Michael Turner
Short recommendation: Keep containers of fine dry substances at or below 350 mL (12 oz) in cabin baggage; containers larger than that should be transferred to checked baggage or be prepared for secondary screening and possible refusal at security checkpoints.
Allowed examples that normally pass cabin security screening include small quantities of protein mixes, spice blends, flour, sugar in fine form, talc-based cosmetics and dry infant formula; medically necessary powdered medications or supplements are permitted with documentation and should be presented separately for inspection.
Packing rules that improve acceptance: leave items in original, clearly labelled packaging; place each container in a resealable clear plastic bag; carry receipts or doctor’s notes for medicinal items; during screening remove suspicious containers from carry-on when requested. Expect that containers over 350 mL (12 oz) will trigger additional inspection and may be denied carriage in the cabin.
Regulatory variability: security limits differ by country and airline – some airports impose stricter thresholds or outright bans on certain fine dry substances. Verify both departure and arrival security pages and the airline’s carriage rules before travel; customs rules may also restrict transport of food-grade or chemical materials across borders.
Fail-safe approach: split large quantities into multiple containers of ≤350 mL (12 oz), or place bulk amounts in checked baggage. When carrying essential medical or infant supplies, carry supporting documentation and arrive at the checkpoint early to allow for additional screening.
Airline and country limits for dry granular materials in cabin
Place dry granular materials exceeding 350 mL into checked bags; US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) applies secondary screening to containers over 12 oz/350 mL and may refuse carriage in the cabin if items cannot be cleared.
United States
TSA: 12 oz / 350 mL threshold for carry-on screening. Containers above that size require additional inspection; if screening cannot resolve a security concern, items will be denied in the cabin and must be checked or surrendered. Infant formula and medically necessary powdered products are allowed in reasonable quantities but must be declared and may be opened for inspection; bring prescriptions or documentation when relevant.
International carriers and national variations
Many countries and airlines mirror TSA practice, but no single global standard exists: several EU and UK airports apply similar 350 mL guidance, while select carriers or departure airports enforce smaller limits or outright bans for certain fine dry particulates. Actions to reduce risk: check the departure airport security page and the airline’s prohibited items list 72 hours before travel; keep items in original, labeled containers; separate suspect materials in an easy-to-inspect outer pocket or clear bag; if in doubt, move the item to checked carriage. Related resource: best craftsman lawn mowers.
How to pack powdered cosmetics, supplements and protein for security
Keep powdered cosmetics, supplements and protein in original, labelled containers and carry only the trip’s needed portion in the cabin bag; place bulk tubs in checked baggage.
Packing steps
- Transfer single-serving amounts into clear, resealable plastic sachets or small screw-top jars; label each with product name and net weight using a permanent marker or printed sticker.
- Keep original packaging (label, ingredient list, manufacturer contact) with the items – security staff rely on visible product IDs more than handwritten notes.
- Seal lids with tamper-evident tape or apply a piece of cling film under screw caps to prevent spills and reduce residue on container exteriors.
- Double-bag containers: place jars or sachets inside a clear zip-lock then inside a soft pouch to cushion and contain any escape of material during screening.
- For protein tubs, remove the scoop and place inside the container, or store scoops separately in a small sealed bag to avoid loose remnants in zippers and pockets.
- Replace loose cosmetic pigments with pressed alternatives where possible (compact foundation, cream highlighter) to avoid extra inspection delays.
Documentation and handling at checkpoints
- Carry prescription notes or doctor letters for medicated supplements; include original prescription labels and a translated ingredient list if travelling internationally.
- Print product safety data sheets or manufacturer ingredient lists for supplements and technical cosmetics when formulation is uncommon or proprietary.
- Place all powdered items in an external compartment of the cabin bag or a separate small tray-ready pouch to speed visual inspection; present items separately if asked by security staff.
- If an item is selected for additional screening, cooperate by opening containers and showing labels; sealed single-serve sachets often pass visual inspection faster than loose bulk.
- When in doubt about screening delays or refusals, pack larger quantities in checked baggage before arrival at the checkpoint to avoid confiscation or travel disruption.
Checklist before leaving for the airport: original labels + ingredient lists, single-serve portions in clear bags, taped lids, prescription documentation where needed, and a dedicated pouch positioned for easy access at security.
Rules for dry infant formula and other infant foods in carry-on
Declare dry infant formula, sterile water and ready-to-feed milk at the security checkpoint and present each item separately for X-ray or manual inspection.
Allowed quantities and screening expectations
Breast milk, prepared formula and infant food qualify for exclusion from the 100 ml/3.4 fl oz liquid limit in many jurisdictions; these items may be carried in volumes necessary for the trip and will undergo additional screening. Dry formula or similar dehydrated infant food in containers larger than 350 ml (approximately 12 oz) is likely to trigger extra checks or require opening for testing; consider dividing into containers under 350 ml to reduce delays. Security officers may request functional testing (e.g., swab or opening) before approving carriage onboard.
Packing, mixing and inflight handling
Keep dry formula in original, labeled packaging where possible and secure scoop(s) separately in a sealed bag. Pre-measure single-use portions into clearly sealed pouches or small jars for fast inspection. Bring bottled or sterile water for reconstitution; declared feeding liquids for infants are commonly allowed in quantities exceeding 100 ml and will be screened. For long itineraries, pack sufficient formula and water for at least 24–48 hours of travel plus a safety margin. If a container must be opened by security, reseal with tape and place inside a sealed plastic bag to prevent contamination. Flight attendants routinely assist with warm water and warming bottles – request assistance after cabin crew briefing.
For organization and easier inspection, store feeding supplies in a dedicated travel organizer such as the best rolling travel tote; small items and a compact umbrella fit well in external pockets, for example the best double layer inverted umbrella.
Documentation and labeling required for prescription and medical granules
Carry original prescription, pharmacy‑labelled container and a dated physician’s letter stating diagnosis, treatment regimen, total quantity and necessity for travel; present these to security or customs when requested.
Mandatory documents
Required paperwork typically includes: a signed prescription (physician name, signature, licence number), pharmacy label showing patient name and drug details, and a physician’s letter on clinic or hospital letterhead specifying clinical justification, daily dose, route of administration and total amount for the trip (expressed in both units and weight). If medication contains controlled substances, obtain prior written permission or import permit from destination authority.
| Document / Label | Minimum content | When required |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription (paper) | Prescriber name, contact, licence; medication name (generic + brand), strength, dose, date | Always; necessary for verification and pharmacy refills abroad |
| Pharmacy‑labelled container | Patient full name, drug name, strength, quantity, dispensing date, pharmacy contact | Standard proof of legitimate dispensing |
| Physician’s letter | Diagnosis, treatment plan, daily dose, total amount required, signature and clinic stamp | Highly recommended; often required for controlled agents |
| Import/export permit | Official form from destination authority authorising entry of controlled drugs | Mandatory for narcotics, stimulants and some psychotropics in certain countries |
| Translated copies | English translation plus local language if available; notarisation optional | Useful where original documents are not in English |
Labeling, packaging and practical steps
Keep medication in original dispensing containers with intact labels; supplement with a concise summary card listing full name, medication name (generic), dose schedule, total quantity and prescriber contact. State total mass (grams) and number of units on both label and physician letter to assist security screening. Store a printed set of documents and a digital backup accessible offline.
For controlled substances: verify destination regulations early; several countries (for example Japan, UAE, parts of the Middle East) require an import permit or advance notification. Declare items at customs when required; undocumented or incorrectly labelled items risk seizure, fines or refusal of entry.
What to expect at security screening and how flagged dry substances are handled
Present dry substances in clear, resealable bags and place containers near the top of cabin baggage for quick inspection.
Typical screening steps
Items that appear abnormal on X‑ray are selected for secondary inspection: visual assessment, request to open the container, emptying contents into a tray and manual examination. A single‑use swab is often taken for explosive trace detection (ETD) using portable ion mobility spectrometers or similar devices. If the ETD result is negative the item is returned; a positive or inconclusive result triggers a chemical field test or laboratory analysis. Results from field devices usually arrive within minutes; laboratory confirmation can take hours and may lead to seizure while analysis is pending.
How flagged items are handled and traveler options
When an item is flagged, security officers may require: transfer to checked baggage, disposal on the spot, or refusal of carriage. Cooperation speeds the process: allow inspection, open packaging on request, and accept transfer to checked baggage where permitted. Requesting escalation to a supervisor is appropriate if identification is disputed. For infant or medical items, request a private inspection; special screening protocols and faster handling are commonly applied to those categories.
Options for transporting large quantities or restricted powdered chemicals
Ship large or restricted powdered chemicals as regulated cargo using an air freight or sea-freight airway bill with a completed Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, a current Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and the correct UN number and Proper Shipping Name marked on outer packaging.
Packaging and classification
Use UN-approved packaging matched to the material’s hazard class and Packing Group (I, II or III). Common acceptable formats: 1A1 steel drums for corrosives/strong oxidizers, 4G fiberboard boxes for inner bottles/liners, 6HA wooden drums and UN-certified FIBC (big bags) for non-reactive bulk solids. Inner receptacles must be secured, protected with absorbent/ cushioning where leakage would create a hazard, and limited to the net quantity specified by the relevant Packing Instruction. For combustible dusts select conductive or antistatic FIBCs (Type C) and avoid packaging that generates static.
Classify based on SDS data: determine UN number, hazard class (oxidizer, toxic, corrosive, infectious, self-reactive), and Packing Group. If classification is unclear, obtain laboratory testing or a formal opinion from a qualified dangerous-goods specialist; misclassification risks rejection, fines and carrier liability.
Transport modes, permits and carrier selection
Choose mode by weight, urgency and regulatory status: air cargo for smaller urgent consignments and where the commodity is permitted by IATA/ICAO; sea freight (IMDG) for bulk shipments (commonly chosen for >100 kg or pallet/tank quantities); road/rail under ADR/RID within contiguous regions for land movement. Many passenger aircraft operators prohibit certain solid oxidizers, organic peroxides and large quantities of flammable solids from being carried on passenger flights, so plan air shipments on freighter aircraft or as cargo only.
Obtain necessary government permits and export controls before booking: export license or ECCN declaration for dual‑use chemicals, DEA or national precursor permits for controlled substances, CWC declarations for Schedule chemicals, and REACH/CLP pre-registration or notifications for EU imports where applicable. Customs brokerage must be arranged and commercial invoices must state HS codes, net weights, and end‑use statements if required by the importing authority.
Use a freight forwarder or carrier that lists dangerous goods acceptance and provides a written DG booking confirmation. Request the carrier’s IATA/IMDG operator variations and state variations in advance. For couriers, confirm hazardous materials capability; many express services accept limited classes and quantities only. Retain transport documents, DG paperwork and chain‑of‑custody signatures for audit periods typically 2–5 years depending on jurisdiction.
Consider alternatives that reduce regulatory burden: convert material into a non‑restricted physical form (e.g., dissolved solution or encapsulation) only after safety and regulatory review; ship samples under limited quantity exemptions with proper markings for R&D rather than full bulk consignments when feasible.
Purchase transit insurance covering hazardous goods and verify carrier liability limits for dangerous shipments. For first-time international moves, schedule a pre‑shipment inspection and pre‑advice to the receiving facility to ensure compliance with local receipt and storage requirements.
FAQ:
Can I bring protein powder or other food powders in my carry-on?
Yes, you can usually bring powdered foodstuffs in your hand luggage, but security checks differ by country. In the United States and many other jurisdictions, powders in containers larger than 12 oz (350 mL) are subject to extra screening and might be refused on some international routes. Smaller, clearly labeled containers normally pass without special handling. Be prepared for staff to open, test or discard powders that cannot be cleared. If the powder is a medical supplement or part of a prescribed diet, carry a prescription or a note and declare it at the checkpoint to reduce the chance of delays.
Are baby formula, powdered medicines and cosmetic powders treated differently at airport checkpoints?
Yes. Baby formula and powdered medications are typically allowed in amounts exceeding standard liquid limits; you should tell the security officer you have them and present them separately for screening. Officers may swab, X-ray or inspect these items, and frozen items should remain frozen until screening. Keep prescriptions, packaging or a doctor’s note handy to confirm medical need. Cosmetic powders and bulk toiletry powders follow the same size rule as other powders: containers above 12 oz (350 mL) often require additional screening and can be subject to restriction on certain flights. Because policies vary between airports and airlines, check the security guidance for your departure airport and carrier before you travel. If you want to avoid the risk of extra checks or disposal, pack larger amounts in checked baggage and carry only a small, clearly marked portion in the cabin.
