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.
Can You Bring Protein Powder on a Plane?
Carry on Bags
The TSA state that any powder-like substances greater than 12oz/350ml, including protein powder, 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.
Checked Bags
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.
Domestic vs. International Flights
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.
By Airline
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.
How to Pack Protein Powder for Air Travel
To make going through airport security as smooth as possible, we recommend the following:
- If the protein powder container is greater than 12oz/350ml, you should pack it in your checked bag for convenience.
- If packed in your carry on, make sure that it is easily accessible, as you will need to place it in a separate bin for screening.
- If the protein powder is white, make sure that it is in its original packaging, so it isn’t mistaken for an illegal substance.
- If the protein powder isn’t white, you can pack it in any container you like, including a Ziploc bag, though it may delay the screening process.
Can You Bring Protein Shakes and Meal Replacement Shakes on a Plane?
Protein shakes and meal replacement shakes should be packed in your checked bag.
This is due to the TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule that prohibits passengers from flying with liquids in containers greater than 3.4oz/100ml.
Can You Bring Protein Bars on a Plane?
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.
Can You Bring Protein Gels on a Plane?
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.
Can You Bring a Shaker Bottle on a Plane?
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.
Can You Bring Creatine on a Plane?
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.
Robert is an expert in commercial air travel with decades of experience in the travel industry, and has spent countless hours in airports and on planes for work.
Robert therefore has an unrivaled understanding of everything related to commercial air travel, and has been quoted or mentioned in major publications, such as Insider, Trip Savvy, ZDNet, and Bored Panda, showcasing his extensive knowledge and expertise in the field.
