Any problems carrying a box of fruit on a plane?

[Mr. Slant]

If I wanted to fly from Florida to Ohio with, let's say, a small box of oranges inside of my carry-on luggage, would most airlines have a problem with that?
How about the screener folks?

[The Chao Goes Mu]

I've been to Florida on a few occassions and noticed in the aiport at Tampa, signs explicity forbidding the transport of fruit or vegetables. Which really sucked because I wanted to pick some fresh oranges to take home to Ohio.

Now, if you drive there, that's a different story. My friend just brought back bags and bags of handpicked grapefruit from Florida. Yummy!

[Mr. Slant]

Thank you.

[HeyHomie]

I also think that many (if not most) citrus retailers will gladly ship them to you.

[spingears]

If I wanted to fly from Florida to Ohio with, let's say, a small box of oranges inside of my carry-on luggage, would most airlines have a problem with that? How about the screener folks?WAG: To prevent the possibility of fruit flies and other insect pests from hitching a ride on the plane to destinations beyond or instead of Ohio. FDA has an interest. Screeners, who knows, ask one.

[Spectre of Pithecanthropus]

Umm...the link below suggests carrying fruit on board an airplane can be quite a serious security risk indeed.

Self Defense Against Fresh Fruit (http://orangecow.org/pythonet/sketches/selfdef.htm).

[Duckster]

Is one permitted to take produce grown in Florida on an airplane?
There are restrictions on fruits and vegetables going to or leaving some areas. These restrictions may vary from time to time. One should check with the USDA, APHIS, and PPQ officers at airports for current restrictions. Information may also be obtained from the Division of Plant Industry. Source: http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/onestop/fruit/licbond.html

Unfortunately, the site doesn't offer direct links to USDA (http://www.usda.gov/), APHIS (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/), or PPQ (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/), nor do those web sites offer an easy way to find information about transporting domestic produce from Florida.