Skip to main content

Travelers Can Now Bring Some CBD Products on Airplanes (Sort of)

airport security bag suitcase luggage
Spyderskidoo/Getty Images

The legality of marijuana and CBD-infused products in the United States is, in technical terms, a big ol’ mess. While one could argue that the situation is getting better, it’s still very, very complicated for anyone without an advanced law degree. However, for air travelers, flying with CBD teas, tinctures, edibles, and more just got a little easier thanks to new TSA regulations.

If you weren’t too busy celebrating 4/20 this year, you might have noticed that we reported on whether or not it’s possible to fly with legally bought weed and CBD. To be clear, the federal government still considers marijuana — even medical marijuana — a Schedule 1 drug (just like LSD and heroin). It doesn’t care that you might have purchased it “legally” in a pot-friendly state, but thanks to the mind-numbing bureaucracy of federal, state, and local governments, and the failure of agencies to work together, it can be surprisingly easy to fly with legally purchased weed. We recommend reading the post above for the full details.

Recommended Videos

CBD products, on the other hand, are legal at the federal level — sort of. The 2018 Farm Bill “ensures that any cannabinoid … that is derived from hemp will be legal, if and only if that hemp is produced in a manner consistent with the Farm Bill, associated federal regulations, association state regulations, and by a licensed grower.”

While this has been true since 2018, the TSA was slow to edit its policy. Prior to Memorial Day 2019, the agency’s official stance read: “Possession of marijuana and cannabis-infused products, such as cannabidiol (CBD) oil, is illegal under federal law. TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law, including possession of marijuana and cannabis-infused products.” Such products were not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage under any circumstances.

However, the agency revised its policy near the end of May to reflect federal law. It currently reads: “Marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products, including some cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by the FDA.”

Let’s look at that last line first. Only one such pharmaceutical, Epidiolex, is currently approved by the FDA. If you happen to be a child suffering from epilepsy and have a prescription for that drug, you can stop reading now. If not, however, there are two significant stipulations to be aware of before jetting off with a suitcase full of CBD goodies. Those goodies must have been produced in accordance with the Farm Bill, and they must contain 0.3 percent or less THC.

That sounds easy enough since most reputable CBD product manufacturers stamp their packaging with clear ingredient and origin labels, but that doesn’t mean those figures are accurate and, more importantly, air travelers have no way of proving them either way. Some manufacturers are flat-out misrepresenting their products as “legal” while others don’t perform sufficient testing to know one way or the other. If airport security doesn’t want to take a package’s numbers on faith, they’re within their right to confiscate your wares, deny you boarding, hand you over to airport police, or some combination of all three.

In short, if you must travel with CBD products, be sure that the THC content is 0.3% or less and that figure is clearly indicated on the packaging. And be aware know that the TSA may still confiscate those products if they’re at all suspicious of the validity of the packaging.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
American Airlines to add nonstop flight between Los Angeles and Columbus
American Airlines adds route between California and Ohio
American Airlines airplane

In March 2025, American Airlines will add a direct route between Los Angeles, California, and Columbus, Ohio. The daily flight will be aboard a Boeing 737-800, with room for 172 passengers. The route will fill the void Spirit Airlines left, ending its identical route on January 8, 2025. 
Flight times and commentary on American’s new route
Los Angeles, CA Denys Nevozhai via Unsplash

The new route begins service on March 6, 2025, and flies daily between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). Flight AA 227 leaves CMH at 5:45 p.m. and arrives at LAX at 7:30 p.m., taking around five hours. The L.A. to Columbus trip, also Flight AA 227, embarks at 9:20 a.m. and arrives at 4:55 p.m. Industry figures expressed enthusiasm for the needed flight. 

Read more
Jet Blue begins flying from New York to Bonaire
Jet Blue begins flying from JFK Airport to Bonaire
Sunrise in Bonaire

Yesterday, Jet Blue began flying from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to the island of Bonaire’s Flamingo International Airport (BON). The airline announced the route in May, and with its addition, Jet Blue now serves all the “ABC” islands — an abbreviation for the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao in the Leeward Antilles.
More details on the JFK to BON flight
Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands Mitchel Wijt via Unsplash

The New York to Bonaire flight occurs twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Flight 1643 from JFK to BON departs at 7:00 a.m. and arrives at 12:46 p.m. Flight 1644 from BON to JFK takes off at 2:10 p.m. and lands at 6:30 p.m. Jet Blue is the only airline offering direct service between the two destinations. 

Read more
American Airlines announces largest-ever Italy schedule for summer 2025
American Airlines expands flights to Italy for summer 2025
Shoreline of Naples, Italy

In the summer of 2025, travelers can explore Italy like never before, with American Airlines adding flights to Naples, Venice, and Rome. Beginning November 4, customers can purchase tickets and begin planning a trip to Italy’s renowned culture, cuisine, and historical sites.
Italy 2025: American Airlines expands schedule and adds non-stop flights
Colosseum, Rome, Italy Jude Wilson via Unsplash

Besides increasing its Italian schedule, American adds nonstop routes for the summer of 2025. That includes an industry-exclusive direct flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Naples-Capodichino International Airport (NAP), which provides more seats to Naples than any other carrier. Additionally, a nonstop route begins June 5 from Dallas Forth Worth International Airport (DFW) to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). That complements current service from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

Read more