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Can you bring vitamins on a plane?

Jeremy B
Image of pills and text saying Can you bring vitamins on a plane

Can you bring vitamins on a plane? This is a question we often get from newbie or infrequent travelers. In this article you will learn the various ins and outs of traveling with vitamins including answers to the following questions:

Welcome to another installment in our series “What can I bring on a plane” series. Be sure to read all of our newbie traveler series articles here.

Can you bring vitamins on a plane? Tips on Traveling with Vitamins

If you are like me, you take a multi-vitamin every day. And if you are really like me you travel a lot of those days too! That means in and out of airport security on a regular basis. It also means packing and unpacking suitcases and backpacks – something I’ve got pretty good at.

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Frequent travelers know the many ins and outs of traveling. We have our routines and methods that we use to get through our travel day as quickly and efficiently as possible. And we often take for granted all the knowledge and expertise we’ve learned over the years. Like the TSA rules on a variety of subjects. We often don’t even think about this sort of stuff anymore because it’s just become second nature to us.

But what about the infrequent travelers? The occasional flyer? We’ve created this entire series called “What can I bring on a plane” specifically for these travelers. And we cover all kinds of newbie travel questions including can you bring vitamins on a plane.

So, lets dig in.

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TSA Rules for Vitamins

The TSA’s Rules for Vitamins are straightforward: they are allowed in both checked and carry on luggage. No special restrictions.

It’s that simple.

But, let’s examine this a bit to help our readers understand why. The TSA is concerned about dangerous items. Things that can cause harm to fellow passengers and the plane itself.

This includes weapons, bombs, and things that can be used or made into these items. Of course, illegal items (like illicit drugs) are of concern as well.

Vitamins, on the other hand, are not really dangerous. Hence the TSA Rules for Vitamins are pretty lax. In other words, it’s really not something to be concerened about?

This includes softgel vitamins as well. No issue here either. Softgel vitamins can be checked or carried on without issue.

Can I take liquid vitamins on a plane?

Liquid vitamins (like these), on the other hand, must adhere to the TSA’s rules on liquids and gels.

By way of reminder, the TSA’s liquid rules are designed to minimize the amount of liquid passengers bring on the plane with them – specifically as a carry on. The TSA was forced to limit the amount of liquid you can bring on the plane because of some goofball terrorist who tried to mix a bomb on a plane. What a douche…

Anyhoo…the requirements are summarized colloquially as 3-1-1. 3 ounce containers of liquid placed in a 1 quart bag. These rules apply to liquids and gels. So, if you are traveling with liquid vitamins (actual liquid…not a softgel) then these rules apply.

Softgel vitamins do not violate the liquid rules so you are good to go there.

Can you pack vitamins in carry on luggage?

Ok, so let’s hit each of these common travel questions head on. First up, can you pack vitamins in carry on luggage? Can you bring vitamins on a plane?

Yes, no issues here. At least from the TSA’s perspective. That said, you will need to adhere to your airline’s rules regarding the size of your carry on bag.

For example, Delta offers the following carry on restrictions for their flights:

Bingo…we’ve already nailed one question: can I bring vitamins in my carry on. Done! Let’s keep moving.

Can you pack vitamins in checked luggage?

Next up: can you pack vitamins in checked luggage? Again, based on what we’ve learned about the TSA Vitamin Rules, this is no biggie. No restrictions.

Theoretically you could fill your entire checked luggage with vitamins. But why would you?

As an aside if you did that you’d probably get a special screening from the TSA…to make sure nothing heinous is going on.

The only factor to consider when packing vitamins in checked luggage is the normal baggage restrictions that each airline offers.

Take Southwest as an example, they provide the following checked baggage restrictions:

“Southwest allows (2) checked pieces of baggage per ticketed customer. Size and weight limitations apply. Each piece of baggage in excess of the free baggage allowance specified above that is not in excess of 62 inches (L+W+H) and 50 lbs. or less will be accepted for a charge of $75.00 per item one-way. Excess baggage which is also overweight or oversized will be charged excess baggage plus the applicable oversize or overweight charge.”

How to pack vitamins for international travel?

A common question travelers often ask us is how to pack vitamins for international travel? Sure the TSA Rules are fairly clear. But what about the United Kingdom? Or Dubai?

Good question.

Generally speaking, you are not going to have any issues transporting vitamins on international trips. Some folks may feel a little more comfortable packing them in their original packaging, but that’s really not necessary.

When in doubt, check the their version of the TSA for further details. The worse that could happen is they take them and you have to buy more. Inconvenient, but not the end of the word.

That said, when it comes to medications…it’s always wise to bring them in their original container…with your prescription. Especially if they are something heavy.

Pro Tips on Traveling with Vitamins

When traveling with vitamins there’s a few things to consider. How you actually pack your vitamins in your carry on or how you pack vitamins in checked luggage matters.

Here are some pro tips help you pack vitamins for your flight a little better.

Hard Vitamins Travel Better

If you’ve ever left a freshly purchased container of gummy vitamins in your car for an hour only to come back and find that you now have one vitamin…one giant container shaped vitamin…you totally get this tip.

I prefer gummys too…but when traveling, I’ve found that the hard (including chew-able and swallow-able) hold up a little better.

Get a Pill Case for your Vitamins

I’ve used baggies too, but I will tell you, if you are taking more than one daily pill (including medication and vitamins) a pill case really helps organize things. I strongly recommend investing in a pill case including some of the ones listed below (from Amazon):

AUVON iMedassist Weekly Pill Organizer (check price)

AUVON iMedassist Twice-A-Day Portable Daily Pill Organizer (Check Price)

Mad Hatter Pill Box  (Check Price)

Small Weekly Pill Case by MOST ORIGINAL DESIGNM (Check Price)

Weekly Pill Organizer – 3-Times-A-Day (Check Price)

AUVON iMedassist 7-Day / 4-Times-A-Day (Check Price)

Pack your vitamins in your carry on instead of checked luggage

If you’ve been following us here at the CBoardingGroup you know that we despise checking bags. In fact, we consider our #1 Travel Hack of All Time to NEVER CHECK A BAG.

When traveling with vitamins this advice comes in handy. What happens if your bag gets lost? Sure, it’s rare, but ever missed a day of vitamins when you’ve been on a regular regimen? Yeah, not pretty.

If you simply must check your bags (sorry…) then be sure to bring your vitamins with you in your carry on. Or at least a few in case your bags get lost you are covered until they arrive or until you can get to a store.

Final Thoughts on Taking Vitamins on a Plane

Alrighty…there you have it. Everything you could possible care to know about traveling with vitamins. We’ve covered the ins and outs of taking vitamins on a plane. From international considerations, to checked luggage to carry ons and softgels. We spelled it out for you. We hope we clearly answered the question Can You Bring Vitamins on a Plane?

Now, it’s up to you to put these tips to use. Happy traveling!

Be sure to check out all of the posts in our series “Can I take it on the Plane” including:

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