Can You Bring Pre-Workout On a Plane? [TSA, UK, EU, Middle East & More]

by diesel
Updated June 13, 2023
OVERVIEW
Type
Pre-Workout
Price
Varies
Serving Size
Varies
Availability 
Globally availalble
Positives
Increases mental and physical energy
Uses ingredients to enhance focus and performance
Motivates and uplifts mood
Negatives 
Can be expensive

Bottom Line

It's not uncommon to find a gym-goer using pre-workouts. 

In fact, around 30% of adults use a supplement to increase their energy. [1] 

It would be fair to say a lot of these adults are carrying around their powders, whether they are in their cars or passing through airports.

This would probably have you asking, can you bring pre-workouts on a plane, and does it need to be in its original container?

You can, and you won't have any issues (as long as it doesn't contain illegal substances).

We'll go through that and more below...

MORE RESOURCES

Since a lot of adults use some kind of energizing supplement, there might be a lot of questions like...

Can I bring my pre-workout on a plane? Will airport security stop me?

The quick answer is yes, you can take a pre-workout through an airport, and no airport security won't confiscate it. 

But the long answer will be discussed below...

What Is A Pre Workout?

Pre-workouts give more energy and focus by using stimulants as well as nootropics. 

They are generally considered to be safe but some pre-workouts can have an overly done formula that just has too much caffeine (around 600mg), which is fine and easily handled by an advanced pre-workout user. 

It would be a great idea to bring some of these supplements to help you stay dedicated to your workout program. 

But if you're not sure what the rules are, we'll be breaking them down below...

We'll also go into detail about how you can pack your supplements. 

Perhaps you don't want to be in a situation like this...

Can You Bring Pre-Workout on a Plane in the USA?

Yes, you can, TSA allows you to bring pre-workout powders on a plane in the U.S.

The TSA classifies these powders as "Protein or Energy Powders" as described here. 

If you have more than 12 ounces or 350ml of powder (whether protein or pre-workout) then you should place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening. 

But if you have less than 12 ounces then you can leave them in your carry-on bag. 

It's normal for airport staff to do additional screening for powders for inspections.

To minimize issues, you can leave the powders in their original container. 

But otherwise, if they are in zip lock bags, it's fine as long as it doesn't contain illegal substances. 

Can You Bring Pre-Workout on a Plane in Canada?

Yes, you can but only up to 12 ounces or 350ml in your carry-on luggage. 

If you have more than that, then you should place them in your checked-in luggage. 

Mineral-based supplements that use calcium, magnesium, or iron can be placed in carry-on luggage if they are 12 ounces or less (350ml or less), regardless of medical prescriptions. 

So it's a good idea to pack these powders in your checked luggage. 

Can You Take Pre-Workout on a Plane in the EU?

Yes, you can. 

There are no restrictions on carrying powders across Europe, although airport staff may require additional screening. 

Regardless of the quantity, there won't be issues but if you want to avoid disruptions it would be a good idea to have them in your checked luggage. 

Can You Take Pre-Workout on a Plane in the UK?

Yes you can travel with pre-workouts in the UK.

Currently, there are no restrictions with powdered food items in your luggage but they may need to check your luggage by hand as food items can block x-ray images.

The fastest way to travel without disruptions is to store your supplement powders in your checked luggage. 

There are no restrictions on the amount you can carry but it would be wise to carry large amounts in your checked-in luggage rather than your carry-on.  

Can You Take Pre-Workout on a Plane in Australia?

Australia is a little tricky...

You can carry pre-workout powders with a domestic flight but for international flights, they are some restrictions. 

If you're flying within Australia, you're not restricted by how much powder, liquid, aerosols, or liquid you can carry. 

The restrictions only apply if you are:

  • Transiting through Australia 
  • Departing Australia
  • Traveling through Australia from an Australian international terminal

You can carry as much as you want when it comes to organic powders like baby formula and protein powder. 

But pre-workouts are not considered to be organic powders.

There are restrictions on powders that are inorganic like pre-workouts, salt, talcum, and sand. 

When it comes to inorganic powders, they must be in containers and contain no more than 12 oz or 350 grams in weight or 350ml in volume. 

Per person, there can be 12 oz or 350ml, or 350 grams carried in total. 

You can carry as many containers of inorganic powders as you want as there are no restrictions unless you exceed the volume of 350ml in total. 

Powders must be screened separately but they don't need to be in resealable plastic bags like liquids. 

Can You Take Pre-Workout on a Plane in the Middle East?

Yes, you can. 

There are no restrictions when it comes to supplements in carry-on luggage while traveling through the middle east. 

But it's recommended to have them in their original containers to reduce the risk of disruptions. 

Can You Take Pre-Workout on a Plane in Turkey?

Yes, you can. 

In Turkey, there are no restrictions when it comes to carrying powders and pills on airplanes. 

It doesn't matter if they are in their original containers or not, as long as they do not contain illegal substances.

Carry-On Luggage vs Checked Luggage

Checked luggage will always be the most convenient way to transport powders but generally, you won't have issues carrying powders throughout most countries when it comes to your carry-on.

The U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and most countries in the EU will allow you to carry pre-workouts in your checked luggage.

What About Liquid-Based Supplements?

Liquid-based supplements are more restrictive when traveling through airports as most countries won't allow you to carry more than 3.4oz or 100ml.

The container shouldn't be more than 100ml even if it's not full. 

It's best to carry them in powder form.  

Nader Qudimat
by diesel

Forged by iron and cold steel, I'm Nader, a mid-30s natural bodybuilder. Once a 100lb skinny guy, I've transformed into a 200lb muscular athlete with over 15 years of lifting experience. Today, I leverage my transformation and extensive experience to guide countless individuals on their fitness journeys.

Click here to check out my 12 year transformation: Natural 12 Year Transformation

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