How to safely take unlabeled vitamins on a flight | Livestrong.com (2023)

How to safely take unlabeled vitamins on a flight | Livestrong.com (1)

Vitamins don't have to be in their original containers when you fly, but you'll want to pack them in an organized way.

Image author:Pyrosky/E+/GettyImages

If you have itlack of vitaminsOr if you're just getting into the habit of treating your body to extra nutrients, you're probably planning to take your supplements with you on vacation. If you've lost the original vitamin packaging, you may be wondering if the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring your unmarked pills on the plane.

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According toTSA, vitamins are allowed in checked and carry-on bags, but local laws may differ from TSA regulations.

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How much can you get?

As long as your vitamins are in tablets or another solid form, such as gummy vitamins, the TSA allows you to carry unlimited amounts of them in your carry-on or checked baggage (although you'll have to wait for them to clear an X-ray or visual inspection at a security checkpoint).

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The exception is hereliquid vitamins, which may be carried in carry-on baggage only if they are less than or equal to 3.4 ounces (ie 100 milliliters), perTSA.

You may be able to bring larger amounts of liquid vitamins on the flight, but only if they are medically necessary, according toTSA. Generally, "medically necessary" means that you have a prescription for vitamins or qualify for an exception to the 3-1-1 fluid rule:

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(Video) Can you take unmarked pills on a plane?
  1. They are required during the flight and/or at the travel destination
  2. You cannot buy them at the airport (after security check)
  3. They are not available at your travel destination

Keep in mind that the TSA agent ultimately has the final say on whether an item is allowed through security. If you are not sure if the liquid is suitable for you, it is probably safer to pack it in your checked baggage.

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Can I take over the counter pills on the plane?

That. According toTSAaccording to the instructions, the tablets do not have to be in prescription bottles or in the original packaging.

However, keep in mind that there are individual state laws that determine whether a drug must be labeled. Although these laws are primarily aimed at prescription drugs, there is a possibility that such laws apply to vitamins. If you're not sure what the laws are in your state (or the state you're traveling to), check with your local pharmacy. If you are flying internationally, the rules are determined by the country you are flying from, not TSA guidelines. Find out before you go and check the local laws where you're traveling to make sure vitamins that aren't listed are accepted there.

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How to pack vitamins for a flight

Unless your vitamins are labeled and you've gotten rid of the original packaging, it's best to keep them separate from the rest of your luggage. The easiest way to comply with TSA regulations and speed up security screening is to put all your vitamins together in a clear plastic ziplock bag. If you want to keep all your vitamins in order, you can put vitamins of the same type in sandwich-sized bags, and then put all the small bags in a large, clear bag. To reduce confusion, TSA encourages people to clearly label each bag with the name of the vitamin it contains.

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When you arrive at the TSA checkpoint at the airport, you must remove the vitamin bag from your luggage so that it can be screened separately from your other belongings. You have two options for examination - X-ray and visual examination. The fastest and most common method of examination is X-ray imaging. You will take the bag or container of vitamins out of your luggage and place them in the screening container, and then they will go through the X-ray machine.

If you are not comfortable with the x-ray, you can speak to a TSA officer at the checkpoint and request a visual inspection of your vitamins. According to special TSA procedures, if you request a visual inspection, a TSA officer will manually inspect your vitamins to make sure they are not suspicious and do not pose a threat.

In any case, you may be subject to additional verification procedures before obtaining insurance. This may include checking in or checking other hand luggage.

(Video) Liquids That Do NOT Go In Bag for TSA (Regular Airport Security)

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FAQs

Can you bring unlabeled vitamins on a plane? ›

TSA has no restrictions on bringing vitamins in pill form and powder supplements in your checked luggage or carry-on bags. You can pack these items in their original packaging or transfer to pill organizers. You won't need to declare or show them to TSA agents when going through security.

How do I pack vitamins and medicine for a flight? ›

You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.

Will TSA throw away vitamins? ›

It's fair to wonder if your vitamins and supplements may be flagged during screening. Thankfully, flying with vitamins is not going to be an issue. What is this? According to the TSA, passengers can store their vitamins in both their checked luggage and their carry-on bags.

How do you take vitamins when traveling? ›

4 Tips for traveling with vitamins
  1. Liquid vitamins. Per TSA regulations, liquid supplements can only be transported below a certain amount: 3.4 oz or 100 mL. ...
  2. Look for vitamins that come in tablets, capsules and soft gels. ...
  3. Pack vitamins in carry-on bag. ...
  4. Have a pouch or pill case to store vitamins.
Nov 2, 2022

Can you take unmarked pills on a plane? ›

Can you take unmarked pills on a plane? You can take unmarked pills with you on a plane in carry-on and checked baggage. Your medication does not have to be in its original packaging.

Does TSA check your pills? ›

Since your pills will go through the standard x-ray screening process, it is possible that a TSA officer may ask you about them, especially if they are considered controlled substances. Keeping a detailed list of your medications on your smartphone or in a pocketbook is the best way to know exactly what you have.

Do my meds have to be in original bottle for carry-on bags? ›

TSA does not require medications to be in their original, labeled, prescription containers. However, using the original containers may limit delays or additional questioning. This is especially important if you have pain medications or other controlled substances.

How do you take vitamins in hand luggage? ›

Dry vitamins in your carry-on

You can keep them in their original bottles, put them in a daily pill minder or distribute them in any containers convenient for you. The Transportation Security Administration doesn't require you to declare them or pull them out of your bag unless asked.

What is not allowed in the carry-on bag? ›

Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

Can I bring a water bottle on a plane? ›

Tip #2: Reduce waste and save some money by bringing a reusable water bottle. So you can't bring H20 or any other liquids more than 3.4 oz. (well there are some exceptions) through security, but you CAN bring an empty bottle. Just fill it up on your way to boarding your flight after screening.

Do vitamins go in hand luggage? ›

Never worry about bringing vitamins on a plane, it is perfectly legal in both your carry-on and checked baggage. I would always bring vitamins in my carry-on and avoid liquid vitamins so that there are no limits to how much you can bring.

Can you take vitamin gummies through TSA? ›

How Much Can You Take? As long as your vitamins are in pill or another solid form, such as gummy vitamins, the TSA allows you to bring an unlimited amount of them in your carry-on luggage or checked bags (although you should expect them to go through X-ray or visual screening at the security checkpoint).

Do vitamins count as liquid TSA? ›

You're allowed to travel with vitamins in tablet, capsule, and soft gel form, per TSA regulations. Soft gels are not considered liquids. “You're allowed to travel with vitamins in tablet, capsule, and soft gel form, per TSA regulations.”

Is it OK to take vitamins overseas? ›

Yes, you can! According to the U.S. Customs & Border Protection: “Non-prescription medicines (also known as over-the-counter or OTC medicines), vitamins, herbs, and supplement products fall under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)."

Can you bring toothpaste on a plane? ›

Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

Can you store different pills in same container? ›

You can safely store most medications in the same organizer compartment with other drugs for short periods of time without them interacting. But check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure. Also, make sure your pillbox is filled correctly.

Can you take deodorant on a plane? ›

Stick deodorant is fine in any size. Well, almost any size… Powders and crystals are good to go as well. Spray, Gel, Liquid, Cream, Pastes, and Roll-On deodorants need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and placed in a clear quart-sized baggie.

Can you travel with pills not in bottles? ›

TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.

Why do medications need to stay in their original containers packages? ›

Heat, air, light and moisture may impact the effectiveness and safety of a medicine. The original container is designed to protect the medicine from these elements. Medicines such as solid dose cytotoxic preparations, finasteride and chlorpromazine always require special handling precautions.

Can you carry different medicines in the same bottle? ›

If you're packing medications, combining pills in one bottle could seem like a real space saver. But mixed-bag medicines are quite risky, says Matthew Grissinger, director of error-reporting programs at the nonprofit Institute for Safe Medication Practices.

Can you take needles in hand luggage? ›

Yes, you can take knitting needles or crochet hooks with you both in your hand baggage and hold luggage.

How much medicine can I take on a plane? ›

Medicines over 100ml or 100g, supported by a doctor's note or prescription are allowed through security. Please remove your medication from your hand luggage and place in a tray. Following x-ray screening, your bag may be subject to further inspection by a Security Officer.

Can I bring melatonin gummies on a plane? ›

Yes, you can bring melatonin gummies on a plane.

Why is peanut butter not allowed on planes? ›

Because the TSA considers the nut spread a liquid, plane passengers must limit the amount they bring in their carry-ons. Like all other liquids, passengers are limited to 3.4 oz or less of peanut butter in their carry-on bag, but can also put the snack in their checked baggage.

Can I take my purse and a backpack on a plane? ›

Most airlines allow passengers to bring on both a carry-on and a personal item like a backpack, laptop bag, purse, briefcase, shopping bag, etc. The general rule of thumb is that your personal item is smaller in dimension than your carry-on bag and it can fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Can I bring tweezers on a plane? ›

Checked Bags: Yes

Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Is bottled water free on airplanes? ›

Paying for water on a flight isn't illegal. The answer is, it's not illegal. Turns out the airlines are not obligated to supply free drinking water in the same way they are not obliged to offer free food.

Why is water bottle not allowed in flight? ›

According to the TSA, limiting containers to what can fit inside a quart-size bag prevents what former TSA administrator Kip Hawley once called a “critical diameter” to blow anything up. The size of the container precludes enough of a potentially explosive liquid from being carried on board.

Can I bring an empty stainless steel water bottle on a plane? ›

Yes, you can bring your reusable stainless steel water bottle with you on an airplane. Nowhere on the TSA website does it specify certain water bottle materials that cannot board the plane. As long as your stainless steel bottle was empty when it went through the security checkpoint, you should be good to go.

Do vitamins need to be in original containers when flying Canada? ›

The limit of two carry-on bags does not apply to medical supplies, equipment and mobility aids. Pack all medications in your carry-on baggage in their original, labelled containers to facilitate airport security and customs screening.

Are gummies considered liquid TSA? ›

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

What can you not carry in your hand luggage? ›

You cannot take any of these items as hand luggage or in the hold:
  • blasting caps.
  • detonators and fuses.
  • imitation explosive devices (including replica or model guns)
  • mines, grenades, and other explosive military stores.
  • fireworks and pyrotechnics.
  • smoke canisters.
  • smoke cartridges.
  • dynamite.

What medicines to carry while travelling? ›

Over-the-counter medicines
  • Diarrhea medicine (Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)
  • Antacid.
  • Antihistamine.
  • Motion sickness medicine.
  • Cough drops, cough suppressant, or expectorant.
  • Decongestant.
  • Pain and fever medicine (acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen)
  • Mild laxative.

Do gummies show up on airport xray? ›

Although they can detect food items, airport scanners cannot tell if they are edible. Whether the airport security staff considers the edibles to be suspicious varies. The edibles' packaging and odor could be giveaways. The edibles will appear in the scanner with the same orange color as every other organic material.

Can you take CBD oil gummies on a plane? ›

What Does TSA Say About CBD Gummies? Within the United States, you can fly with CBD products that contain less than 0.3 percent THC. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) technically explains that you can bring CBD gummies on an airplane in both your carry-on bag and your checked luggage.

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