Can I take vitamins on a plane?
The short answer is yes.
However, before you dash off to pack your handy Diso strips alongside your sunscreen and passport, there are certain things you need to be aware of to ensure a hassle-free experience at the airport.
There are some rules laid out by the Transportation Security Association (TSA) about how and where to transport your nutritional supplements when travelling by plane. Get up to speed on these to ensure you can keep your vitamins with you when travelling to keep your health and wellness tip top whilst away from home.
What can I take and where do I pack it?
Over-the-counter, non-prescription vitamins in a solid form i.e. pills, powders, soft gels, gummies or oral strips, can be taken on a flight either – in your carry-on bag or in checked-in luggage, as confirmed by the TSA. There are no limitations on the amount you can take with you. So, you can go ahead and pack your handy Diso feeling relaxed that you’re all above board.
Do my vitamins need to be in the original packaging?
No. There are no rules to say that your vitamins need to be in their original packaging. In fact, in TSA guidelines the same even applies to medication. However, a slight word of caution – different countries or US states may have individual laws regarding the labelling of prescription medication. While these laws primarily are targeted toward prescription medications, there is a chance such laws could be applied to vitamins, so the safest option may be to transport them in the original packaging. This will help avoid any confusion or questions if you are screened at security. And, when the packaging is as cool and compact as Diso boxes and tins – why wouldn’t you want to keep it!
If for some reason you’ve got rid of the original packaging, you should still be ok to take them. However, it would be a good idea to keep them contained in a clear, labelled zip-top plastic bag and separate from the rest of your luggage. When you reach security, they may need to be screened separately from other belongings.
But what about liquid vitamins?
Be careful, when it comes to liquid vitamins such as OQO’s Liposorbic range, there some very specific rules to be aware of. Only up to 3.4oz/100ml can be taken in your carry-on bag, and the containers should be packed with other liquids in a quart-sized, clear ziplock bag. However, no need to worry as our Liposorbic range comes in packs of 10ml, so you can go ahead and take up to ten with you in your carry-on luggage.
Any more than 100ml of vitamins and you’ll need to store them in your checked-in luggage. And keep in mind there is a maximum allowance for medicinal and toiletry liquids – no more than 70oz/2litres per person. Plus the capacity of the containers must not exceed 18oz/500ml.
Do I need to declare my vitamins?
No, you can breeze through security without showing your vitamins. Unless that is, you need to carry on a large amount of prescription liquid vitamins onto the plane, as explained below.
Are the rules different for prescription vitamins?
Yes, for prescription vitamins the rules are slightly different. You can take any kind, in any quantity (as reasonable for the length of your trip) in your carry-on bag.
However, in the case of liquid prescription vitamins you must declare them to security so that they can be inspected (if more than 100ml). The prescription label and your name need to be on the packaging. Or if you do not have a prescription you would need to meet the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule exemption, which is:
1. They're required during your flight and/or at your travel destination
2. You're not able to purchase them at the airport (after security screening)
3. They're not available at your travel destination
Convenient and carefree
Travelling, whether for business or pleasure, should hopefully be a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Follow these guidelines to ensure remembering your passport is the only thing you need to worry about next time you are jet-setting.
And remember, ultimately, security have the final say about whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint – and local laws may differ from TSA regulations. So, it may be best to check the specific guidelines of the airline or airport you’ll be traveling through if you are unsure.
As vitamins in solid form are allowed in any quantity, in carry-on bags or check-in luggage, this certainly looks the most straight-forward option. Making our Diso dissolvable oral strips both quick easy to take, and simple and safe to bring with you on your travels – so, you can just go.
