Last Updated On September 1, 2023
A business trip or vacation is right around the corner. The anxiety starts to grow that you will lose all those muscles you have painstakingly built because you don't know the answer to the question - can you bring creatine on a plane?
I can relate to taking creatine religiously. It won't help if I tell you that you don't have to worry and that progress can't be lost if you don't take your workout supplement for a few days.
You will be happy to hear TSA generally allows passengers to bring supplements on the flight, but let's check the differences between carry-on and checked baggage and how much creatine you can pack.
Taking Creatine On A Plane - What Does The TSA Say?
You can take creatine on a plane since it is not among the forbidden items by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
On the official TSA website, a search option is available to quickly and easily find exactly the item or substance you want.
If you type "creatine" or anything similar, for example, "creatine supplement," no results will be found.
I found the answer to the central question of this article under "Protein or Energy Powders."[1]
We’ll let the TSA explain it:
"Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. They may require additional screening and containers may need to be opened. For your convenience, we encourage you to place non-essential powders greater than 12 oz. in checked bags."
However, keep in mind the final decision rests with the TSA agent or other security personnel on whether an item is allowed through the security checkpoint.
If they suspect illegal activity or quantity limitations breach, you may be additionally checked according to the TSA regulations or even denied boarding for flight safety reasons.
Can You Bring Creatine In Carry-On Luggage?
Since traveling only with carry-on luggage has become very popular in recent years, I believe you first want to hear if you can put creatine in your backpack.
According to the official website of the United States government, it is allowed in carry-on bags.
The screening process for air travel will be more detailed when you bring supplements directly into the aircraft cabin. It doesn't have to be a large quantity.
An even smaller container can be a reason for extra-check. You have access to everything in carry-on luggage during the flight; therefore, the potential danger is greater when scrutiny is increased at the airport.
As mentioned above, the TSA officer may prohibit you from bringing creatine on the plane. Although improbable, that is more likely to happen with carry-on than checked-in luggage.
Creatine Powder
Airport security will be particularly suspicious of powdered supplements in hand luggage because drug smugglers have tried to mix illegal drugs with legal substances. So, don’t be surprised if they ask you some additional questions regarding white powder.
If you have no previous criminal record and nothing to hide, feel free to carry up to 12 oz. of creatine in powder form in a cabin bag.
Creatine Pills
Creatine pills, especially in the original packaging, are perhaps the best way to carry creatine to the plane.
There is no limit to the number of medications or supplements in pill or solid form you can bring. Still, do not carry an unreasonably large amount of pills; otherwise, it may raise suspicions.
Pre-Mixed Liquid Creatine
Even though creatine loses some potency after it is dissolved in water, it makes sense to bring pre-mixed liquid in an empty bottle or shaker bottle and drink creatine during the flight.
The regulations regarding the liquid items are very strict, and you can take creatine in this form if it does not exceed 350 mL. Officers will certainly confiscate creatine even if the amount of liquid slightly exceeds the limit.
Can You Put Creatine In Checked Baggage?
Yes, you can put creatine in checked baggage, and you are not limited like with carry-on luggage.
For many athletes who will spend weeks away from home, are in the loading phase, or simply don't want to risk skipping a single day, a suitcase that goes in the plane's cargo hold is the best choice.
The amount you can pack is practically unlimited (of course, you must respect the airline’s weight restrictions, don't want it to look suspicious, etc.) Even the TSA encourages you to place powders in checked bags.
You can put creatine neatly portioned in a Ziploc bag or plastic bags for in-flight use. Mark how much powder you carry in one bag. Ask the flight attendant to mix it for you to avoid making chaos if the bag tears.
Creatine Powder
Pack creatine powder in checked baggage, and you don't have to think about it anymore. You can even pack several packs for a friend if a specific product is not available everywhere.
Of course, it is desirable to bring a sealed creatine container, but there will be no problem even if it is opened; just make sure to remove air to create a tight seal.
Creatine Pills
The same applies to creatine pills. There are no restrictions on how to store creatine in the form of pills or creatine capsules. Make sure to close the pill bottle properly to avoid contamination and spillage.
Pre-Mixed Liquid Creatine
You can place pre-mixed creatine in checked luggage. Having said that, I don't think it's a great idea. Creatine will lose effectiveness to some extent in liquid form, but that is not the main concern.
Premixed creatine might spill into your suitcase and cause further problems.
Common Questions About Bringing Creatine On Airplanes
Yes, you can take creatine on a plane to Mexico. As it is the most popular holiday destination, you must have wondered whether you will be able to keep your summer body during your vacation with the help of creatine.
Travelers can take creatine on a plane to the UK since the USA and the UK have very similar laws and regulations in many sectors, including civil aviation and overall health standards.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not deal with such matters. There is a difference between safety and security. The FAA's safety standards concern pilots and aircraft on the ground, while TSA agents have a role in infrastructure security. TSA is established after the 9/11 attacks.[2]
Yes, you can bring protein powder in separate containers from creatine. The same rules apply to protein powders as to creatine, so you can carry it on your next flight because it is not one of the illegal substances.
Creatine is allowed on all commercial planes where TSA's rules and regulations are in force. You can carry creatine supplements in original packaging, double bag, large plastic bag, or even several large plastic bags.
So, What Is The Best Way To Pack Creatine For A Plane?
If you are traveling with checked-in luggage, my advice is to pack creatine in a sealed container and other supplements in your suitcase to avoid problems and delays.
Nevertheless, as long as creatine (or any other dietary supplement) is legal in departing and arriving countries and you stick to the TSA's regulations, a carry-on bag is also a good option, especially for premixed liquid creatine.
I have never encountered any problem at the airport, and you should be fine with these guidelines, too.
References:
- https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/protein-or-energy-powders
- https://info.natacs.aero/blog/safety-vs.-security-is-there-a-difference
