I’ve had my fair share of travels, both for leisure and business. I also make sure to bring my vitamins with me to keep up with my health even if I am away from home. While I’ve traveled a couple of times, I always check and make sure that I can bring my vitamins with me on a plane. TSA can be pretty scary, especially if you don’t know the rules.
If you are wondering if you can take vitamins with you on a plane, the answer is yes. You can take vitamins on a plane whether they are solid, soft gels, or liquid vitamins. However, there are still rules that you have to follow, especially for liquid vitamins.
If you are still not sure about taking your vitamins with you when you travel by air, don’t fret! This article will talk about taking vitamins on a plane in detail. We will also be giving you some tips on how to pack your vitamins to make your TSA screening a breeze!
Can You Take Vitamins On A Plane?
As we all know, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is very strict regarding what you are bringing on the plane with you. They have these rules and regulations in place for everyone’s safety.
If you are an infrequent traveler, you might get nervous about bringing vitamins or powdered supplements on the plane. With TSA’s strict regulations, you don’t have to worry about bringing your vitamins when you travel by air.
According to TSA, vitamins are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage. You can bring vitamins in any quantity on a plane. However, you still need to follow TSA rules if you are going to bring liquid vitamins.
TSA has specific rules when it comes to liquids and that includes liquid vitamins. If your liquid vitamins are prescribed by your doctor and they come in a large bottle (more than 100 mL or 3.4 oz), you can bring them in your carry-on bag. However, you must declare your prescribed medications to a TSA officer before you undergo the screening process. You will also have to show your prescription to security to prove that your medication is medically necessary.
If your vitamins are not prescribed, you have to follow the 3-1-1 rule. Place your liquid vitamins in 100 mL or 3.4 oz containers and place them in a quart-sized ziplock bag together with your other liquid items (shampoo, lotion, mouthwash, etc.).
Soft gel vitamins are not considered liquids so you don’t have to place them in your quart-sized container for liquids. If you are bringing powdered vitamins in your carry-on luggage, they need to be 350 mL (12 oz) or less. If they exceed 350 mL (12 oz), they will be screened separately and will not be allowed in the cabin unless they are placed in 350 mL containers.
Tips On Packing Vitamins For Air Travel
You can definitely take your vitamins with you on a plane and they can be placed in your carry-on or checked baggage. Here are some tips that will help you pack your vitamins so you will have a hassle-free TSA screening before your flight.
Place Your Vitamins In A Container
If you are only traveling for a couple of days, you probably don’t have to bring the whole packet or bottle of vitamins with you. Using a pill organizer will help you store your vitamins easily. Pill organizers will also make it easier for you to take your vitamins mid-flight if needed.
Make sure to use containers that can fit into your carry-on baggage. There are small pill organizers if you don’t need to take a lot of vitamins when you travel. There are also larger containers if you have a lot of vitamins or supplements to take. Make sure that solid vitamins packed in a pill organizer are labeled so you know which vitamins you need to take.
You can also buy a pill organizer with daytime and nighttime compartments. This can be handy if you are taking long-haul flights.
Take Vitamins That Come In Tablets, Soft Gel Capsules, Or Pill Form
Tablets, soft gel capsules, pills, or even gummy vitamins are allowed in your carry-on or checked luggage. You can also bring them in unlimited amounts. Just make sure that they are screened by TSA properly.
While you can bring liquid vitamins in your carry-on bags, you need to follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. However, there is an exception to this rule. If your liquid vitamins are prescribed to you by your doctor, you can bring liquid vitamins in large amounts in your carry-on. But, you have to declare the vitamins to security before going through TSA screening. You will also need to present your doctor’s prescription for proof that the liquid vitamins are medically necessary for your travel.
If you absolutely need to pack liquid vitamins that are more than 100 mL but are they not prescribed to you, place them in your checked bags. Do this if you do not need access to your vitamins during the flight.
Follow TSA Liquid Regulations
As we said earlier, you can bring liquid vitamins on a plane. However, you need to follow the 3-1-1 regulations.
For liquid vitamins that do not have a prescription, they need to be in 100 mL or 3.4 oz containers and placed in a quart-sized ziplock bag. As you are only allowed one quart-sized bag, liquid vitamins and other liquids such as shampoo or lotion need to fit in said bag.
Keep Your Vitamins In Your Carry-On Bag
If you are going on long-haul flights, keeping your vitamins in your carry-on will ensure that you can take your vitamins as scheduled. You don’t want to miss taking your vitamins, especially if they are prescribed to you by your doctor.
Bring A Water Bottle
Yes, you can’t bring containers filled with liquid that is more than 100 mL if you plan on placing it in your carry-on bag and that includes a water bottle filled with water. However, you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it up after screening.
You can always ask a flight attendant for water if you forgot to bring your water bottle. But, if you need to take your vitamins while waiting for your flight, a water bottle will definitely come in handy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vitamins Need To Be Original Bottles When Flying?
Vitamins don’t need to remain in their original bottles when you take them on a plane. You can definitely put your vitamins in pill organizers or whatever container is convenient for you. However, you can also take vitamins that are in their original bottles if that is what you prefer.
If you are bringing prescription vitamins, leave them in their original bottles as you will need to inform TSA about them anyway and you will also need your prescription to prove that they are indeed prescription vitamins. In many cases, it’s unlikely that TSA will actually check this but it is best to be prepared for any important prescription items.
Can You Take Your Vitamins During Your Flight?
Yes, you can take your vitamins during your flight. Once you have cleared the TSA screening and your vitamins are not questioned by security, you can take your vitamins during your flight.
Can You Take Unmarked Pills On A Plane?
Yes, you can take your vitamin pills on the plane if they are not in their original prescription bottle. It is not required by TSA so you can put your vitamins in pill boxes or organizers. If you are bringing prescription vitamins, you can bring them in their original bottle.
Final Thoughts
When traveling, it is important to be on top of your health so taking your vitamins on a plane is a must. It can be nerve-wracking to pack your vitamins as TSA has pretty tight security.
You’d be happy to know that you can take vitamins on a plane. You can bring any amount of pills, soft gels, or capsules. However, there are rules for liquid vitamins and prescription medicines. We have discussed these in the article to help you pass through TSA with confidence.
If you have any other questions, let us know. Happy travels!
