rockm

I would go with shipping the tree too. There is no telling what airport security is going to be like on Fourth of July in D.C. this year.

I live in the D.C. area. Things can get rather spooky at the area airports at that time.

If you wrap the tree and put it in a box, you may be asked to unwrap the entire thing at the security gate. You may also be taken aside if the box is checked as luggage, as it is unnusual by any stretch of the imagination and could be a source of curiosity to inspectors.

Shipping via overnight or second day air will probably free you from alot of hassle and might even prevent serious damage to the plant.