logo
Summer travel with supplements: Tips, tricks and the TSA

Summer travel with supplements: Tips, tricks and the TSA

Miami Herald02-06-2025
Summer travel with supplements: Tips, tricks and the TSA
Whether you're traveling for business, pleasure, or both, careful planning is essential, from what you take in your carry-on luggage or how you maximize the space in your checked baggage to how many shoes you need to bring. You need to pack what you'll need to survive a few days away from home.
And if you prioritize your health and nutrition, that's going to mean packing the vitamins and supplements that are in your routine, plus possibly a few additions (more on that in a bit).
If you're tempted to leave them at home, we'd argue that a vacation or business trip is the worstpossible time to lapse from your routine. Travel is about memory-making adventures and discovering new places, which means you'll eat differently or enter time zones that may tip your sleep schedule off balance. The right supplements can help you adapt, promoting digestion, immune health, restful sleep, muscle recovery and more.
The only catch? How to pack them. Different government agencies have varying policies for traveling with supplements, plus you want to ensure they arrive undamaged by heat or the weight of the other items you've put in your suitcases.
Not to worry. Here are some ideas from Life Extension to help you pack vitamins and stay on track to support your health and well-being while you're away from home.
Can you travel with supplements?
Yes. On planes, trains or automobiles, vitamins can make the trip with you. Of course, how you pack will vary depending on what type of trip you're embarking on. For example, if a road trip is in your future, you can organize and store your supplements in a way that makes them easy to find. On the other hand, if you're traveling by air, the rules change. Pro tip: Always check the supplement bottle for any special storage instructions.
Why do the rules change when you travel by air? Because when you go through security screening, you must follow the guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA recommends clearly labeling your supplements to keep things moving steadily and speedily through airport security.
When you bring vitamins onto your flight, remember that you are responsible for handling, displaying, and repacking your supplements when or if screening is required. And all final decisions are up to the discretion of the TSA checkpoint officer. It's always a good idea to check the laws in your area and where you're heading to before flying.
Do supplements have to be in original containers when flying?
It depends. If your supplements are in solid form (think capsules, tablets, or gummies) you can pack as many as you want, and they don't have to be in their original containers.
Thinking about bringing liquid vitamins? You'll want to keep them in their original containers. There's a volume limit of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters, and the supplements must be packed in your checked luggage in a clear quart-sized Ziploc bag. Thankfully, many liquid vitamins you may consider (vitamin D, for example) are often sold in increments of 30 milliliters.
Herbal supplements like ashwagandha are not considered different from other vitamins and dietary supplements, so the same rules around solid, liquid, and powdered forms apply.
But while you may not need to keep your supplements in their original containers, it will make things easier for everyone if you keep allyour supplements clearly labeled. (That way you won't accidentally swap your morning multivitamin with your evening melatonin … oops.)
How do you fly with powdered supplements?
Are powder supplements part of your nutritional routine? You're not alone. We love a good whey, collagen, or super greens scoop to enhance smoothies, but the bulk-size plastic jugs they come in are not exactly conducive to travel.
The good news? There are no restrictions on powders when flying between U.S. airports. Keep in mind that powders over 12 ounces (350 milliliters), must be placed in a separate bin during the checkpoint screening process and might mean additional screening or opening. To skip this step and make things easier, TSA recommends placing powder over 12 ounces in your checked bag. Either way, be sure to place it in a plastic bag to prevent spillage or make it easy to place into its own bin during checkpoint screening.
10 tips and tricks for traveling with supplements
Ready to pack your supplements like a pro? Here's a cheat sheet for your next trip.
Pick your priorities: Staying healthy and enjoying your trip is a top priority. Before you set off on your travels, take inventory of what supplements make the most sense to pack for your specific needs. This is especially important if you are strapped for space or time. Pro tip: Your stay-well travel strategy should focus on supporting digestive, sleep and immune health.Probiotics for gut health: An unquestionable upside of travel is that you get to indulge in delicacies that delight your palate, but the downside may be that your gut microbiome, home to trillions of organisms, can be sensitive to changes in routine, diet, sleep, food choices and more. Packing probiotics is a win for your gastrointestinal health.Safeguard your defenses: Undoubtedly, staying healthy when you travel is crucial for making the most out of your trip. Vitamins D and C may take the spotlight for immune support, but zinc can be the ace up your sleeve to help support optimal immune function while you travel.Sweet dreams everywhere: Whether it's a business trip or a much-needed vacation, following your sleep hygiene as best as you can is a nonnegotiable when you travel. Pack your melatonin, ashwagandha or preferred sleep-friendly supplements to help your body keep up with the adventures by getting the quality sleep it needs.Powder power hack: Pour the powder into a heavy-duty resealable bag or other secure container and fasten the scoop with tape or a twist tie to the container. Label the bag or container clearly with something very straightforward (i.e., "whey protein"). It'll help when you go through security because it can be confirmed easily with swabbing. Bringing a water bottle and a small funnel will make it easier to mix your beverage.Gear up for increased activity: It's not unusual to log many more steps than usual when you're on vacation, even if hiking's not on the agenda. After all, you've got a lot of ground to cover. Plus, you might be inspired to go for a victory lap around a new-to-you city or dance the night away. A fast-acting joint support supplement can help you stay comfortable every step of the way.Manage your subscriptions: Perhaps a long-term trip away is on the horizon. If that's the case and you have a subscription plan for regular supplement shipments, check your subscription at least one week before the next shipment and adjust the address and frequency as needed.Pack smart: Secure your supplements in your carry-on luggage and seal everything tightly. If you're bringing liquids, consider putting them in a plastic bag in case the pressure from flying causes spillage.Consider the climate: Even if your vacation isn't somewhere tropical, your luggage may be exposed to a variety of temperatures while you're in the air. Liquids, powders and gummies tend to be more vulnerable to heat than tablets, capsules and other solid forms. So, if you normally get your vitamins in liquid form, consider switching to a solid just for your vacation.Get a supplement case: If you removed your vitamins from their original packaging to save space, you could just stick them in a labeled resealable bag, but we recommend investing in a compact case with individual compartments for each day to make it easier to stay organized. Another great option is purchasing individually packed supplements with the dosage directions still intact. You can also take a photo of each bottle's label for easy access to directions.
And check. Your travel cheat list is set. You're ready to travel and enjoy the world with your must-have supplements by your side.
This story was produced by Life Extension and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
© Stacker Media, LLC.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

TSA warns of phishing scam targeting PreCheck travelers
TSA warns of phishing scam targeting PreCheck travelers

Fox News

time5 hours ago

  • Fox News

TSA warns of phishing scam targeting PreCheck travelers

If you're planning to breeze through airport security using TSA PreCheck, you should first check the URL. The TSA just posted an urgent warning on Facebook reminding travelers to use only the official government site when signing up for PreCheck. The post says, "Signing up for TSA PreCheck? Make sure you're using a safe and trusted .gov website" and includes this official link, Why the warning? Because scammers are out in full force, hoping to trick busy travelers into handing over personal information, and even money, by posing as TSA PreCheck. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Scammers have created fake emails and websites that look exactly like TSA PreCheck. They send these phishing emails to people who are eager to skip airport security lines. The messages urge you to click a link, enroll fast and pay the fee. But here's the problem. You're not signing up for anything legitimate. You're giving your data, and possibly your credit card, to a scammer. Even worse, you may not find out until you're standing at the airport, expecting a smoother journey that never comes. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also issued a warning to help travelers spot the scam before it's too late. Here are the key steps and our recommendations to stay safe. Always start your application at Type the URL directly into your browser. Never trust a link from an unexpected email or text. Avoid clicking on links in emails or texts you weren't expecting, even if they look polished and professional. Scammers are getting better at impersonating trusted sources. A strong antivirus can flag phishing emails and block malicious websites before you click. It's an essential line of defense, especially when scammers are spoofing trusted organizations like the TSA. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at If this is your first time applying, you pay the fee in person at a TSA enrollment center. Anyone asking you to pay online during first-time enrollment is a scammer. Note: TSA will not reimburse applicants who attempt to enroll in TSA PreCheck through a fraudulent website. Scammers often rush you. If someone pressures you to pay quickly or click now, walk away. Personal data removal services can help remove your personal information from data broker sites. That reduces the chance of scammers targeting you in the first place. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Use MFA for any accounts tied to your travel plans, like your email, airline apps or identity verification services. If scammers do get access, MFA adds an extra layer of protection. Before entering any personal details, make sure the site starts with " and ends with ".gov"-not ".com" or ".org." Secure and official sites matter. If something feels off, report it to Even if you're unsure, your report could help stop the next scam. Getting TSA PreCheck should make travel easier, but only if you do it the right way. The real process is simple, but scammers are exploiting people's urgency. That's why it's essential to slow down, double-check links and start at the official government site. Remember: No one enjoys long TSA lines. PreCheck is a valuable tool, but only if you protect yourself from scammers posing as the TSA. The official government site is your safest bet. Stay alert. Bookmark Share this with a friend who's traveling soon. Have you ever second-guessed a link that seemed just a little too convenient? Let us know by writing to us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.

31 Travel Items That'll Make You Organized And Comfy
31 Travel Items That'll Make You Organized And Comfy

Buzz Feed

time9 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

31 Travel Items That'll Make You Organized And Comfy

A *mini* Kindle that's super lightweight, the same size as your bag of chips, and somehow fits your entire reading list in one sleek little gadget. With a glare-free screen that reads like real paper (even under blazing sun) and a battery that lasts up to six weeks, it's perfect for beach days, long flights, train rides, or pretending to read while people-watching in Paris. No Wi-Fi? No problem, you can download books before takeoff and get lost in them at 30,000 feet. An airplane seat back organizer so you can place your snacks, drinks, magazines, headphones, and tablet into a convenient spot. (Yes, it can fit all of that!) Switching from streaming to reading has never been easier because digging around your filled-to-the-brim carry-on is simply a hassle. You'll stay entertained your entire flight *and* super organized. Plus, a drink holder to create some extra space around you while you're cramped in economy and have barely any room for your *crisp* ginger ale. This will be a window seat's BFF because this can hold your bevvie, phone, glasses, headphones, and more. A universal travel adapter that covers you in Europe, Asia, and Australia, making it possible to jump from continent to continent and needing only this adapter. This can juice up to four devices at once and let you leave some of your charging blocks behind — just don't forget the cords! A set of silicone "EarPlanes" because the sometimes painful ear popping that happens when you take off or land is the last thing you want to deal with. And if you're going across the sea, there will definitely be some altitude changes, so these can come in handy. A 4-in-1 makeup brush set so you can apply your foundation, powder, eyeshadow, and concealer all using the same brush, meaning you won't have to pack your entire arsenal of beauty tools. This double-ended multitasker has soft bristles and even comes with a travel case so it won't get gross at the bottom of your bag. Whether you're touching up in the airport bathroom or doing a full face in the back of a cab, this brush has your back (and cheeks, and lids, and under eyes). An eight-compartment pill organizer to fit any and all of your pill needs in one lightweight container — meaning that you don't have to stuff six different bottles for one trip into your bag (and possibly get flagged by TSA). An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter for anyone with Bluetooth headphones who wants to comfortably watch the free movies during their longgg flights (so, everyone). Now you can marathon-watch every blockbuster film you missed in the theaters wearing your fave comfy or noise-canceling headphones! A 2-in-1 straightener and curling iron that works as both a curler and a straightener, forgoing the need to cram in two bulky items when there's no space left in your bag — with this, you get both! Reviewers swear by it for international travel because of the dual-voltage feature. No need to worry that you'll blow up your outlet overseas! A convenient luggage strap so you won't be overwhelmed with the amount of stuff you have to carry — just attach it to the handle of your bag to have a free hand. Now your arm won't get all sore from lugging around another thing *and* your bag will hang securely as you stroll through the airport! A travel wallet aka the ultra-organized best friend your travel bag didn't know it needed. It's slim, lightweight, and folds out like a magic trick to reveal dedicated slots for your passport, boarding pass, credits cards, SIM cards, and even a pen (because custom forms still exist). And yes, it blocks RFID signals, so no one's scanning your info while you're trying to buy airport snacks in peace. An electronics organizer that's much better than just throwing them all in your personal item and calling it a day (which is me, I fear). You can neatly organize all of your cords *and* slip in any other small travel or tech gadgets into the zip-up pocket. A bendy travel pillow because your current U-shaped one can't bend into any shape you want. The cover is super soft and can even be washed if it gets gross — which is very possible after eating the included meals. Or an ergonomic Trtl travel pillow — the unique design gives you the support you're looking for while sleeping upright without the hassle of packing or carrying around a big neck pillow. It's slimmer and more compact, which is perfect if you've already over-stuffed your personal item! A collapsible silicone water bottle so you can avoid purchasing the ridiculously priced water bottles at the airport Hudson News. Just pack this into your personal item (empty, of course) and fill it up once you're through security! A luggage-mounted cup caddy if your morning Starbies is a must as you travel, but you want your hands free as you walk to your gate. It can hold your Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, pink cake pop, water bottle, phone, or anything else that's keeping your hand occupied. An adorable Gillette Venus travel razor, your new go-to on trips because it's light and easy to store — *and* it does the same thing as your full-sized razor anyways. You'll have baby-smooth skin in no time. A hands-free (rotating!) phone mount if your plane is ~old-school~ and you assumed all planes in 2025 had TVs these days... Newsflash: they don't. 🥲 You can *still* enjoy the comfort of looking up-right at a screen by mounting this onto the tray table. You'll have a comfortable viewing experience without having to prop your phone up yourself (and straining your neck in the process)! A packing list pad so you can avoid running behind schedule as you try to remember that thing you know you're missing — but you can't *quite* put your finger on it. This full, extensive list helps you double-check that you have everything and can help avoid any CVS or Walgreens runs once you land! A super spacious Beis backpack for your overflow of clothes that didn't quite make the cut for your suitcase — now they'll go in your carry-on! It has a padded sleeve for your backpack, a trolly pass-through, and lots of compartments so you can feel extra organized. Plus, it can be fully opened like a suitcase, so packing and finding your things is much easier! A universal travel harness seat to make any chair with sturdy back support into a high chair for ages six months and up. Now, you won't have to hope and pray that the restaurant, Airbnb, or Hotel has one on standby for you. A 3-in-1 foldable wireless charging pad that'll not only fold up compactly into your carry-on but also replace two of your three clunky chargers since it can juice up your iPhone, AirPods, and smartwatch all at the same time. A pack of LeakLocks Toiletry Skins to make your suitcase doesn't end up smothered in shampoo and conditioner. These genius little sleeves stretch right over your bottles to catch leaks before they can ruin your clothes, shoes, or your will to travel. And yes, they really can fit standard-size bottles! A digital luggage scale that'll squash *any* anxiety that your bag is too heavy. Now you don't have to worry about forking over more money (for that big overweight bag fee) or ripping open your suitcase in front of everyone — with this, you can avoid both! A travel-friendly blanket-slash-pillow because it covers all of your sleeping needs in one little compact square. After you wake up from your nap, turn that comfy pillow into a blanket so you stay warm for the rest of your flight. Because it can get FREEZING! A combination 3D eye mask/travel pillow that'll be the reason why your neck doesn't hate you after a long flight. It doesn't just support your head, but it also hugs it into place with a genius head strap that clips to your seat's headrest. Now you won't have any more dramatic head bobs or chin-to-chest droops. Plus, the built-in eye mask means you won't be rudely awakened when the cabin lights are turned on! Or a contoured sleep mask so if the person at the window *insists* on keeping their shade open, you won't really care because these are like black-out shades for your eyes. They're comfortable, adjustable, and better than your average sleep mask because you can actually blink in them. Can someone say game changer!? A Pashmina scarf with UPF 50+ sun protection! It's lightweight, breathable, and big enough to use as a plane blanket, but chic enough to rock straight to dinner after landing. You can drape it over your shoulders, bundle it up as a scarf, or wrap it around you as catch some shut-eye on the flight. A travel jewelry case if you want your necklaces untangled, rings secure, and earrings neatly organized. With this, you don't have to worry about your fave pieces vanishing into the bottom of your bag. And the Ring Thing, a waterproof, airtight, and floatable jewelry case that'll keep your engagement ring (or other expensive finger bling) safe. So whether you're hitting the beach, hiking, or playing pickleball, your rings can stay scratch-free and exactly where you left them. It also comes with silicone spacers to protect the rings from clinking together *and* clips onto your carry-on or keychain for easy access. A Tushbaby carrier, so instead of strapping your baby to your back like a backpack full of bricks, this carrier lets your little one perch comfortably on a memory foam hip seat to help you stay pain-free. You can use it for front-facing, hip-holding, face-to-face snuggles, or even feeding support when your baby decides it's snack time in the middle of gate B43.

32 Travel Essentials To Improve Your TSA Experience
32 Travel Essentials To Improve Your TSA Experience

Buzz Feed

timea day ago

  • Buzz Feed

32 Travel Essentials To Improve Your TSA Experience

A five-year Global Entry membership that'll *also* include TSA PreCheck for when you're getting out of Dodge. It'll seriously shorten your security line times and end up being a great value if you get out of the country at least once a year and fly domestically a few times annually. (This combo is $42 more than five years of a first-time application for PreCheck alone.) Cheers to your full breakfast spread you'll be eating post-security while others are in the regular line, taking off their shoes (ick). And f you really wanna go the distance (metaphorically, not in the security line), also sign up for Clear Plus. It's much pricier than Global Entry/TSA PreCheck ($209/one year vs. $120/five years), but it'll help you zip to the front of the line — even past the TSA PreCheck folks. IMO, it's worth it if your credit card covers the cost (mine does!). A packing list pad so you can rest assure that you DID bring everything you intended, including which things you wanna include in your carry-on and which things you wanna check. A Carhartt backpack with a dedicated pocket that'll fit up to a 17-inch laptop so when you've gotta pull your computer out at airport security you can do it in one quick move instead of taking it out of your backpack and then a zippered holder. Or a vegan-leather travel tote for anyone who'd rather fool with a shoulder bag that'll still hold basically everything you'd need on board your flight. Simply reach in and pull out that laptop or toiletries bag you've gotta put out in the tray. Plus, a handbag organizer with LOTS of pockets to help you easily track down your ID, a pouch to take off those giant earrings before going through security, that half-drunk bottle of water you've gotta toss, and just about anything else you'll need to take out and put in a tray. A garment and travel bag set can cover you when you've gotta keep your outfit for your college roommate's wedding festivities tidy and wrinkle-free, and you have trust issues with airline baggage checks. It'll easily fold and unfold as you need it. A hard-shell roller suitcase with a pocket on the front for your laptop to make getting through the TSA line much more effortless and then resting assured that it's safe in the overhead. Plus! It's equipped with TSA-approved locks! Or a wheeled carry-on bag small enough to qualify as a personal item on super stringent airlines. It can fit underneath an airplane seat! You can avoid checking a bag, glide through security, *and* don't have to hurt your shoulder by carrying a duffel bag that'd also fit strict bag measurement policies. A weekender bag that'll easily slide over the handle of your wheeled suitcase in case you're in the market for a new personal item. (It'll also fit under an airplane seat according to reviewers.) A simple luggage strap can hold your essentials like a travel pillow, jacket, personal item, and more as you scoot along through the airport and once you land. Here's to quickly gathering all your stuff post-screen and freeing up those hands! Or a travel belt can help you easily secure your personal item (aka, a large purse or backpack) to the top of your rolling bag. See, getting through airport security *can* be a cinch. (Sorry.) A trifold travel wallet so all your important documents are in one place and you're not wearily holding up the line when it comes time to show the TSA agent your passport and boarding pass. A collapsible silicone water bottle that'll make sure you stay hydrated (drink water on that flight!) without making you sacrifice other things in your bag or running the risk of leaving water in your bottle as you go through security. Pedialyte powder packets because yes you are a grown-ass adult, but sometimes you indulge a little too much or haven't been hydrating properly and could use some electrolytes. I always pack these for trips and have never regretted it. And they're much tastier than electrolyte tablets you dilute in water. Go through security FULLY hungover knowing you can fill up your water bottle with this *right* after. An I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo that'll tackle greasy roots without the aerosol or benzene formula. Cheers to skipping a morning wash for an early still being able to carry on some dry shampoo without making room for it in your toiletries bag. A solid hair conditioner bar (you won't have to put in your toiletries bag for TSA) so you aren't stuck with the subpar hotel conditioner for all your exotic photo ops. A pack of insect-repellent wipes that'll be easier to keep on you at all times than a bottle of liquid. And, you guessed it, can be tucked in your luggage anywhere because it's not a liquid that has to fit in with your toiletries! I keep mine in a side packet on my backpack. Or a set of DEET-free handy mosquito-repelling bracelets in case the thought of putting something else on your skin (like smelly bug repellent) sounds like a total nightmare. A makeup-removing cloth to gently help erase the day instead of dirtying up hotel washcloths with your waterproof mascara OR adding to your "wet" toiletries bag. A TSA-friendly toiletries set you can easily fill, clean, and then refill with your go-to regular products. And the bag is sturdy as HECK. Or if you're not in need of containers, a clear TSA-approved toiletry bag to help you Lego-fit all your liquid and spreadable bbs in there with ease. A set of three Cadence containers that are magnetized and'll stick together in your toiletries bag. They're super sturdy, leak-proof, and even work great for a few days' worth of vitamins or holding small jewelry. They've quickly become one of my packing go-tos. Tide sink packets with the perfect amount of detergent for a sink wash to help lighten your clothing load. Plus! These'll easily slide into the toiletries bag that you thought had no. more. room. Can you tell I love a packet/wipe sitch?! A Vanicream clinical strength anti-perspirant that'll be perfect for people with sensitive skin who sometimes get irritated when they switch to a solid deo for trips when they carry-on only. (It me!) As someone with *very* sensitive skin who's broken out from a rash before on a weeklong vacation, this stuff works just as well as my other clinical strength-level deodorants that are push-up gel and, therefore, need to be checked. A *solid* Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreen can really stick to your skin on your tropical (or just plain sweaty) vacation. Oh, and because it's a solid, it's carry-on–friendly! Plus, a SPF 50 Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar will be a quick K-beauty sun fix you can safely throw in your bag and then reapply on the go. It has a slightly curved bar for easier application (like in the GIF!) and matte effect, and won't leave a white cast in its wake. An electronics organizer with a place for just about every one of *your* and every member of your family's devices and corresponding cables so you don't get everything tangled up while placing items in the security line trays. Or a 30-pack of waterproof zippered pouches to help you organize a variety of things. Parents in the reviews rave about using these to get their family organized for travel. And because these are transparent, you can easily sift around in your carry-on to track down what you need to put in a security bin and push aside what can stay in your bag. A pair of super comfortable pull-on Levi's jeans you can wear on your flight and then also throughout your trip. Cheers to looking more put-together than the folks who obviously came in their PJ pants. Also, no loose fabric means less of a likelihood of weird stuff showing up on your body scan. A set of compression bags if you're not beholden to carry-on weight limits. (V much more of a thing for European flying these days) and tend to overpack. Here's your sweet spot ;). And in the event that security has to go through your bag (it happens!), this'll make it a bit easier for them to sort through your stuff. Or a set of packing cubes you can use over and over again without having to remember to pack a pump for sucking out the air. Then in case your suitcase gets pulled at security, the TSA agent can sift around your cubes instead of a loose pile of underwear that've seen better days.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store