Can You Bring Liquid IV on a Plane?

Liquid I.V. is an amazing drink mix that helps keep you hydrated and healthy while tasting great.

While you can’t bring drinks or liquids with you on an airplane, can you bring powdered Liquid I.V. with you to keep you hydrated?

Any powdered drink mix can be brought onto a plane. This includes powdered Liquid I.V., any accessories you need to bring, or any liquid medications. While subject to screening, none of these items should cause you any issues while going through airport security.

TSA Rules for Flying with Liquids, Powders, or Medications

One question a lot of people have is whether or not they will run into trouble trying to get their carry-on items through airport security. 

While the TSA has some strict regulations on what is allowed in carry-on bags, the list is pretty clear and there are always exceptions. 

For liquids, passengers are required to follow the 3-1-1 rule. 

Each person is allowed three liquid containers that have a volume of fewer than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) and they must be placed in a single, one-quart plastic bag.

Completely frozen drinks or liquids, medically necessary items, and baby food are excluded from this rule.

There will be plenty of water fountains or stalls to buy a bottle of water inside the airport, so don’t worry about trying to get that through security. 

For powders like drink mixes, passengers are generally limited to a container of 12 ounces (350 ml) or less. 

This includes items like Liquid I.V as long as you aren’t bringing liquids to mix it with or bringing very large quantities. 

If you pack less than 12 ounces of powder, you aren’t required to go through additional screening and may keep it in your carry-on. 

For amounts larger than 12 ounces, security will likely require extra screening or testing and you will need to claim it and leave it in your checked luggage. 

For all of the carry-on rules, the TSA allows for exceptions. Medications are allowed to be kept in carry-on bags and are exempt from liquid 3-1-1 rules, as is baby formula. 

Can You Bring Unopened Drinks Through TSA?

In short, no you can’t bring unopened drinks through TSA if you plan to keep them in your carry-on bag. 

Even if you bring a sealed container, all liquid (barring a few exceptions) must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less. 

If you’re wanting to bring a drink with you to avoid paying for expensive drinks inside the airport, there are a few loopholes you can use. 

Empty bottles are allowed through security checkpoints, in any size that can be stored in a bag. 

Passengers can bring their own water bottles through security and fill them inside the airport at a fountain.

A lot of airports have added bottle refill stations for exactly this purpose. They’re usually found outside of restrooms, attached to normal drinking fountains. 

Frozen drinks are also allowed through security. 

Any liquid must be completely frozen when presented for screening to be allowed. They can’t be partially frozen, slushy, or have any liquid in the bottom of the container. 

Powdered drinks, like Liquid I.V., are also allowed through security. 

Paired with an empty bottle, you can take your favorite drinks on the plane without being hassled at security or overpaying inside the airport. 

What Does TSA Consider a Liquid?

The term liquid includes fluids, gels, pastes, aerosols, creams, or gels. It’s the same whether you’re bringing food or toiletries with you. 

Some items can cause passengers a bit of confusion, so we’ll list some here that count as liquids for TSA screening:

• Peanut butter
• Mascara
• Perfume 
• Nail polish
• Toothpaste
• Sunscreen
• Soap and shampoo
• Hair gel

All of these are subject to the 3-1-1 regulations and must be within containers with a volume of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. 

Larger containers are allowed in your checked luggage, with some specific regulations about alcohol and aerosols.

Conclusion

It’s perfectly fine to bring powdered Liquid I.V. onto a plane with you. Make sure you bring a container that is 16 ounces or less to avoid extra screening or testing protocols. 

If you do require medical devices as well, make sure to claim them and inform a TSA agent at the security checkpoint. 

Medically necessary items fall under exceptions that allow you to bring them on planes without subjecting them to other regulations.