Summer travel with supplements: Tips, tricks and the TSA
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
TSA refutes rumors about using Costco cards as an airport ID alternative
The Brief TSA officials are debunking reports that a Costco membership card can be used at airport security checkpoints. Officials stressed that the big-box membership card is not an acceptable form of TSA identification. They said trying to use the cards will result in significant delays for the traveler and others at the checkpoint. OAKLAND, Calif. - Federal transportation officials are strongly refuting internet rumors that suggest a Costco membership card can be used as a form of identification to get through airport security. What they're saying "That is not considered an acceptable form of identification. It's not a government-issued ID," said Transportation Security Administration Spokesperson Lorie Dankers, who noted that the agency has been very clear about what constitutes an acceptable form of identification for air travel, especially in the context of the REAL ID. The new law replacing the traditional driver's license with a REAL ID-compliant license for domestic air travel went into effect last month after years of delays. In addition to REAL IDs, other acceptable forms of identification include a passport, a U.S. passport card, a Veteran Health Identification Card, and a Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler card like Global Entry and NEXUS. "Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel," the TSA specified on its website, with a list of acceptable IDs. The agency also noted that the list is subject to change without notice, and advised travelers to recheck it before getting on a flight. SEE ALSO: Traveling to the UK? You'll need this document to enter the country Dankers addressed the Costco card rumors by saying that every few months, this fallacy circulates on the internet, and people are misled to believe the membership card will be accepted at TSA security checkpoints. But she warned against depending on a Costco card or any non-governmental card to get you cleared to board a plane. A Reddit post from last month has gotten a lot of traction with many people discussing their experiences. "It's mostly click-bait," Dankers said. She did note that Costco cards and other identification that uses a photo can be used in extreme cases to support those travelers who find themselves in a bind due to lost or stolen identification. Dankers said that in the situation where a traveler only has a non-governmental-issued photo ID on them, anything from a Costco membership card to a library card or student identification, the cards can be used to establish a launching point in the strict and detailed process of proving their identity. It's better than not having any form of a photo ID. "At least we know that some place has given them an ID," the TSA spokesperson explained, while stressing, "That in itself is not considered an acceptable ID but is considered a baseline." That baseline would allow TSA officials to begin a vetting process, involving a series of verification steps to try and confirm someone's identity. But travelers are warned that it's not a process anyone would want to go through, as it's time-consuming, and if the person's identity can't be confirmed, they will be denied access to fly. "There is no upside to doing this because all it does is delay you," Dankers said, adding that it's not only going to delay the traveler without their proper ID on them, but the process can lead to long delays for others. A TSA agent working on your case will affect the workflow at the checkpoint and threaten the schedules of other travelers who are rushing to catch a flight. "It causes our resources to be taken," Dankers said, stressing, "It should only be used in the most extreme of cases." And even then, there's no guarantee your Costco or other non-governmental photo card will lead to a verification of your ID and allow you to get on that flight.
CBS News
15 hours ago
- CBS News
When a U.S. senator's husband landed on a travel watchlist, a phone call had him removed
A U.S. senator's spouse was placed on a government watchlist in 2023 after a surveillance program flagged his travel profile, but he was removed after the senator back-channeled with administration officials, sources familiar with the situation told CBS News. Shortly after New Hampshire Democrat Jeanne Shaheen met with the Transportation Security Administration about her husband, William Shaheen, TSA officials removed him from a list of people subjected to additional scrutiny under TSA's "Quiet Skies" domestic surveillance program. William Shaheen, an Lebanese-American attorney active in the Arab-American community, was then placed on a different list, which excluded him from any future advanced screening, including random checks at airport TSA checkpoints, two of the sources said. File: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) (R) and William Shaheen arrive for a State Dinner in honor of former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mrs. Sophie Trudeau at the White House on March 10, 2016, in Washington, DC. Photo by Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty Images The episode took place in a heightened security environment in October 2023, days after Hamas attacked Israel and killed more than 1,200 people. TSA's surveillance efforts have long attracted criticism for tracking U.S. citizens not suspected of any crimes. The circumstances that land an individual on a list — or what gets them removed — have been mostly concealed from the public. Quiet Skies, which began in 2010, employs analysts and undercover air marshals to monitor people in airports and during flights, using outstanding warrants, facial recognition software, identification of suspicious travel patterns and behaviors and other data to try to prevent terrorist attacks. Some Americans undertake exhaustive efforts to get themselves removed from the Quiet Skies enhanced screening list — with some even engaging in protracted legal fights. Republican Tulsi Gabbard spoke out in 2024 after she was placed on the Quiet Skies list and subjected to searches and monitoring by federal air marshals. Gabbard, a former presidential candidate and Democratic member of Congress, has since been confirmed as the director of national intelligence. Shaheen's husband, according to sources, was removed from Quiet Skies two days after she contacted David Pekoske, then the TSA administrator. Pekoske served in the post under both Presidents Trump and Biden. The decision to then shield the senator's husband by putting him on what TSA calls the "secure flight exclusion list" marked an unusual step in a system meant to operate outside of political interference. A spokesperson for Sen. Shaheen told CBS News on Tuesday that she contacted TSA after her husband was subjected to several extensive, invasive and degrading searches at airport checkpoints – and was seeking to understand the nature and cause. Sources told CBS that in July 2023 William Shaheen was pulled aside for extra screening at the Boston airport ahead of two flights. Officials said at the time that the security agency randomly selected travelers for additional screening, and William Shaheen had been randomly chosen. Three months later, William Shaheen was flagged by the transportation security agency because his travel companion on two flight reservations was a person listed by the FBI as a "known or suspected terrorist," or KST, a broad designation that covers a wide-ranging risk profile. A federal air marshal was sent to covertly travel near them on a flight on Oct. 18, 2023, one source said. Sen. Shaheen spoke with Pekoske to ask about the situation regarding her husband. On Oct. 20, 2023, her husband was added to the "secure flight exclusion list," a VIP list that exempts a traveler from the security agency's vetting and surveillance programs, including random screenings. An order from TSA headquarters was sent to make sure the safeguarded status for William Shaheen was signaled when his future boarding passes were presented at airports. The spokesperson for Sen. Shaheen said she wasn't aware that her husband had been monitored under the Quiet Skies program, or that he had later been given preferential treatment by being specifically excluded from enhanced screening, The person William Shaheen traveled with, whose identity could not be confirmed by CBS News, was removed from the FBI terrorism watchlist later in 2023, sources familiar with the matter said. It was not clear why the person was placed on the list, though a host of factors including visits to hostile countries, certain suspicious travel patterns, or contacts with designated terror suspects can all contribute to the listing. The spokesperson for Sen. Shaheen declined to identify her husband's travel companion other than to say the person was an Arab-American attorney. The senator was not given any indication the person was designated as a known or suspected terrorist, the spokesperson said. William Shaheen was recently removed from the list of people excluded from any enhanced surveillance, a Department of Homeland Security official told CBS on Tuesday. Mr. Trump has criticized what he refers to as the weaponization of state power and the use of government levers to go after political opponents, but since his reelection, has sought to settle scores with those he perceives to have wronged him. Sen. Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee and a frequent critic of Mr. Trump and his policies, has announced she will not seek reelection in 2026. Her eldest daughter, Democrat Stefany Shaheen, is running for a seat in the U.S. House.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ellen Pompeo Says She Was Detained by TSA for an Hour, Had Bomb Squad Called In: ‘Is This a Joke?'
Ellen Pompeo says she was delayed by TSA for an hour after trying to board a flight with a pricey snack that, triggered a bomb squad investigation. The 'Grey's Anatomy' star joked about the ordeal, saying she thought her publicist wouldn't believe it if she missed her flight A self-described nervous flier, Pompeo says she now sticks to carry-on essentials like wipes and water — and leans on her kids for comfort during Pompeo got an unexpected lesson on what snacks are safe to munch on in flight after a recent security debacle. The Grey's Anatomy star, 55, was stopped by TSA in March for attempting to board a plane with a bag of Erewhon sunflower seeds, she reveals in a new interview with Travel + Leisure. 'I had a bag of sunflower seeds, like organic sunflower seeds from Erewhon, so they were probably the most expensive sunflower seeds money can buy,' she says. 'They literally held me for an hour, and they brought the bomb squad in.' Pompeo asked the officials, 'What is happening? Is this a joke?' They replied that 'it was most likely a chemical on the packaging of these super expensive, fancy, organic, clean sunflower seeds' that triggered the search. To get on with the security and boarding process, the award-winning actor-director offered to simply throw the bag in the trash; however, she said they told her that she'd have to wait for the bomb squad to confirm the unopened bag of seeds was secure before being released. 'I almost missed the flight,' Pompeo recalls. 'It was really like no one would ever believe this! I was texting my publicist saying, 'I might not get on this plane, and you're never gonna guess why.'' Despite the TSA kerfuffle, Pompeo tells T+L that she loves to travel and reveals what she brings in her carry-on, excluding Erewhon sunflower seeds going forward, and her pre-seating routine. 'Mints, glasses, water, hand sanitizer, and baby wipes,' she shared. 'I have to do the Naomi Campbell thing and wipe down the entire seat.' As for how she likes to travel, the proud mom says her favorite way to jet set is with her family. Pompeo shares three children – Stella Luna, 15, Sienna May, 10, and Eli Christopher, 8 – with her husband, music producer Chris Ivery, to whom she's been married since 2007. As a self-proclaimed nervous flier, the Good American Family star says her family is her support system during any uneasy moments. 'I like to hold my kids' hands when I take off,' she confessed, 'which is probably a little selfish, and they're probably feeling my anxiety, which probably isn't the best thing to do.' Read the original article on People
