admin
TSA limits carry-on liquids to 3.4 oz (100 mL) per container inside a single clear quart bag; medically necessary liquids and medications exceeding that amount are allowed but must be declared to the officer at the checkpoint. Powders greater than 12 oz (≈350 mL) carried onboard may require additional screening and, if not cleared, will need to be placed in checked baggage or removed.
Pack solid supplements (tablets, capsules, chewables) in your hand baggage for easy access and to avoid loss if checked pieces are delayed. Keep containers in their original packaging showing product name and ingredients; photograph labels and retain purchase receipts or a physician’s note for prescription products or proprietary blends.
For liquid formats, secure caps with tape, add a sealed zip-top bag and an absorbent layer (paper towel) to contain leaks. Place liquid containers in the center of a checked case surrounded by soft clothing to minimize rupture risk. Smaller travel vials under 100 mL for carry-on use work best for day-of-travel needs.
Check carrier rules before departure: typical first checked allowance on many U.S. carriers is 50 lb (23 kg) with overweight fees above that; international allowance often rises to 70 lb (32 kg) depending on fare class and route. Confirm weight, size and hazardous-materials restrictions on the airline’s website or via customer service to avoid surprises at the airport.
Customs at destination may prohibit or restrict specific ingredients (melatonin and certain hormones commonly require documentation or are banned in some countries). Research the destination’s import list, carry a signed doctor’s note and a list of active ingredients, and declare controlled or high-dose items on arrival forms when required.
Quick checklist: pack liquids >100 mL in checked case or declare at security; keep solids in carry-on with labels and prescriptions; double-bag liquids, tape lids, cushion inside checked case; verify airline weight/fee rules; verify destination import rules and carry documentation.
Transporting dietary supplements on a major carrier
Pack supplements in your carry-on when feasible; solid forms (tablets, capsules) are accepted in both cabin and checked bags without a specific quantity limit, while liquid or gel formulations brought into the cabin must follow the 3.4 oz (100 mL) / quart-bag restriction.
Security thresholds: carry-on liquids/ gels limited to 3.4 oz (100 mL) each inside a single quart-sized clear bag. Powdered supplements larger than 12 oz (350 mL) in carry-on are subject to additional screening and may need to be placed in checked baggage or presented separately at the checkpoint.
Medically prescribed liquid products and injectable supplies may exceed the 3.4 oz limit but should be accompanied by a prescription or a physician’s note and declared at the security checkpoint; syringes and needles are permitted in the cabin when documented and packed according to the carrier’s sharps rules.
For checked bags, protect fragile or liquid-filled containers from crushing and temperature exposure: use sealed, watertight containers, wrap glass in soft clothing, and place items in the center of the bag away from hard edges. Expect cabin cargo areas to experience wider temperature swings and pressure variations that can degrade oils, probiotics and other temperature-sensitive formulations.
Keep products in original labeled packaging and retain purchase receipts or prescriptions to reduce screening delays and support customs clearance. Remove excess packaging to save space but preserve a clear label showing ingredients and manufacturer.
International travelers must verify import restrictions at the destination; some countries prohibit specific ingredients (for example, ephedra derivatives, certain high-dose melatonin formulations, or unapproved herbal extracts) or limit allowable quantities. When in doubt, consult the airline’s policy page and the destination country’s customs website before travel.
Carry-on liquid limits: allowed sizes for liquid supplements and sprays
Pack all liquid supplements and spray products in containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) and place them together in one clear, resealable 1‑quart (1 L) plastic bag for carry-on screening.
Specific size and packing rules
- Maximum per container: 100 ml (3.4 fl oz).
- Total container placement: all containers must fit comfortably inside a single clear resealable quart (approximately 1 L) bag; one bag per passenger.
- Aerosols and pump sprays are treated as liquids for carry-on purposes and must meet the 100 ml/1‑quart rule unless otherwise exempt.
- Keep containers with visible capacity markings or original packaging to speed up inspection; unlabeled containers risk being rejected.
Medical / prescription liquids and practical tips
- Medically necessary liquid doses (prescription oral liquids, injectable meds, insulin, etc.) are exempt from the 100 ml limit but must be declared at security and presented separately for inspection; bring prescriptions or medical documentation when available.
- For sprays containing flammable propellants or hazardous chemicals (certain aerosol sunscreens, industrial sprays, self‑defense sprays), expect restrictions or prohibition in the cabin; consult carrier or departure screening authority before travel.
- Reduce bulk by using travel-size pump bottles or single‑dose sachets; transfer liquids into labeled travel containers showing milliliter or ounce capacity.
- Place the resealable bag at the top of your carry-on or in a dedicated bin during security screening to speed processing and avoid spills.
- If larger quantities are required, store them in checked hold when allowed by airline and local regulation; pressurized aerosol rules for checked bags may still apply.
Checked-bag rules: sealed pill containers & larger liquid supplements
Pack sealed pill containers and liquid supplements inside a waterproof, resealable plastic bag and position them in the center of the checked bag, surrounded by soft clothing to absorb shock and prevent impact on caps or seals.
Packing steps
- Keep solids in original, labeled containers when possible; place prescription labels or a photo of the prescription inside the bag.
- For liquid formulations over 100 mL / 3.4 oz, use double containment: screw-top sealed container → zip-top bag → padded compartment.
- Tape lids or use tamper-evident seals to reduce risk of leakage from pressure changes.
- Add a paper towel or absorbent pad inside the zip bag to contain minor spills.
- Place heavy or rigid containers in the suitcase core; fragile containers near the center, away from zippers and external seams.
Restricted items and hazards
- Pressurized aerosol sprays and propellant-based sprays may be limited by dangerous-goods rules; avoid packing spray supplement products in checked baggage unless the carrier permits them.
- Alcohol-based tinctures with high ethanol content can be classed as flammable liquids – check the product’s safety data sheet (SDS) and airline hazardous-goods policy before packing.
- Bulk commercial quantities or samples intended for resale often require special paperwork and are frequently prohibited in passenger checked bags.
Checked baggage is not subject to the 3.4 oz (100 mL) carry-on liquid restriction; however, security screening, airline hazardous-goods policies, and destination regulations still apply. X-ray scanning will occur and does not damage pills, but temperature and pressure in the cargo hold can affect heat- or freeze-sensitive formulations – ship those via temperature-controlled courier or keep them in a cabin bag when temperature stability is needed.
- Before travel, consult the airline’s dangerous-goods/checked-baggage page and, for international trips, the aviation authority at both origin and destination.
- Document contents with photos and receipts; this helps with customs questions and claims if damage occurs.
- If unsure about a specific product (sprays, flammable tinctures, pressurized items), contact the airline or check the IATA Dangerous Goods list for passenger allowances.
Packaging and labeling: using original containers, prescriptions and documentation to prevent seizure
Recommendation: Keep all oral supplements in their original, tamper-evident containers with visible manufacturer or pharmacy labels and transport only quantities that match supporting prescriptions or medical notes.
Original packaging details: Leave product boxes, seals and instruction leaflets intact; ensure each container shows manufacturer name, lot/batch number, active-ingredient list, concentration (mg/ml or mg per unit) and expiration date.
Pharmacy label requirements: Pharmacy labels must display patient full name as on ID, prescribing clinician, Rx number, dispensing date and clear dosage instructions. Labels without a matching name increase likelihood of secondary inspection or seizure.
Doctor’s letter and prescription specifics: Provide a signed letter on clinic letterhead with patient name, generic names of active ingredients, exact dosages, diagnosis or medical indication, dosing schedule, prescriber name, license/registration number, contact telephone/email and date issued. Attach the original prescription order or a photographed copy showing Rx number and pharmacy stamp.
Translations and international travel: Translate the doctor’s letter and prescription into the destination country’s official language(s) or into English if needed; include a notarized translation for countries that require certified documents.
Digital and paper backups: Store scanned PDFs of prescriptions, the doctor’s letter and photos of labels in a secure cloud folder and keep at least one printed copy accessible in hand baggage for presentation to security or customs officials.
Quantity and consistency: Transport only medically necessary amounts supported by documentation (typical acceptable period: 30–90 days). Large, mismatched quantities or loose, unlabeled doses raise seizure risk.
Controlled ingredients and restricted compounds: Verify whether active ingredients (for example: melatonin, pseudoephedrine, CBD, stimulants, certain hormones) are restricted or require special permits at origin and destination; if a permit is required, obtain it and carry the original paperwork.
Presentation at checkpoints: Keep all medicinal items and their paperwork together and accessible; present them proactively on request and point to matching names, Rx numbers and signed letters rather than opening sealed packaging unnecessarily.
Security screening: what to expect at TSA checkpoints and how to avoid delays
Arrive at the terminal at least 2 hours before domestic departures and 3 hours before international departures; add 30–60 extra minutes for peak travel days or major hubs.
Have photo ID and boarding pass open on your phone or printed and ready for the agent. If enrolled in Known Traveler programs, confirm the Known Traveler Number is added to the reservation to access expedited queues.
Expect the sequence: ID check → X‑ray belt → walk‑through metal detector or whole‑body scanner → possible swab/hand inspection. Typical single‑person throughput for a standard lane is 3–5 minutes; PreCheck lanes are commonly under 2 minutes per passenger.
Items most likely to trigger additional inspection: dense clusters of items, loose powders greater than 12 oz (350 mL) in carry items, large electronics, concealed liquids not declared, and unexpected organic residue on swabs. If a tray alarms, agents may request separate screening of individual items and open sealed containers.
When selected for secondary screening, expect text or verbal notice, a manual inspection of a tray or bag, and possibly an explosives trace test on items. Typical secondary checks last 5–20 minutes; if an item is prohibited or poses a safety risk, agents may confiscate it without compensation.
To reduce hold‑ups, pack personal supplements and medications in clearly labeled containers or small clear bags near the top of a carry item, place electronics in a single tray rather than multiple trays, remove metal accessories before queueing, and keep outerwear off until after screening.
Use expedited services if available at your airport: TSA PreCheck allows shoes and light jackets to stay on and most small electronics to remain in bags; biometric services such as CLEAR move a traveler through ID verification in under a minute, then deliver you to the X‑ray line.
For checked bags, use TSA‑approved locks so agents can open and relock without damaging closures; note that checked items remain subject to random inspection and may be opened if suspected of containing prohibited material.
Photograph prescriptions, receipts, and original product labels and store them on your phone for quick presentation to officers; for compact gear to document items, see best digital camera bluetooth slim.
International travel with a US carrier: customs declarations, banned ingredients, and destination-specific restrictions
Declare all dietary supplements, herbal concentrates and prescription-strength compounds on arrival forms and at the first inspection point; undeclared items commonly face seizure, fines, or criminal investigation.
High-risk ingredient categories
CBD and other cannabis derivatives – illegal or zero-tolerance in many Asian and Gulf states; kratom and kava – prohibited in multiple Southeast Asian jurisdictions; stimulants such as ephedra/ephedrine/pseudoephedrine – restricted or banned in several countries; anabolic agents, peptides and human-growth hormones – treated as controlled substances; narcotic analgesics and codeine-containing formulations – often require prior authorization or a local prescription; melatonin – prescription-only in some nations (verify per destination). Check local lists for herbal extracts with alternate scientific names (use Latin binomials on documentation).
Declaration and documentation – precise actions
On the customs form mark the medical/supplement declaration box and present: original prescriptions with prescriber contact details; a physician’s letter (diagnosis, dosage, duration) translated into the destination language if possible; full ingredient list showing active compounds by INCI or scientific name; original purchase receipts or manufacturer labels. For controlled items request an import permit from the destination health authority before travel when that country requires one.
| Country / Region | Frequently restricted ingredients | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | CBD/cannabis extracts; some melatonin products; controlled stimulants | Obtain prescription if applicable; declare; carry translated physician letter and receipts |
| South Korea | All cannabis derivatives; kratom; certain herbal sedatives | Avoid bringing CBD or herbal products; if medically necessary, secure prior approval and prescriptions |
| Singapore | CBD, cannabis; some herbal narcotics; kava | Do not transport CBD-based items; consult Singapore Customs and Health Sciences Authority before travel |
| United Arab Emirates | Any narcotics; alcohol-containing formulations; pork-derived gelatin in products | Apply for a medical import permit when required; declare all medications; keep original prescriptions |
| Australia | Pseudoephedrine limits; some performance-enhancing substances; certain herbal extracts | Check Therapeutic Goods Administration rules; obtain permit or prescription as needed; declare on arrival |
| European Schengen | Varies by member state – some require prescriptions for melatonin, herbal remedies, or strong stimulants | Consult specific national customs/health sites; carry EU-compliant documentation and prescriptions |
| Brazil | Some stimulant compounds, unapproved pharmaceuticals | Contact ANVISA or the destination consulate for import rules; have prescriptions and labels ready |
At arrival present documentation proactively; if an item is flagged, request written guidance from customs and ask whether temporary import is permitted. If seizure occurs, obtain a receipt and appeal instructions; contact your embassy or consulate for assistance with local authorities and translator services.
For unrelated travel gear or non-regulated purchases, check product listings from trusted retailers such as best of times beach umbrellas.
