How to Pack Vitamins for Travel: The TSA, Tips, and More

We all have to travel sometimes. Whether it’s for a planned family getaway or for a business trip, traveling can be a real source of joy. But our health care routines don’t stop just because we’re spending time away from home. To get the most out of traveling, it’s important to figure out the best ways to bring our vitamins and supplements along with us.

Why it's important to bring vitamins while traveling

Your vitamin routine is an important part of your health. Vitamins help your health in many ways, supplying your body with necessary nutrients and even making up for vitamin deficiencies. Taking your vitamins is also important for supporting your immune system. Keeping your immunity up and staying healthy while traveling is a good way to make sure you get the most out of your trip.

TSA rules on traveling with vitamins

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a government agency that sets the rules for the transportation systems in the United States. They have some rules for how you can transport your vitamins.

Any medications in pill or solid form – vitamins qualify under this definition – must go through security screening. The TSA also recommends that any medication be clearly labeled, since this will help accelerate the screening. When it comes to prescription medication labels, you can consult the laws of the state in which you’re traveling. Powdered supplements should be placed in your checked back if you’re bringing more than 12 oz; otherwise it may need to go in its own bin during X-ray screening.

If you’re traveling with medically necessary liquid medication, you must inform your TSA officer and then separate the medication from your other belongings before the screening begins. You must also declare accessories associated with your liquid medication – IV bags, freezer packs, pumps, and so on. Clearly label these items, too. That said, liquid vitamins would likely not qualify. (More on traveling with liquid vitamins below.)

Keep in mind that you are fully responsible for displaying, handling, and repacking your medication when screening is required.

4 Tips for traveling with vitamins

Liquid vitamins

Per TSA regulations, liquid supplements can only be transported below a certain amount: 3.4 oz or 100 mL. You may want to consider leaving liquid vitamins at home. They may not be worth the hassle. If you do pack liquids, be sure to put them in a plastic bag; that way, if they spill, they won’t get all over your belongings.

Look for vitamins that come in tablets, capsules and soft gels

You’re allowed to travel with vitamins in tablet, capsule, and soft gel form, per TSA regulations. Soft gels are not considered liquids.

Pack vitamins in carry-on bag

If possible, you may want to find a way to pack your vitamins in a carry-on bag. That way, you have easy access to your vitamins, and you’re not at risk of being without them in the event that your checked luggage is lost or delayed. Another good rule of thumb is pack a few extra of each supplement, in case you end up traveling a little longer than you originally thought you would.

Care/of’s daily pill packs make it easy to travel with your supplements. Pack enough packs for each day of your trip, plus an extra one or two just in case!

Have a pouch or pill case to store vitamins

Having a pouch or pill case to store your vitamins can also make them easier to transport. Perhaps you’ll want to invest in a container for the amount of days you will be away. Some containers are even labeled by time of day or by days of the week, helping you stay consistent with your vitamin routine. If your supplements need to stay cold, you can travel with a frozen gel ice pack.

How you pack your vitamins is up to you. When dealing with Care/of supplements, though, everything is pre-packed for you. You just grab and go!

Final takeaways

The work of staying healthy doesn’t stop just because you’re traveling! Fortunately, there are ways to safely and easily bring your vitamins along with you. Buy a nice travel pack and stay up-to-date on the TSA guidelines. When possible, try to bring your vitamins as part of a carry-on item.