My friend is going back to Seattle and I was thinking of asking her to take several baby fig trees along with her to give them to my friend there...
Does anybody know if she will have hard tome at Customs?
I don't want her to be in trouble.

I have moved plants from several states back to Colorado in my checked luggage so far with no issues. I do not know if TSA looks for anything on behalf of the DOA, or if they even look at the final destination of the luggage they inspect.  I don't know of CBP being involved with the interstate travel of US citizens within the US outside of automobile travel near Mexico. 

I think your friend will be ok, worst case may be to surrender the plants. Yet again I just can't see that happening. ...

To surrender Genovese Nero, Vasilika Syka and Fico Preto and few other that I can't even spell the names without rooking it up in my book (rooted) would give me a heart attack, right there and then!! LOL

I would ship them. I find this is much safer for the plants, people sometimes forget and do weird things. The USPS might do a better job (not that they never screw up! ) if you pack them right.

Very understandable. 

I've not tried to take anything into Washington, but in my travels it seems they are looking at international not so much domestic.  TSA I'm sure only looks once at the airport of departure and only look hard at things of interest. 

Personally, I would do it and only worry about the condition they arrived in after being tossed around by baggage handlers and turbulence.

Hopefully someone has first hand experience and can enlighten us.  It's it a risque or not. 

I should call the Seattle Airport Information office.

I'm thinking they will tell you to call the DOA. Which is not a bad idea since they write and inforce the laws. 

http://agr.wa.gov/

 

hm, would be good to have the copy of "allowed States" in hand as one walks through the Gates.

They have to fly first class.

Yes , of course. Diapers included.

Plants• I'm moving to Washington state and am wondering if I can bring my house plants with me?Usually there are no restrictions on houseplants that have been kept indoors or inside a greenhouse and potted with an artificial mix, not garden soil. There may be additional requirements depending on where you are coming from. More information is available on our Nursery Inspection frequently asked questions webpage or call WSDA agency headquarters in Olympia at (360)902-1874.

http://agr.wa.gov/PlantsInsects/NurseryInspection/FAQ/NurseryFAQ.aspx

The summaries here are good and easier to find the specific limitations that come into play.  http://nationalplantboard.org/laws-and-regulations/

From a practical standpoint, I doubt there would be any problem as I doubt there are agricultural inspectors working at the airport in Seattle covering domestic flights.  Customs is an issue pertaining only to taxation issues of international imports.  USDA/APHIS gets involved only with international imports and enforcement of domestic quarantines.

I'm thinking of berrying several newly rooted babies into a tin can filled with Perlite and seal it with tape, In a way that nothing moves in the box. And place it in the suitcase, rather than carryon bags. Because carryons are, sometimes, inspected after X-RAY passing.
What you guys think?

Hi,
I would give them two by two.
If you pack 10, customs will find that strange, and nevertheless find them quicker .

I always put plant material in my checked luggage Aaron, it still gets X-Rayed however.  From what I've seen on the DOA website and what Harvey said, I can't image you will have any problems.