You’re preparing for your next flight but wonder if you can take pre-workout on a plane? And how to pack protein powder, creatine, and other supplements for travel?
Here is the short answer:
Yes, you can bring pre-workout (pills and powders) on a plane in both carry-on and checked luggage. The TSA allowed powders in carry-on bags without ay limits, but you will need to remove any powders more than 12 oz / 350 ml from your bag and place them in a separate bin at the security screening. To make things smoother at the airport, keep powder in its original, labeled container, or use single-serve packets.
In this post I will cover everything you need to know about taking all types of pre-workout in both carry-on and checked bags, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- Yes, you can bring pre-workout, protein powder, creatine, and other supplements on a plane in both carry-on and checked bags.
- You can place powdered pre-workout in carry-on bags, but containers over 12 oz / 350 ml will need additional screening and you need to place them in a separate bin at airport security.
- Pills, capsules, gummies, and powders generally have no quantity limits, while liquid pre-workout must follow the 3-1-1 rule (containers under 3.4 oz / 100 ml).
- For a smoother experience, label your supplements, and consider packing large powder containers in checked baggage.
Can You Take Pre-Workout Supplements through the TSA?
Even though the TSA does not have any issues with taking powders and pills through the security checkpoint.
This is a screenshot from the TSA website:
Powders have a bad reputation in any airport in the world, as they can appear suspicious.
They recommend that when traveling with powder products over 12 oz / 350 ml inside your carry-on, you need to take them out of your bag and place them in separate bins for X-ray screening.
According to USA TODAY, the TSA screens over 2 million passengers every day at U.S. airports, which is why powders, liquids, and other unusual items may need to be inspected more closely during the security process.
If you have pre-workout drinks (liquid products), you will need to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule, which requires you to take only containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less inside a transparent quart-sized bag.
Remember that whether an item or a product will be allowed to pass through the security, the final say is always for the TSA and security officers at the airport.
Can you take Pre-Workout Supplements In Carry-on Baggage?
There are no limits to the amount of pr-workout supplements you are allowed to carry inside your carry-on baggage, whether your product is solid or powdered.
But I you are planing to bring a large amount I would recommend placing it in your checked bag.
When it comes to weight, it is not that bug issue, as long as you can place your suitcase in the overhead bin without the flight attendant help.
But you want to save some space inside your carry-on bag for other items, as placing a bottle of Stomp pre-workout (450 grams / 15.5 ml) for example inside your carry-on suitcase will eat more space.
Can You Take Pre-Workout Supplements In Checked Luggage?
The right way to transport a large or many powdered workout supplement containers is inside your checked bag.
Taking more a large container or just more than 12 oz / 350 ml in your carry-on baggage may cause some inconvenience during the screening process, which may include a manual inspection.
The security guys don’t joke when it comes to powders.
But also, when traveling with large quantities, you will need to be careful about your airline weight limits.
If your checked baggage is too heavy, you may be charged additional fees.
The most common weight limit for checked baggage on most airlines is 50 lbs (23 kg).
As a quick tip that I use often if I have a heavy suitcase above the allowed weight, Split the weight between two bags and still benefit from the free baggage allowance on your airline.
Usually, most airlines include 2 to 3 bags in your ticket.
| Pre-workout | Carry-On Bag | Checked luggage | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powders like Pre-workout, Protein, Creatine | Allowed | Allowed | Amounts over 12 oz / 350 ml need a separate bin for X-ray. |
| Pills and capsules | Allowed | Allowed | No quantity limits; keep in original labels if possible. |
| Liquid Shots | Restricted | Allowed | Must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less for carry-on (3-1-1 Rule). |
| Gummies / Chewables | Allowed | Allowed | Treated as solid food; no special screening required. |
| Ready-to-Drink Shakes | Prohibited | Allowed | Only allowed in carry-on if purchased aftersecurity. |
Can You Take Creatine In Checked Luggage?
Creatine is the number-one supplement for improving performance when working out. It usually comes as powder or capsules (pills), and both forms have no restrictions in checked baggage.
Alternatively, if you decide to take many servings inside your carry-on bag and are not familiar with how to pack powders or other supplements for travel, here is a video from Marc Lobliner (Pro Bodybuilder) showing how he packs his 3-day supplements using Ziploc bags.
Read also: How To Pack Protein Powder For Air Travel?
What Do Travelers Say About Traveling With Pre-Workout Supplements?
I wanted to find more answers from the TSA so I searched in their social media, mainly X.
@gboss asked TSA team about his protein powder, creatine, pre-workout, and other pill vitamins, and TSA confirmed that all his supplements are allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage.
The only thing he should consider is that if the containers are more than 12 oz / 350 ml, he must take out all the products from his carry-on bag at security screening.
@Beth wanted to take large containers of collagen powder and Metamucil in checked baggage, and TSA confirmed that supplement powders are good to go in checked baggage.
Pre-workout Powder Travel Containers
If you are traveling for multiple days, taking your workout supplements in Ziploc bags may not be a good idea.
Unfortunately, almost all workout supplements come in large containers. However, you can use travel-sized supplement containers on the go by filling small containers like the mini protein powder funnel that you can load with powder or pills.
Also, small storage containers that hold just as much as you need during your trip can be more practical and helpful than Ziploc bags.
You might also like: Can You Bring Protein Bars On A Plane?
Final Thoughts: Can You Bring Pre-Workout Supplements On a Plane?
You can take pre-workout supplements on planes in your carry-on and checked baggage without any problems whether in pills or powdered forms.
For powderer pre-workout when going through airport security, you will be need to take out any powders in containers over 12 oz / 350 ml and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
Liquid pre-workout shots will need to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule, you can only bring containers of 3.4 oz / 100 ml in carry-on bag and placed in a single quart sized bag.
So remember to only mix your pre-workout with water after you’ve cleared security.
I hope this helps
Happy travels.
FAQs About Bringing Pre-Workout on a Plane
-
Can I bring pre-workout in my carry-on bag internationally?
Yes, you can bring pre-workout powders and pills in your carry-on for international flights. Just remember that some countries have stricter rules than the TSA. -
Will TSA test my supplements for banned substances?
The TSA generally will not test supplements for banned substances they just screen for safety. But if you’re an athlete subject to anti-doping rules, double-check your supplement ingredients before traveling. -
Do I need a doctor’s note for supplements when flying?
No. You don’t need a doctor’s note for protein, creatine, or pre-workout powders. Just make sure your supplements are clearly labeled and in its original containers if possible. -
Can I bring protein or creatine capsules through airport security?
Yes, pills and capsules are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Just keep them in a labeled container so the security can easily know what they are. -
Can I ship pre-workout powders instead?
Yes, of course if you don’t want to carry large containers, shipping powders to your destination can be a bring idea. Just make sure to package them securely so nothing spills. -
Are gummies or chewable pre-workout supplements allowed on planes?
Yes, gummies, chewables, and vitamins are allowed, just like other supplements, so they’re fine in carry-on or checked baggage. Make sure they’re in a sealed container for convenience. -
Can you bring pre-workout on a plane to Canada?
Yes, Canada follows similar rules like the TSA. Powders under 12 oz / 350 ml in your carry-on are fine, and liquids must follow the 3-1-1 rule. For larger containers, it’s easier to put them in checked baggage. -
Can you take pre-workout on a plane to Australia?
Yes, Australia allows powders and pills in both carry-on and checked bags. Just remember that powders over 12 oz may need to be screened separately, and liquids must follow the 3-1-1 rule in your carry-on. -
Can you take pre-workout on a plane to Mexico?
Mexico generally allows powders and pills in carry-on and checked baggage. Just follow the TSA rules if you’re flying from the U.S., and for larger amounts, checked luggage is usually easier.
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