Can you bring powdered drink mix on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will powdered drink mix remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Powdered Drink Mix On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Powdered Drink Mix on Domestic Flights Within the U.S.A.? |
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Carry-On Baggage: |
Yes – amounts greater than 12 ounces should be placed in checked luggage |
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Checked Luggage: |
Yes |
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Can You Bring Powdered Drink Mix on International Flights Originating in the U.S.A? |
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Carry-On Baggage: |
Yes – amounts greater than 12 ounces should be placed in checked luggage* |
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Checked Luggage: |
Yes* |
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*You can bring powdered drink mix on board. But you might not be able to bring powdered drink mix into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Powdered Drink Mix Into The U.S.A. on an International Flight? |
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Carry-On or Checked Luggage: |
Yes in most cases (see below) |
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How Long Will Powdered Drink Mix Last In Your Luggage? |
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Powdered drink mix: |
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-unopened |
2 to 3 years at room temperature |
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-opened |
12 to 18 months at room temperature |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING POWDERED DRINK MIX ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring powdered drink mix through airport security in your carry-on baggage. It’s best to limit the amount of powdered drink mix you pack in your carry-on to containers of 12 ounces (350 ml) or less. That’s because powdered drink mix is considered a powder-like substance for TSA screening purposes, and powders in quantities above 12 ounces (about the size of a standard soda can) may be disallowed through the security checkpoint if TSA agents cannot be assured of their safety. If the powdered drink mix isn’t already pre-packaged, it should be placed in a resealable bag or container with a secure lid.
Read more: Here are the foods you can bring through airport security
Yes, you can bring powdered drink mix in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States. You can bring as much powdered drink mix as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage.
Yes, you can bring powdered drink mix on an international flight departing from the U.S., either in your carry-on baggage or your checked luggage. The TSA applies the same rules for allowing powdered drink mix through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring powdered drink mix into many foreign countries. But depending on the country, it might have to be in its original packaging and unopened. Be sure to check your foreign destination’s rules before leaving.
BRINGING POWDERED DRINK MIX INTO THE UNITED STATES
The United States generally allows travelers to bring powdered drink mix into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country. To be permitted, the powdered drink mix must typically be sealed in its original container, with the ingredients listed in English.
Note that even if the powdered drink mix is allowed, you must declare all foods that you bring into the United States — whether they are allowable or not — to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The penalties for failing to declare your food items can be steep; bear in mind also that the CBP routinely conducts random screenings for arriving passengers.
Unopened powdered drink mix will usually keep well for about 2 years at room temperature. Opened powdered drink mix will typically keep well for 12 to 18 months when stored at room temperature.
Note: While the above information is based on applicable Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines at the time of publication, the final decision for whether to allow a food item through airport security or into the United States rests with the TSA and CBP officers on duty at the airport. Regulations also change frequently: For the latest information, check the US Customs and Border Protection and Transportation Security Administration websites.
