Travelling With Supplements: What You Should and Shouldn’t Bring on the Plane

For many of us, travelling is an essential part of life.

11:17 24 March 2020

Whether you travel just for a couple of days or for a long time, daily supplements are often a must-have for a lot of people. However, if you wish to pack your capsules to take with you for your trip, it is important to make sure supplement transporting won't cause issues. Just because you are on the go doesn't mean that you need to stop your routine supplement intake. So, how to travel with supplements legally? What products should you leave at home to avoid confiscation at the security check?

Travelling can affect your physical and mental health. Exposure to germs and viruses from sick people nearby, long flying hours, as well as overall stress of commute can weaken the immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to get sick during the trip. No surprise, most people buy vitamins, sleeping pills or food supplements like cannabidiol (CBD) to restore energy and relieve stress.

However, there are restrictions for specific supplements that differ from one country to another. When it comes to tablets, you shouldn't have any problems as long as you aren't having a suspiciously large number of pills and carrying them in your carry-on or checked luggage.

Research in advance if there are specific limitations in the country you are visiting. Some countries can have more strict rules about taking supplements through customs, especially if the pills are not in their original packaging or you don’t have a prescription. You can clarify the information by calling the embassy of the country you are travelling to or check regulations on the internet.

Travelling With Protein Powder

Carrying protein powder onto an aeroplane in a carry-on bag is permitted. However, they often come in large non-see-through zip bags or plastic jars for the purposes of better storage and not exposing the product to direct sunlight. If you would like to spare yourself from having to take it out of your suitcase to show the security what is inside the packaging, it is recommended that you use a transparent zip bag so that the product can be visible and easily assessed by the airport staff. Another advantage of relocating your proteins to a travel-friendly zip bag is that it will take a lot less space in your suitcase. Make sure to decide how much protein you will need during your trip, measure with a scoop, and enclose it with the powder for easier further measurements on site.

If you are worried about potential spillage, you can add an extra layer of packaging and use a second see-through bag of a bigger size to protect your belongings and travel with peace of mind.

Packing Capsules, Pills Or Tablets

As for pills and capsules, most countries allow taking a 30-day supply of supplements. However, many countries have restrictions on particular supplements for entering the boarders or selling them on a domestic market. Always check whether your supplements are allowed at your destinations.

 

Keep your supplements in their original packaging if possible or carefully label them before packing. If you prefer buying larger packs, consider getting smaller and travel-friendly options. Travel-size supplements take less space and allow users to bring them through security points without any problems.

 

You can use small zip-lock bags or containers to store your medications in case you are travelling within the country with no baggage screen rules, such as going by train or a bus.

 

Also, you can use a special organiser for pills if you take more than one pill throughout a day or go on vacation for a long period. These plastic containers usually have individual divisions for each day of the week. Place a required number of vitamins for the day in each compartment and travel with convenience, knowing how many capsules or tablets you should consume each day.

Flying With Liquid Supplements

Liquid supplements also need to be stored in original packaging to avoid issues while you are travelling. If you would like to bring any liquid supplements or essential oils, make sure they contain less than 100 ml to ensure that you don't need to throw them out at the security.

Also, if you are flying with supplements like CBD oil within EU, make sure the product is made from hemp-based CBD distillate, contains less than 0.2% of the THC component and the bottle doesn't exceed 100 ml.

Such products are allowed during travelling and can be taken in a carry-on bag on a legal basis. Nevertheless, approved amounts of THC vary in each country and require some pre-travel research before driving with CBD infused products.

 

What Else Should You Know?

 

Use the space in your luggage efficiently and research the legal status of supplements that are considered for personal use at your destination.

Furthermore, it may be useful for travellers to bring documentation or prescription from a doctor or health-care provider that confirms legal use and explains the reason for consuming vitamins and supplements. It's recommended to keep it on hand and be ready to answer questions in case the security officers would have any questions.

Our Verdict

Travelling with supplements and medications can seem tricky, yet there's no reason why you shouldn't take needed vitamins with you, even when you are on the go.

Consider bringing only what is necessary and pack smart to travel light and hassle-free. If you are in doubt, look up the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) websites, or check the local and international laws to have a stress-free journey.

Remember, full preparation and research are key to preventing potential troubles. If you are going to be away for an extended period, it might also be a good idea to purchase the supplements once you arrive at your destination.