You’re likely planing on bringing more than 12oz/350ml of pre-workout, which means that you should keep a couple of things in mind.
The TSA state that powder-like substances greater than 12oz/350ml, including pre-workout and protein powder, require additional screening when you go through airport security.
You will be required to place the pre-workout container in a screening bin, which may also be opened by a TSA officer for inspection.
Thankfully, the TSA also don’t specify a limit for how much pre-workout you can bring.
Packing Pre-Workout in Your Checked Bags
If you’re able to check in bag, it would be better to pack your pre-workout in your checked bag.
The TSA actually recommend this because it will be more convenient when you fly, and you will also be able to pass through airport security more quickly.
Bringing Pre-Workout on International Flights
If you’re flying internationally instead of domestically, you’ll also be able to bring pre-workout on a plane in both your carry-on and checked bags.
This applies to all popular destinations, including Mexico, Canada, the UK, Europe, and all other countries.
The only thing to keep in mind is that if your pre-workout is hemp based, you obviously don’t want to attempt to bring it into a country where hemp is illegal.
Airline Regulations
For the vast majority of items, the TSA and airlines are aligned – and this includes pre-workout.
So regardless if you’re flying with a major airline, like United, Delta, American Airlines etc., or a smaller regional airline, you won’t run into any issues when attempting to fly with pre-workout.
To ensue the screening process goes as smoothly as possible, we suggest doing the following:
If the container your pre-workout is in is greater than 12oz/350ml, pack it in your checked bag for convenience.
If you pack your pre-workout in your carry on, make sure that it is easily accessible because you will need to place it in a separate bin for screening.
If your pre-workout is white, leave it in its original packaging, so it isn’t mistaken for an illegal substance.
If it isn’t white, pack it in any container you like, including a Ziploc bag, though it may delay the screening process.
Don’t Bring Pre-Workout Shakes
Due to the 3-1-1 rule, you can’t mix pre-workout with your liquid of choice and then bring it through airport security.
If you want to take a pre-workout shake when at the airport or on the plane, you can bring your pre-workout powder in your carry-on and then mix it with water or milk once you have passed through airport security.
Bringing Protein Bars, Gels, and Creatine
You can pack protein bars in both your carry-on and checked bags.
You can pack creatine in both your carry-on and checked bags. Creatine should be fine to bring on international flights.
Due to the 3-1-1 rule, protein gels that exceed 3.4oz/100ml should be packed in your checked bags.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
