Today, it isn’t uncommon for people to use supplements in their everyday lives. These supplements can either be vitamin supplements or any other health supplement that you need.
But if you rely on taking vitamins or supplements and are flying out somewhere then, you must be wondering whether you can take supplements and vitamins on a plane.
To help you find the answer to this very question and to clarify all the laws around traveling with supplements, we bring you today’s article.
Keep reading to know if you can bring supplements on a plane. And if you can, how to travel with supplements and vitamins on a plane.
Can You Bring Supplements On A Plane?
Yes, you’re permitted to bring your vitamins and supplements with you when you’re on a plane. There are no legal restrictions that prevent you from carrying your vitamins and supplements on your flight. In fact, most forms of supplements are allowed in both your checked-in luggage and your carry-on bag.
When it comes to hard vitamins like pills and soft-gel vitamins, they’re relatively hassle-free to carry. However, liquid vitamins can pose a bit of a challenge due to the TSA’s regulations regarding liquids in your luggage.
The TSA permits liquids in containers of up to 3.4 ounces in your carry-on baggage. So, if you intend to bring your liquid supplements, you might need to rethink your approach or consider some viable alternatives.
The most convenient way to bring liquid supplements on a plane is to purchase travel-friendly bottles. Then, you can transfer your liquid supplements into these travel-friendly containers that adhere to the TSA’s liquid regulations.
We’ll delve into alternative methods for carrying vitamins on a plane shortly. But first, let’s take a look at what the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has to say about the specifics of carrying vitamins on a plane.
Below is a tabular view of the most popular supplements and whether you can bring them on a plane or not.
| Category Of Supplements | Allowance On U.S. Planes |
| Ashwagandha Supplements | Allowed |
| CBD Supplements | May not be allowed based on different state laws. |
| Collagen Supplements | Certain types of collagen supplements may not be allowed in kosher-friendly destinations. |
| Creatine Supplements | Allowed |
| BCAA Supplements | Allowed |
| Whey Protein Supplements | Allowed |
| Citrulline Malate Supplements | Allowed |
| Fish Oil Supplements | Allowed |
| Testosterone Boosters | Allowed (if the supplement contains no illegal steroids) |
| Phentermine Supplements | Not allowed without prescription |
| Steroids | Not allowed if banned and unnatural |
| Vitamin C Supplements | Allowed |
| Vitamin D Supplements | Allowed |
| Zinc Supplements | Allowed |
| Curcumin Supplements | Allowed |
| Creatine Supplements | Allowed |
What Does TSA Say About Taking Supplements On Planes?
According to the official TSA website, you can carry your supplements without any hassle wherever your air travel takes you. TSA, which stands for the Transportation Security Administration, is known for its stringent airport security measures, as they’re the ones responsible for setting the rules.
When it comes to supplements, though, they tend to be rather lenient. Unless you happen to encounter an officer who might be having a rough day or just isn’t in the best mood, your supplements should pose no problem.
As highlighted here, you’re in the clear to bring your vitamins and all types of supplements with you when you travel by plane. These TSA regulations apply to all varieties of supplements. It’s essential to cooperate during the TSA officers’ security checks, as it’s a routine part of their job.
Can You Bring Prescription Pills On A Plane?
Yes, you’re allowed to bring your prescription pills and medications on a plane, and you can pack them in both your carry-on and checked luggage. However, there might be instances where you need to declare these medications at the TSA’s counter or security checkpoint, and be prepared to show the prescription. It’s worth noting that this isn’t always necessary, but it’s a good idea to be aware of this possibility.
When it comes to vitamin pills and supplements, they fall under the category of OTC or over-the-counter drugs, which means you don’t require a prescription for them. This is why it’s a straightforward process to bring your vitamins with you on your next airplane journey.
There’s one important detail to keep in mind, though. While it’s true that you can carry pills, powders, gummies, and soft gels with ease, you might need to reconsider if you’re planning to take liquid supplements and vitamins with you.
Can You Bring Liquid Supplements On A Plane?
Yes, you’re allowed to bring liquid supplements on a plane, and this includes liquid vitamins. However, there are some guidelines to keep in mind. If you intend to carry liquids in your carry-on bag, they must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or 100ml in size or less. Anything exceeding this limit should be packed in your checked baggage.
It’s possible that a TSA officer might request you to remove your liquid vitamins from your carry-on if they happen to exceed the 3.4-ounce limit.
Now, you might be curious as to why soft gels and gummy vitamins are permitted on flights when liquids face restrictions, considering that they often contain gel-like substances. The reason is that the TSA categorizes soft gels and gummy vitamins as solids. As a result, they are treated in the same way as regular pills and aren’t subject to the liquid restrictions.
What Are The Different Types Of Supplements You Can Bring On A Plane?
You can indeed bring a wide range of supplements with you on a plane, whether they come in the form of soft gels, capsules, tablets, gummies, liquids, snacks, bars, powders, and more. The TSA permits these supplements as long as they adhere to the established rules. Liquid supplements, for example, should be limited to 100 ml to qualify as carry-on items.
In today’s health-conscious world, many individuals turn to supplements like protein powders and vitamin pills. These supplements offer various health benefits, but there’s a critical element to their effectiveness: consistency.
To fully reap the advantages of any type of supplementation, it’s vital to take them regularly, following the recommended dosages. When you skip or disrupt your supplement routine, it can diminish their impact.
This principle applies to vitamins as well. People often take vitamins to compensate for deficiencies in their diets, making it crucial to have a steady daily intake of these essential nutrients.
When you’re traveling, whether for business or leisure, finding the specific supplements and vitamins you need locally can be a challenge. Not every place you visit will have the exact products you’re accustomed to.
That’s precisely why traveling with your own supplements is a brilliant idea. Bringing your vitamins on a plane ensures that you stay on track with your daily regimen, preventing you from missing out on the essential nutrients your body requires.
You can certainly bring various forms of supplements with you when traveling by plane. These include:
- Pills: The most common type of vitamins and supplements come in pill form. They often resemble medication and are typically found in pill bottles. These solid pills are among the easiest to transport on a plane.
- Softgels: Softgels are akin to liquid capsules. They have a similar appearance to traditional capsules but contain gel-like substances inside. When you ingest a soft-gel tablet, it naturally breaks down in your body, releasing the essential components.
- Powder: Some supplements are in powder form, which can be mixed with water or milk. This is particularly common with protein and body-building supplements. For those who maintain a regular workout routine, traveling with powdered supplements is often crucial.
- Liquids: Many vitamins are available in liquid form. These can be convenient-to-use sprays or concentrated solutions that you can add a few drops of to your food. However, carrying liquid vitamins on a plane can be a bit challenging, particularly when they’re in your carry-on, given the regulations concerning liquids.
- Gummies: In recent times, vitamin gummies have gained popularity, with many people relying on them as a primary source of essential vitamins. These gummies resemble regular candy gummies but are packed with beneficial vitamins.
Individuals may include one or more of these vitamins and supplements in their daily routine. In the following sections, we’ll explore the rules and regulations related to each of these different types of vitamins and supplements.
Why You Should Travel With Supplements?
Vitamin and mineral supplements play a crucial role in supporting your body to achieve various fitness and health objectives. When you travel with your supplements, you ensure that your body doesn’t miss out on the essential nutrients it requires.
This is not only beneficial for your well-being but also proves advantageous during business trips and vacations. On vacation, you have the opportunity to rejuvenate your body by getting more rest, sleep, and enjoying a peaceful environment. Providing your body with essential nutrients during this time can contribute to an even better experience.
During international flights, which can stretch for hours, you might find moments to catch up on some much-needed rest. This is when supplements like sleep aids or gummies can be particularly handy to ensure you get the sleep you need.
Hence, it’s a wise choice to pack your supplements for your flight. Furthermore, many individuals maintain their workout routines even during vacations or business trips. Traveling with your pre and post-workout supplements, along with essentials like protein powders, becomes essential. These supplements are integral for maintaining your physique and fitness regimen.
For these reasons, traveling with vitamins and other dietary supplements is just as vital as carrying any other medications you may require. It ensures you stay on track with your health and fitness goals, whether you’re on a professional journey or enjoying some leisure time.
Checked Luggage vs Carry-On Luggage – Where Should You Keep Your Supplements While Traveling?
You are allowed to take your vitamins in your checked luggage as well as your carry-on luggage. TSA prohibits taking more than 100ml of most liquids (including supplements) in a single container as carry-on. In general, is recommended that you take your important vitamins in your carry-on luggage.
Read on to know why.
When preparing for a flight, you’ll typically have two types of luggage at your disposal: checked luggage and your carry-on bag. The checked luggage is usually larger, and it’s left at the airport for handling. On the other hand, your carry-on bag is comparably smaller, and you can take it with you onto the flight, placing it in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you.
The good news is that you can freely carry your supplements and vitamins in both of these types of luggage. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. With checked luggage, you can pack a greater quantity of vitamins, but going through security is more straightforward when your vitamins are in your carry-on bag.
What many people might not be aware of is that checked luggage also goes through an x-ray scan. This means that if you’re traveling with a significant amount of supplements in your checked luggage, the x-ray machine can easily detect them.
So, when you know you’ll need specific supplements during your flight, especially on long-distance journeys, or if you’re only carrying a small quantity, it’s advisable to keep them in your carry-on bag. However, if your trip extends for several days and you have a substantial quantity of supplements, it’s a good idea to pack them in your checked luggage. Depending on the volume and weight of your supplements, you might even need to consider purchasing extra luggage space.
For smaller quantities or essential vitamins that you need to consume regularly, placing them in your carry-on bag is the right choice. The key consideration is to ensure that everything is packed in compliance with TSA rules to avoid any complications at the airport security checkpoint.
Remember the ‘3-1-1 rule’ when packing vitamins for your flight, as it’s a useful guideline for adhering to regulations.
Additionally, if you’re traveling with soft gels or gummy vitamins, it’s generally best to keep them in your carry-on luggage. This is because placing gummies and soft-gel vitamin capsules in your checked baggage might risk them melting due to the heat in the luggage storage.
How To Pack Supplements For Travel? How To Pack Vitamins For Flight?
Now that we know the TSA is okay with you traveling with vitamins on a plane, let us take a look at how to pack vitamins for a flight so that it’s easier for you to carry them around without having to worry about the TSA officer.
How To Pack Supplements In Checked Luggage?
When it comes to packing vitamins in your checked luggage, it’s generally a straightforward process. If your supplements are in sturdy pouches or plastic containers, you can leave them in their original packaging. This method works particularly well for these types of packaging.
For larger quantities of vitamins intended for personal use, checked luggage is a practical choice, and you won’t typically encounter issues with the TSA officers at security checkpoints.
However, if you happen to have a vitamin or supplement in a glass bottle, it’s wise to take extra precautions. Checked luggage is handled with less care than you might imagine, and even with fragile stickers, it’s impossible for ground staff to treat each piece of luggage individually.
To safeguard a glass container, wrap it in a towel or use bubble wrap for added protection. Ensure that the bottle and its contents won’t be harmed even if they undergo some tossing around.
Additionally, when it comes to traveling with liquid vitamins in your checked luggage, seal the cap as tightly as possible to prevent any leakage onto your clothing. A bit of Scotch tape can be helpful in keeping the lid secure. Furthermore, you can place the liquid vitamin bottle in a plastic bag to provide an extra layer of protection. In case of a spill, the liquid will remain contained within the plastic bag, preventing any damage to your clothes.
Some supplements, particularly soft-gels and vitamin gummies, can go bad or melt when exposed to excessive heat. To avoid this, and to ensure your vitamin gummies reach your destination intact, you can pack them with a freeze pack. Freeze packs or cooling packs are readily available online through platforms like Amazon. Using these will help keep your essential gummies in top condition.
Carry-on Luggage
The carry-on bag is your constant companion throughout your flight journey, whether you’re on a direct flight to your destination or have layovers. This makes it the ideal choice for vitamins and supplements you’ll need frequently during the trip.
For hassle-free travel, solid vitamin pills are the simplest to carry in your carry-on baggage. These types of vitamins can be easily taken with you on the plane without concerns about security screening. To keep things organized, consider using a pill case.
A pill case is a transparent container with multiple compartments, allowing you to separate your pills based on the day you’ll need to take them. This approach is helpful for packing just the right amount of vitamins, so you don’t have to lug around a heavy bag, especially during short layovers when changing flights.
The same rule applies to vitamin gummies and soft-gel capsules; according to TSA regulations, both these forms are treated like solid vitamin pills. This simplifies the process of packing vitamins in the form of soft gels and gummies.
Now, let’s talk about powdered supplements. These are often packaged in large, bulky containers, which can be inconvenient, particularly for shorter trips when you only need them for a few days.
There are a couple of ways to take powdered vitamins on a plane. First, you can purchase smaller packages or sachets of supplements and vitamins. Some brands offer travel-sized packs that are easy to carry.
If you can’t find smaller packages in time, you can create your own using zip-lock bags. Measure out the exact amount of vitamins you’ll need based on the number of days or doses, and place them in a transparent zip-lock bag. Don’t forget to label the bags. This ensures you don’t mix up your vitamins, and it’s also helpful when explaining their contents to TSA officers during security screening.
The key is to be upfront about your supplements, as carrying them is entirely legal and acceptable.
How To Pack Liquid Supplements For Travel?
Traveling with liquid vitamins can be a bit more challenging due to strict policies set by the TSA and airlines regarding liquids in carry-on bags. Typically, you’re only allowed to carry liquids that are less than 3.4 ounces or 100ml in size, and they must be stored in a transparent, resealable bag. This rule applies to various liquids like oils, shampoos, moisturizers, and, of course, liquid vitamins.
This is where the 3-1-1 rule comes into play. According to this rule, all your liquids, gels, and aerosols should adhere to the 3.4-ounce (100ml) limit and fit within a 1-quart-sized, transparent, resealable bag.
However, there’s one exception to this rule. As Gateway states, If you have a medical prescription for a liquid supplement, you can carry more than the standard limit allowed by the TSA, provided you have the prescription with you.
When bringing vitamins stored in your carry-on, you’ll need to remove them during the security screening process. Upon reaching the security checkpoint, like all your other belongings, you’ll have to take out your supplements and place them in a tray.
This tray will pass through the x-ray machine. If you have powdered supplements, a TSA officer might also take a sample for random or swab tests, which is a standard procedure.
It’s essential to cooperate during this process to make it as quick and smooth as possible. If you’re uncomfortable with having your supplements X-rayed or if you’re carrying vitamins that should not be exposed to X-ray radiation, you can simply inform the TSA officer. They can then perform a manual check of the supplements or vitamins, allowing you to proceed without any issues. This is how you can successfully pack vitamins in your carry-on when traveling by plane.
Bonus Tips:
Here are some additional tips for travelers who want to pack vitamins, which are essential considerations when packing your vitamins:
- Carry Vitamins in Your Carry-On: It’s advisable to keep vitamins you need regularly or that are crucial in your carry-on bag. While it’s more convenient to pack vitamins in your checked luggage, remember that checked bags can sometimes be delayed or mishandled by airlines, and they could even get lost. So, it’s best to have your vital vitamins and medications with you.
- Pack a Little Extra: When packing vitamins, consider bringing a few extra days’ worth of supplies. This precaution can be a lifesaver in case of unexpected delays or if some vitamins spill during the flight.
- Arrive at the Airport Early: Plan to arrive at the airport at least an hour earlier than your usual time. This will allow ample time for going through all the TSA checks and ensure you’re ready well before your flight.
- Carry Water: If you need to take vitamins while on the plane, ensure you’re traveling with the right vitamins and carry a small water bottle. This way, you can take your vitamins even if the in-flight service is delayed. Also, pack your vitamins in a way that allows easy access.
Remember these tips for your next trip with vitamins. Proper packing and cooperation with TSA search policies will help ensure a smooth journey. Now, let’s explore some laws related to taking vitamins on international trips.
Can You Bring Vitamins On A Plane For International Travel?
Yes, you can absolutely bring your vitamins when flying internationally, and there are no specific regulations preventing you from doing so. Whether you’re traveling to Canada or Mexico, there should be no issues with carrying your supplements along.
For Mexico, as recommended by Mexadventure, traveling with vitamins is entirely legal and shouldn’t pose any problems during your trip. It’s a good idea to keep them in their original packaging or ensure they have proper labels to avoid any unnecessary suspicion.
The same applies when flying to Canada. According to TripSavvy, you can easily bring your supplements, vitamins, and other over-the-counter drugs with you when traveling to Canada without any significant concerns.
FAQs
Can You Bring Supplements To Europe?
You can bring supplements to Europe since supplements do not really come off as a threat to the majority of countries. However, certain supplements, such as those containing cannabinoid components may not be allowed in Europe due to restrictions on such elements.
However, each country has its own set of rules and regulations which you can read on their official websites.
Can You Take Food Supplements On A Plane?
Yes, you can take food supplements on a plane. Food supplements can be carried on a plane. You can pack them in your travel bags without any issues, as long as they do not contain prohibited substances. They can be brought on the plane both as carry-on and checked-in luggage.
Can You Bring Gummy Vitamins On Plane?
Gummy vitamins are safe and legal. You can carry vitamin gummies in your carry-on or checked baggage. However, if the gummies contain other ingredients that are not allowed at the place you are traveling to (such as CBD), you may not be allowed to carry them on the plane.
Can I Take Vitamins In Hand Luggage?
Yes, you can pack vitamins in your hand luggage as well as carry-on. In fact, it is recommended to take your vitamins in hand luggage since you can use them whenever you need them during the flight. Taking them as carry-on makes them more accessible.
Conclusion
To conclude, you can carry your important vitamins and any other OTC supplements that you may need on planes during air travels. You can also carry prescription pills and medications with you on a plane. However, you may be required to present a valid medical prescription for the same.