A routine airport security check turned into an extended screening session for one traveler who packed an unexpected item in her carry-on.
Her warning to fellow shoppers? Think twice before bringing powders (no matter how legal) through TSA.
Creatine Triggers Extended TSA Screening
Content creator Katie Wrona (@katie_wrona) documents how her muscle-building supplement triggered alarm bells at airport security. Her video has more than 872,000 views.
The video shows a TSA agent standing beside a rolling cart topped with Wrona’s creatine container and several vials used to test whether powdered substances contain illicit materials. As Wrona pans the camera back to herself, her expression shifts between disbelief and annoyance.
“Chat don’t buy creatine from tjmaxx,” she warns via text overlay.
In the caption, Wrona jokes that the incident “earned me a trip to second base with my friendly neighborhood tsa agent.”
What Is Creatine?
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in muscle cells that helps produce energy during high-intensity exercise. According to Momentous, it’s commonly used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts to improve exercise performance and increase muscle mass. The supplement typically comes as a white powder that users mix with water or other beverages.
It tends to raise red flags during airport security screenings since it looks a lot like something else that’s not so legal.
Understanding TSA’s Powder Rules
The TSA’s official policy on powders stems from security concerns that date back to 2018. Starting June 30, 2018, the agency implemented stricter screening procedures after a foiled plot to blow up a passenger plane in Australia using powder-based explosives.
According to CNN, would-be attackers planned to place an improvised explosive device on an Etihad Airways flight in July 2017, though the device never made it past the airline’s check-in desk. The incident prompted TSA to take a harder look at powder substances in carry-on luggage.
Here’s what travelers need to know: Powder-like substances greater than 12 ounces (350 milliliters)—roughly the volume of a standard soda can—must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
They may require additional screening, and containers may need to be opened. If TSA officers can’t determine what the powder is, it may be disposed of or require the passenger to check their bag.
The TSA explicitly states, “For your convenience, place powders in your checked bag.”
The rule applies to all powder-based substances, including things like cosmetic powder, dry spices, protein mix, and talcum powder.
Tips For Traveling With Creatine
For travelers determined to bring creatine in their carry-on, Momentous offers several strategies:
- Keep it in original packaging: This is the single most important tip. Original packaging with clear labeling helps TSA agents quickly identify the substance, reducing the likelihood of additional screening or disposal.
- Consider single-serve travel packs: Pre-measured packets are less suspicious than loose powder in bags and are explicitly designed for travel convenience.
- Switch to chewable forms: Creatine chews or gummies eliminate powder concerns entirely, though they’re typically more expensive than powder forms.
- Stay under 12 ounces: If you must bring powder, keep it below the 12-ounce threshold to avoid automatic additional screening.
- Be prepared for secondary screening: Even with proper packaging, you may be subject to additional checks. Build extra time into your airport schedule.
- When in doubt, check it: The easiest way to avoid hassle is to put creatine in checked luggage, where powder rules don’t apply.
Commenters React
“I wouldn’t ingest anything from tjmaxx,” a top comment read.
“They did this to me with unopened sealed baby formula,” a person said.
“It’s a powder, of course they’re gonna test it,” another wrote.
“Nothing to do with tjmaxx. they did this with my unopened metamucil also,” a commenter added.
@katie_wrona earned me a trip to second base with my friendly neighborhood tsa agent😭😭 #tsa #flight #creatine #d1athlete #viral
BroBible reached out to Wrona via TikTok direct message and comment and to T.J. Maxx via email.