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Enji
26th Jul 2011, 11:18
Hi there,

Wanting to take protein and creatine abroad for my bodybuilding since i'll be away for a good month and don't want to lose any progress I've made. Would these be ok to put in checked luggage?

Going from UK to Asia, travelling through the Middle East and don't feel like getting any problems on my transit through Dubai since my waiting time there will be very short.

Cheers for any help.

McGoonagall
26th Jul 2011, 11:23
While Creatine and protein may be legal any amount of white powder may raise suspicions and be subject to tests. That could delay you. I would be tempted to source them locally when you arrive.

Enji
26th Jul 2011, 11:42
Thanks for the speedy reply.

Unfortunately, 500g of creatine at my destination is about 3x more expensive and protein is also at least double making the outlay quite large (at least in terms of student money and saving for my PPL).

I've heard of people taking supplements through as hand baggage in certain airport though through Dubai I would guess probably not. Was hoping it might be OK in my checked luggage but the chances are I'll go with your advice. I've heard that on transit your checked bag will not be scanned at as great as an extent compared to your departure/arrival airport but any problems wouldn't be ideal.

Cheers

ARNSpoty
26th Jul 2011, 12:35
don't feel like getting any problems on my transit through Dubai

NO YOU DONT:*

There are restriction by taking ammunition, medication, etc..., but I have never heard anything about creatine. The only thing that might be risky is that there has been scenarios where people have smuggled other illegal substances through these buckets, and they can get skeptical and waste valuable time; which is clearly your biggest concern.

But should not be any problems.

E

Dubaian
27th Jul 2011, 12:55
You could run into trouble if you tried to import that sort of stuff into Dubai. The airport customs can even be upset by some drugs or additives which can legally be bought in pharmacies downtown without prescription. I would avoid having your stuff in hand baggage because it might attract suspicion in a transit security search. But my feeling is if it was in checked baggage routed straight through Dubai you'd probably be OK.

Load Toad
27th Jul 2011, 13:59
Why take the risk, if your body building is such a big deal bite the pillow and just buy the dose you need once you get there. Why bother taking a chance on getting grief from some customs officials that don't understand or sympathize with your need for pills.
You've said you are away for a month...is the cost of body building pills so high as to jeopardize your entire trip?

Enji
27th Jul 2011, 16:41
Thanks for the replies.

I'm not really sure how checked baggage screening works at the transit airport - is anyone able to clarify for me? Would be good to know out of interest too.

@ ARNSpoty / Dubaian - my thoughts too. If my final destination was Dubai then I wouldn't attempt to take the supplements. Since I will only be on transit there then I think if I did do it, I'd probably be fine taking it as checked baggage from UK.

@ Load Toad - they are not pills but in powder form. It's also completely legal to available buy in Dubai in shops there, but your last sentence is the reason why I will 'bite the pillow' as you put and buy at the destination instead of risking anything.

thanks guys.

Intruder
28th Jul 2011, 01:27
Many airports randomly or routinely X-ray baggage on international flights, usually at a Customs screening point just after baggage claim. While they are more likely looking for cigarette cartons or liquor bottles, you never know what might interest them.

ARNSpoty
28th Jul 2011, 12:23
good luck mate!

E

Gulfstreamaviator
28th Jul 2011, 12:30
there is a rather good double standard in force.

The Department of Health and Customs have published a vast list of banned substances.

Google; dubai banned drugs, or even here on PP.

But a vast amount of these can be purchased over the counter in most malls.

The supplements you mention are included in the stock, of most body shops in the major malls.

Re searching, they can be anal about the smallest head ache pill, or a vast run of Class a drugs.

Dont carry anything on their list...

Buy locally.

Welcome to Ramadan....

glf