Can You Bring Vitamins on a Plane?

Like most health-conscious jet-setters, you’re probably wondering if you can bring vitamins on a plane.

The answer, in most cases, is yes! Supplements can be packed in your carry-on or checked bags with no special labeling required.[1]

Keep reading for tips on how to pack your vitamins in a carry-on or checked bag, information on researching supplement ingredient restrictions in other countries, and other important considerations when traveling domestically in the US or internationally with supplements.

Note: All countries may have different security requirements. Be sure to review this information for all countries you’re visiting before traveling.

How to Pack Vitamins for a Flight

Knowing you can bring your vitamins on a plane can be a real relief, especially if you rely on them to feel your best and/or support immune function during travel.

Here’s how to pack vitamins for a flight in your carry-on or checked bag.

How to Pack Vitamins in Your Carry-On

Carry-on is typically the best place to pack your vitamins to ensure they arrive at your destination.

Capsules, tablets, gummies, soft gels, and other vitamins and supplements in pill form can be packed as-is in their original packaging or divided into baggies or pill containers with no special labeling required.

Powdered vitamins, such as protein powders or powdered vitamin C, can also be carried on. However, if they are over 12 ounces (350 ml), they must be placed in a separate bin for additional X-rays and may require further screening.[2]

Since many illegal substances are powders, it’s also a good idea to keep powders in their original packaging, especially when traveling internationally.

When traveling with carry-on or checked bags, it’s best to limit your supplements to a 90-day supply. 

Traveling with an excessive amount of supplements may signal they’re intended for more than personal use, or suggest you’re planning to stay in a foreign country longer than your travel visa, or the law allows.

What About Liquid Vitamins in a Carry-On?

For the United States, liquid vitamins are permitted in carry-on bags, provided they are packaged in accordance with the TSA's rules for liquids in carry-on bags.

Specifically, all carry-on liquids must be stored in 3.4-ounce (100 ml) or smaller containers and packed with other liquids in a clear ziploc bag.[3]

Any liquid in a container larger than 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag or surrendered to TSA.

Supplement packing pro tip: Clean, 2-ounce tincture bottles are a great way to carry liquid vitamins; just be sure to wrap with a thin layer of clear bubble wrap if they’re glass.

How to Pack Vitamins in Your Checked Bag

If you’re concerned about taking vitamins through the TSA screening area or simply don’t feel like portioning out your liquid supplements, packing them in your checked bag is the way to go.

Capsules, tablets, pellets, soft gels, and any supplement in pill form can be packed in their original packaging or divided up into baggies or different containers and placed in your checked bag.

Powders can also be packed as-is or divided up (double-bag to avoid leakage if you’re taking them out of their original containers); however, it’s generally best to leave them in their original packaging to avoid any security issues.

If you wish to pack a protein powder, for example, consider bringing a smaller container or travel-size pouches.

Liquids may be placed directly in your checked bag and are not required to be in 3.4-ounce containers or in a ziploc bag (although the ziploc is recommended to prevent leakage).

Supplement packing pro trips: 

• Wrap any glass supplement bottles in bubble wrap and place them in ziplock bags to prevent leakage. Keep the bubble wrap minimal to make inspections easier
• Softgels and liquid-caps should also be placed in ziplocs, as air pressure changes may cause leakage
• Be sure to tightly seal all your supplement bottles before travel

As mentioned previously, the information in this article reflects TSA rules and guidelines for traveling with supplements. Different destinations and specific airlines may have other rules and restrictions, so always check before packing.

Are There Any Supplements I Can’t Bring on a Plane?

The answer to this question varies based on your destination and its laws and regulations about supplements.

For example, some ingredients in United States-manufactured supplements, such as CBD, human growth hormone (HGH), certain herbs, high-dose vitamins, or other substances, may be illegal or restricted in different countries.

Always check the laws of the destination country/countries to ensure your supplements are legal.

Additional Tips for Bringing Supplements on a Plane

Packing supplements for travel isn’t rocket science, but there are some ways to make it more efficient, convenient, and minimize or avoid hassles.

• Going on a short trip? Pack your pills in smaller bags or containers to save space. Again, no special labeling required.
• Taking a long trip? Leave supplements in their original packaging to save time and effort.
• Got glass bottles? Consider switching to plastic or wrapping glass bottles in bubble wrap and placing them in Ziploc bags.
• Worried about EMFs? Although there’s no evidence to suggest EMFs alter (or don’t alter) your supplements, there are EMF-blocking travel bags you can use as a potentially protective measure. Some EMF-conscious influencers recommend wrapping supplements in aluminum foil, although there’s no evidence to support this.

• Got liquid supplements? Leave some headspace. In addition to following TSA rules about liquids in carry-on, leave at least half an inch of headspace at the top of your liquid supplement bottles, as liquids can expand during air travel.

• Got gummies? Consider the heat factor. Although airplanes are generally cold, gummies that sit on a tarmac or non-climate-controlled area in the summer or a hot climate could melt and stick together. Carrying them on may help avoid this.

• Packing protein powders for an international trip? Check your labels & customs regulations. Some protein powders may contain ingredients, such as creatine, that are tightly regulated or prohibited in other countries.

• Think twice before traveling internationally with syrups or honey. The density of syrups and honey can trigger a security risk in some places, and you may be forced to surrender them before your flight.

Finally, when traveling internationally, don’t rely on forums or social media to determine what types of supplements, herbs, or high-dose supplements are legal or unrestricted. 

Always check government websites, embassies, and consulates for the most up-to-date information on your destination and layover destinations.

The Best Vitamins for Travel

Whether you take vitamins regularly or not, it’s a good idea to bring a multivitamin, digestive enzyme, and immune-support supplement with you whenever you travel. 

The multivitamin will help make up for any essential vitamins and minerals you may be missing while eating away from home. 

A digestive enzyme can help promote digestive health while on the go and enjoying new and exciting foods.

An immune-support supplement, such as zinc lozenges, probiotics, and/or vitamin C, can help promote strong defenses while navigating public spaces and unfamiliar places.[4]

Magnesium may also be helpful for keeping your sleep and elimination on track and promoting relaxation.

Shop Country Life Vitamins to prepare for your trip, and safe and healthy travels!

References Mentioned in This Article

1. “Vitamins.” Transportation Security Administration. TSA.gov. Accessed 09/26/2025
2. “Protein or Energy Powders”. Transportation Security Administration. TSA.gov. Accessed 09/26/2025
3. “Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule.” Transportation Security Administration. TSA.gov. Accessed 09/26/2025.
4. “Clinically proven natural products, vitamins, and minerals in boosting up immunity: A comprehensive review”. Heliyon.