When you’re away from home, it can hard to stick to your normal diet and workout regime, especially if you’re used to taking a high amount of protein each other.
So you’re undoubtedly wondering if you can bring protein powder on your next flight.
According to TSA regulations, you are allowed to bring protein powder on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags.
But as protein powder is after all a powder, the TSA requires and expects passengers to follow a couple of rules.
The TSA state that any powder-like substances greater than 12oz/350ml, including protein powder and pre workout, require additional screening when you go through airport security.
Additionally, any protein powder in containers larger than 12oz/350ml should not only be taken out of your bag and placed in a screening bin, but they may also be opened to be inspected by TSA officers.
Note that the TSA do not specify a quantity limit for how protein powder you can bring.
Bringing Protein Powder in Your Checked Bag
You can pack protein powder in your checked bags – and it is in fact even recommended.
The TSA state that placing protein powder greater than 12 oz. in checked bags is the better choice for your convenience and so you go through airport security more quickly.
Flying Internationally Will Be Fine
Regardless if you’re flying to, from or within a foreign country, you will have no problem bringing protein on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags.
This applies to countries like Canada, Mexico, the UK, countries in Europe and worldwide.
The only thing to be aware of is that if your protein powder is hemp-based, you may run into issues in some countries where hemp is illegal.
Airline Policies
All airlines follow TSA regulations.
This means that regardless if you’re flying with Delta, Southwest, United, American Airlines or any other major or regional air carrier, you will be able to bring protein powder on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags.
The TSA state that you can pack protein bars in both your carry on and checked bags.
If the protein bar has been opened, it should be placed in a container or resealable bag.
Be Careful With Protein Gels
While you are allowed to pack protein gels in both your carry on and checked bags, if packed in your carry on, the protein gel should not exceed 3.4oz/100ml.
This is due to the TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule that forbids passengers from bringing liquids, gels and aerosols in containers greater than 3.4oz/100ml in their carry on.
This rule applies worldwide.
You Can Bring an (Empty) Shaker Bottle
You can pack a shaker bottle in both your carry on and checked bags, though the 3-1-1 rule will apply.
Note that the 3-1-1 rule applies to the bottle the liquid is in and not the amount of liquid itself.
For example, if your shaker bottle is over 3.4oz/100ml, which of course it will be, it doesn’t matter if just a few drops of liquid are inside the bottle.
The bottle will still be confiscated because it is greater than 3.4oz/100ml and contains liquid inside it.
You Can Bring Creatine
According to TSA regulations, you can bring creatine on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags, though will require additional screening if packed in a container larger than 12oz/350ml.
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).
