Traveling by plane can be a hassle-free experience, but it can also be stressful, especially regarding packing. If you take workout supplements like creatine religiously, you might wonder whether you can take creatine on a plane. It is essential to know that transportation security administration (TSA) agents are responsible for ensuring flight safety and may suspect illegal activity if they find anything suspicious during the screening process.
Therefore, knowing what items you can and cannot bring on a plane is essential. Regarding creatine, it is generally allowed on flights, but there are quantity limitations and packaging requirements. Creatine is available in different forms, like powder, pills, capsules, and premixed liquid.
If you plan to take creatine pills or powder on a plane, it is recommended to store it in a sealed container or smaller container and, if possible, separate containers to avoid any spills or mess. You can also use a shaker bottle or a Ziplock bag to store creatine neatly portioned.
It is important to note that TSA agents may further check your creatine supplements if they suspect any illegal substances or drugs. Therefore, bringing only essential powders like creatine, protein powders, and sugary drinks on board is advisable. If you carry a large quantity, it is better to pack creatine in several large plastic bags or double bag them to prevent any bag tears or breaks.
In our guide, you can learn more about can I take creatine on a plane and how regulations vary for premixed liquid creatine, powders and capsules. By the end, you’ll better understand what bringing a muscle-building supplement on a plane means. (Read Can You Bring A Nintendo Switch On A Plane)
What Is Creatine?
Before diving into the details, let’s first understand what creatine is. Creatine protein powder comprises three amino acids – glycine, arginine, and methionine. It is found naturally in our muscles and provides energy during short bursts of high-intensity exercises like weightlifting and sprinting.
Supplementing with creatine increases the body’s creatine stores, enhancing performance and muscle growth. For flights, it is good to remain hydrated and understand how your body reacts when you take creatine powder.
Can You Bring Creatine On A Plane?
The answer is yes to Can you take pre-workout on a plane? Whether in checked bags or carry-on bags. However, when you look at, can you bring creatine on a plane? You must follow specific regulations to avoid any issues at airport security checkpoints when you bring protein powder in your carry-on bag.
The primary issues are how you pack your supplement and how much powder you can take.
Checked Baggage
If you plan to pack creatine in your checked baggage, there are no restrictions on how much creatine powder you can bring. You can pack it in its original container or transfer it to a smaller container to save space.
However, it is recommended to pack the container (s) in a plastic bag or double bag them in a Ziploc bag to prevent spills and avoid creating a mess in your luggage. If the bag tears while transporting creatine on a plane, the double bagging will help contain the powder and prevent any issues in your checked bag. (Learn How To Travel With A Cowboy Hat)
Carry-On Bags
You’ll find creatine allowed in your carry-on, yet when you have creatine in your hand luggage, there are some restrictions you must follow. The TSA limits the amount of the supplement powder in hand luggage to 12 ounces (about 340 grams) per passenger.
Anything over that limit will not be allowed through airport security. The limitation applies to all powdered supplements, not just creatine, including protein powders and non-essential powders. Pack your creatine neatly portioned in small plastic bags or individual containers to avoid any hassle at the security checkpoint.
This way, the TSA agent can quickly identify the powder and its quantity during the x-ray screening process rather than being mistaken for illegal drugs. It’s important to note that the containers should be sealed to prevent any accidental spills. If you have a shaker bottle, you can empty it and fill it with water or other liquids once you pass security or ask the flight attendant for something to mix it with.
Premixed Creatine Liquid
If you prefer to drink creatine, pre-mixed liquid options are available in the market. These are usually sold in small bottles, each containing a single serving of creatine. The TSA allows passengers to bring liquid items in their carry-on bags, but they must be in a sealed container that does not exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in volume. Therefore, if you bring pre-mixed liquid creatine, ensure the bottle is within the TSA’s volume limit.
Creatine Capsules
If you take creatine capsules, you can pack them in one bag, like your checked or carry-on bags, with no restrictions. However, keeping the capsules in their original container is recommended to avoid any suspicion from TSA agents. If you prefer to transfer the capsules to a slighter container, label it correctly to avoid confusion.
Tips For Traveling With Creatine Supplements
To avoid any issues when bringing creatine on a plane, here are some tips to remember:
Creatine is a popular workout supplement among fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders. Still, if you’re planning to bring creatine supplements on a plane, there are rules and regulations you must follow. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has guidelines for what you can and cannot bring on a plane, including creatine.
Carry-On Bags And Checked Luggage
You can bring creatine supplements in liquid form in both carry-on bags and checked luggage. However, there are some restrictions and limitations you need to be aware of. According to the TSA, powders and powder-like substances are subject to quantity limits in hand luggage. You can only bring a certain amount of protein powder in on a plane, which includes creatine powder. (Read Can I Bring A Steamer On A Plane)
Check The Airline’s Weight Restrictions:
If you plan to bring creatine in your checked luggage, ensure you check your airline’s weight restrictions to avoid further problems.
Keep Creatine Neatly Portioned:
If you bring creatine capsules or pre-mixed liquid creatine, keep them in sealed containers and store them in a separate plastic bag for easy access during security checks.
Avoid Non-Essential Powders:
Suppose you’re bringing protein powder or other powdered supplements. In that case, keeping them in your checked bag or luggage is best to avoid any issues with TSA agents suspecting illegal activity.
Tips For Traveling With Creatine Supplements
Here are some tips to help make traveling with creatine supplements hassle-free:
Store Creatine In Separate Containers:
If you’re bringing a large quantity of creatine, storing it in several smaller containers rather than one large container is best. This will help prevent spills and breaks during transportation.
Double-Bag Your Creatine:
If you’re bringing creatine white powder along in your carry-on bag, double-bag it to prevent any tears or breaks in the bag. Wrap large plastic bags tightly around the creatine white powder container.
Use A Shaker Bottle:
If you prefer to drink creatine, bring an empty shaker bottle in your carry-on bag, and fill it with water after passing through security. This will save you from getting an empty bottle of pre-mixed creatine or risk bringing liquids through the screening process. (Read Can You Take Vaseline On A Plane)
Conclusion: Creatine On A Plane
Bringing creatine on a plane can be done, but you must follow the TSA’s rules and regulations to avoid potential problems. Whether you bring creatine in powder form, capsules, or pre-mixed liquid creatine, store them in individual containers and follow quantity limitations.
It’s also an excellent idea to double-bag your creatine powder and avoid bringing non-essential powders in your carry-on luggage or checked baggage. Following these tips and guidelines, you can enjoy hassle-free air travel while taking creatine religiously to support your muscle mass and workout performance. To learn more, check the TSA website before packing, and keep most of your supplements in your checked baggage.
