You can bring protein powder on a plane.
Although, it may be subject to additional security.
There are many reasons why you might want to bring protein powder with you on a plane. Maybe you just want to get a little extra nutrition while travelling, or you're trying to stick to your diet while away from home.
Whatever your reason, you can rest assured that you'll have all the servings of protein powder you need as long as you follow the guidelines for protein powder below (also check if you can take creatine on a plane).
Like how there are restrictions when taking liquids through airport security, there are also some security rules that apply to powders.
Protein Powder or any powdery substance subject to the powders rule for carry-on baggage.
The powders rule states that you must place powder-like substances greater than 12 oz or 350 ml in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
You're free to choose which container you put your powders in. They're good as long as you can easily separate them from your carry-on bags for the X-ray screening.
The powders don't have to be in their original container.
But, you have better chances if you keep them in their original packaging rather than transferring them to other containers.
A white protein powder in its original container is less suspicious than an unlabeled powdery substance, after all.
You don't need to have a piece of separate baggage for the powders. They're allowed in your hand-carry baggage. You just need to be able to remove and separate the powder containers at the security checkpoint.
Depending on the security check, the powders may undergo additional screening. The security may even open the packaging for inspection. They may also get a tiny amount of samples for testing.
If you have the powders in a travel-size container that is less than or equal to 12 oz or 350 ml, you don't have to remove them from your carry-on bags.
The powder rules don't apply to checked-in baggage.
So, to avoid any inconvenience and spending extra time for additional screening, it's best to pack non-essential powders that are more than 12 oz in your checked bags.
But, don't relax just because there is no restriction when bringing powder in check-in baggage.
Yes, you don't have to worry about the rules, but you should worry about proper packaging.
Packing powder in your checked luggage comes with the risk of your container bursting or breaking. It may leave you with a dusty mess inside your baggage.
So, make sure to wrap the container of protein powder in more layers of bags to prevent any leakage. Also, cushion it with other soft items so it doesn't break or burst.
Especially a jug of protein powder made from plastic that can snap if your baggage is manhandled by the baggage handlers or stacked while travelling.
There is no specified limit on the amount of powder you can travel with.
That means you can bring as much protein powder or any powder you can fit in your bags and still meet the size and weight restrictions on your flight.
This is true for both carry-on and checked-in bags. It's just the delays at security that you have to worry about.
Even granules are considered powder-like and are subjected to the powders rule.
That includes coffee if it is in powdered form or ground.
If you're worried that you can't get your protein powder past airport security, consider bringing other forms of protein instead, like solid protein bars.
A tasty protein bar may even be better since you get to munch on something on the long flight.
You may have heard that peanut butter is not allowed on carry-ons, but they're good to go if it's in peanut butter protein bars.
If you have other palatable protein snacks in mind, those will do too.
Just keep away from protein gels. The liquid rule will apply on those, and we'll be back to the issues with restrictions on protein powder and extra security.
Powdered protein drinks are a part of many of our diets and routines, and travelling shouldn't ruin that.
As mentioned above, you can get on with your protein powder routine as long as you follow through with the security measures of the airports and airlines. After all, they're doing all of that for our sake too.
For international flights, don't forget to check with the foreign country you're travelling to for other rules and legal restrictions their country might have.
Safe travels!
