Written by Sandy P. Bonfin, PharmD, BCPS | Reviewed by Stacia Woodcock, PharmD
Updated on June 5, 2024
Key takeaways:
You can take most medications on the plane when you travel. But there are some exceptions.
Depending on your destination, you may want to bring more medication than you expect to use during the trip. Keep your medications in your carry-on luggage whenever possible.
Every country has different rules regarding medications you can bring. If you’re traveling abroad, find out in advance what your destination country’s rules are.
Table of contents
What you can take
How much to pack
Storage
Traveling with kids
Common mistakes
Bottom line
References
nikkimeel/iStock via Getty Images
If you’re planning an upcoming trip and not sure what to do about your medications, you’re not alone. Figuring out the rules regarding medications on a plane and during travel can be difficult and confusing.
Here, we’ll break down several common questions about traveling with medications. We’ll also include the steps you can take to help ensure that everything goes smoothly during your trip.
Can you take medicine on a plane?
Most medications are allowed on planes. There are some exceptions to flying with medication, which we’ll cover below. You can take your medication on planes in your checked luggage or carry-on, depending on the medication’s storage requirements.
But delays can happen, and checked luggage can get lost. So having your medications in your carry-on is the safest option. You can put your extra supply in your checked luggage.
When packing medications in your carry-on, make sure you put them in a separate container and clearly label them. This will help facilitate the screening process at the airport.
When traveling within the U.S., you don’t have to declare your medications unless they’re in liquid form.
When you’re traveling abroad, each country has different rules. Contact the U.S. embassy of your destination country for any requirements. If you’re unsure, declare your medications anyway.
Below are some things to know about bringing specific types of medications on a plane.
Pills
Keep your pills in their original bottles if possible. If you carry them in a pill case, make sure you have prescriptions for them or a note from your prescriber. Some destinations might have specific requirements about documentation and how to package your pills — check what these are ahead of time.
Liquid medications
The 3-1-1 rule, which limits the amount of liquid you bring through security, applies to liquids in your carry-on. But this rule doesn’t apply to liquid medications.
If you have more than 3.4 oz of liquid medication, you’ll have to declare it with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent.
Injectable medications
You can take injectable medications (like an insulin pen or an Epipen) in your carry-on. The same goes for diabetes supplies and insulin vials. Make sure to tell the TSA officer that you have a health condition and clearly identify these items.
Unused Needles
If you need needles to inject medication, it’s OK to have them in your carry-on. But this is only if you have your injectable medication with them. If you plan to use your medication during the flight, bring a small sharps container to put your used needles in.
Inhalers
You can take inhalers on the plane, but you’ll need to declare them at screening. Although labels are not required, they can make checkpoint inspections smoother.
Controlled medications
You can take controlled prescription medications on the plane. Be sure you have a note from your prescriber explaining what the medication is and what it’s used for. Depending on where you’re going, there may be restrictions. Check ahead of time, and work with the country’s U.S. embassy.
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