Drink mixes/gels at airport security

[kirsangel]

Ok, so I'm wondering the best way to get my powdered drink mixes and gels through airport security. IF I put them in my checked bags, will a ziploc bag of powder show up on the xrays and cause them to rifle through my suitcase! I don't travel often so I don't know the level to which they xray/examine your checked bags.

Thanks!

 

[princessrunner]

I had gel in my 3-1-1 bag for ToT and had no problems. I have packed powder Crystal Light To Go in my bags before both checked and carry on and have never had an issue. I think as long as they are in their packaging, you should be fine, loose and you may have an issue. The gels I would seal in a baggie also if you are checking bags as the cold and reheat could cause a giant mess!!

Good luck!

 

[cewait]

If it's in your checked bags you will not have an issue. I would leave it in the original container and put that in a baggie. Gels will stay ok in a checked bag also. The greatest concern would be pressure changes and most cargo holds are pressurized.

If you are planning on carrying on put gels in a plastic baggie along with all other liquids and gels. You only get one quart sized baggie per person. I would not bring on unless they are prepacked in their original packages. A big bulk container of powdered Endurox or other powedered supplement or baggies of the stuff may create issue at the airport.

Note I carry powederd supplements and gels all the time in checked baggage with no issue. In the event your bag does get selected for random search, original containers bring up fewer questions. I mean do you really want a TSA agent sampling your powdered, baggied supplement?

 

[ironz]

Definitely gels need to be in your 3-1-1 baggie if carrying on.

Powders....do not have to be declared. If you do not have room for the whole container of powdered mix, I have never had a problem with having powdered mixes (Accelerade, Gatorade, Carbopro) in baggies that I have labeled by hand. That is not to say that my luggage has never been inspected, but they have never taken any of that away from me, and I travel by air often to races. Couldn't even say if the bags of powder triggered the extra inspection, or other stuff I was carrying (bike tools, TP massage roller, etc).

I would recommend double bagging any powder, as it will make a fine mess if the bag gets a little hole or the seal comes undone.

 

[Steffwalks]

One of my checked bags was randomly selected for a search. I had gels and powders in original packaging and they weren't removed or opened. Of course, they didn't bother putting the TSA lock back on, though. THAT really ticked me off.

 

[NYcpa]

We normally never have a problem flying with gels or powders. When we flew to NC for the Run to Victory earlier this month I had a box of peanut butter crackers in my carryon. The TSA people were puzzled by the shape and density. They asked if they could open the bag and check it out. Never thought PB crackers would be contraband.

 

[princessrunner]

Kathy: They confiscated my DS gummy worms 2 years ago. Gummy worms, ooooh, scary!!!

I usually follow the rule that if I am carrying it on and I question whether it is okay, I stick it in my 3-1-1 bag. If I am checking a bag, everything of question goes in that bag. I have learned to double bag certain things that may explode and, not that a lot of you know what marshmallow fluff is but, suffice it to say, it expands in its container and NEVER fly with it. It REALLY expands in the container (small explosion).