Can You Bring Protein Powder On A Plane? (Know the TSA Guidelines!)

Sticking to your diet is essential whether you’re at home, on a business trip, or taking a vacation. And with protein powder being a staple in many peoples’ nutrition plans, many people want to know if they’re able to bring their protein powder on the plane.

According to TSA, you are able to bring protein powder in both your carry-on bag and your checked luggage. For more than 12 ounces, you need to put it in a separate bin for x-ray inspection, the same as you do a laptop. They may ask for a sample of the powder, but the agent has the final say.

This article will cover a bit more about the rules and regulations surrounding taking your protein powder aboard a plane. Let’s get started!

What Are TSA Rules Regarding Protein Powder?

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Protein powder is allowed in both carry-on and checked bags, according to the TSA. Protein powder is among the few items for which the TSA provides supplementary guidelines, stating:

“For X-ray screening, powder-like particles weighing more than 12 oz. / 350 mL should be placed in a particular bin.

They may require further screening, as well as the opening of containers. We recommend putting non-essential substances larger than 12 oz. in checked luggage for your convenience.”

However, always keep in mind that just because protein powder is allowed on the plane doesn’t mean it won’t have a risk of being confiscated. This is up to the TSA agent assisting you.

Should I Put My Protein Powder in a Separate Bin Through Xray?

If your protein powder is more than 12 ounces, you'll need to put it in a separate compartment when it passes through x-ray screening. This is the exact same thing you would do with electronics or liquids.

The x-rays should have no impact on the quality of your protein. However, if you are concerned about your protein being exposed to x-rays, you can speak with a TSA agent.

You have the right to ask about bypassing the x-ray scanner. However, in that situation, you may very certainly expect to be subjected to additional screening.

What Additional Screening Will TSA Do On My Protein Powder?

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The possibility of further screening is the major risk with getting protein powder past airport security. Powdered bombs and pharmaceuticals are common, which is one of the key reasons why TSA inspects powders more closely.

A TSA agent will take your protein powder to a different station, open the container, and examine the powder. They might even collect a little sample for testing purposes.

Related Read: How Strict Is JetBlue with Personal Item Size?

How Long Does Additional Screening Take?

This sort of testing occasionally necessitates the presence of a supervisor. If that supervisor is unavailable, you may have to wait for your protein powder to be screened. It's not uncommon to have to wait for an extra 15 to 20 minutes.

This could be a problem if you're running out of time to catch your flight. However, in most cases, you ought to be in and out in a matter of minutes.

What Is The Best Way To Bring Protein Powder On A Plane?

You won't have to worry about protein powder being confiscated or getting in trouble for bringing it because it's authorized.

However, you may want to consider how you will transfer it in order to limit your chances of receiving additional screening.

There are a number of options for transporting protein powder, some of which are preferable to others. For example, wrapping rectangular chunks of white protein powder with duct tape and securing them in a fake bottom in your black backpack is perhaps not the best solution.

So, here are a couple of ideas:

Original Container

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A TSA officer is less likely to question your protein powder if you keep it in its original packaging. Protein powder comes in very large quantities that can be tough to put in your carry-on and inconvenient to transport.

You could always buy a smaller package of protein powder that you can only use for traveling to make things easier.

Some brands have individual servings of the protein powder that are separately packed. This is convenient as they’re in the original container, and you can control how much you bring.

Related Read: How to Choose an 18x 14x8 Bag

Use A Ziploc Bag

Another alternative is to put your protein powder in a Ziploc bag to make transporting smaller amounts easier.

Some people combine all of the protein into one colossal bag, while others divide it into smaller bags (for each serving)

You can go either way, but if at all possible, try to keep my protein in a single packaged container. If you're concerned about being interrogated, you could always attach a label to the bag. It's possible that simply writing "protein" on the bag will suffice.

You might believe that bringing your unlabeled powdery material in a Ziploc bag is a poor idea, yet protein in plastic bags is accepted by many airlines without additional screening.

Store It In Your Shaker Cup

Put your protein powder bags in your shaker bottle if you want to drive home a message to TSA that you're a fitness fanatic vacationing with your protein powder.

Because they can more quickly build the relationship among your powder, and this being a fitness supplement, some agents may grant you a clearance.

However, we wouldn't recommend putting your protein in your shaker bottle without an additional bag since it could spill or splatter more easily while testing.

Related Read: What Does 100 ml Look Like?

Is There a Limit on How Much Protein Powder I Can Bring on a Plane?

There are no restrictions as to how much protein powder you can carry in your carry-on. However, all containers containing more than 12 oz of protein powder must be placed in a different bin for X-ray screening.

These rules apply to both domestic and foreign aircraft leaving the United States. If you're flying out of a foreign nation, the restrictions for that country's airport security will apply. When in doubt, you can always contact the TSA.

What Are Some Alternatives to Protein Powder That Are Plane Friendly?

Sometimes it’s a toss-up with protein powder, as it’s a powdery substance. If you end up crossings strict TSA agents, they may not let you bring your protein on the plane.

Therefore, some people turn to protein powder alternatives to ensure they’re still able to keep up with their diets.

Protein Bars

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Consider packing the equal protein in bar form instead of a ton of powder, which would be bypass the extra TSA screening. The TSA is unconcerned about food products being transported in carry-on or checked baggage.

While on your journey, numerous relatively palatable protein snacks might replace your powder.

Related Read: How Strict Is Frontier With Personal Item Size Limit?

Shipping it Ahead

Perhaps you'd prefer to disregard TSA limitations and the effort of packing thoroughly. In this instance, you can just ship as much protein powder as you anticipate using prior to your vacation. Then, on your return flight, you can carry the empty bag with you.

This is a little pricey, but many people think it's worth it. There are, of course, other considerations to consider while transporting protein powder in this manner.

Freight firms, in particular, are notorious for misplacing parcels! If severe weather delays delivery or a sloppy package carrier misplaces your shipment, you'll be glad you included the protein powder.