Can I take travel with my medication?
Millions of Americans regularly fly with some form of medication in their luggage. According to the CDC, around 11.3% of the population is diabetic and may require insulin. Others carry EpiPens to handle allergies, while almost half of US adults aged over 75 depend on blood-thinning statins. But can you carry medications on board flights, and do restrictions apply? In this blog, we'll try to set your mind at ease and clarify what - if any - rules apply to taking medication with you when you fly.
- First things first: What does the TSA say?
- What items are prohibited in carry-on luggage?
- Tips for making carrying medication as stress-free as possible
- Conclusion: Make flying hassle-free, no matter what medication you rely on
First things first: What does the TSA say?
As usual, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has come up with a set of rules which technically govern what types of medication can be taken on board, and this is a good starting point for a wider discussion. Here are some key points to think about:
- You only need to inform TSA staff about liquid medications when passing through security: under the "3-1-1" rule. (Read more: What counts as liquid on a plane?)
- It is recommended that any "medically necessary liquids" are declared to avoid any confusion.
- Prescription labels are recommended and should adhere to state-mandated regulations.
- You can request a visual inspection instead of an X-ray but must do so before screening.
- Nitroglycerin tablets and sprays for angina are absolutely fine.
These rules enable travelers to carry on almost any medications without the need to surrender them or risk being denied boarding. This may surprise some inexperienced travelers, who have heard rumors about prohibited medications. Actually, the TSA tends to seek to maximize the number of genuine medications that travelers can carry. Even so, if you have any doubts, contacting the TSA to double-check is always advisable.
What items are prohibited in carry-on luggage?
Although a wide range of essential medicines are approved for use on board flights, many medical products (or items that travelers may associate with illness) are more tightly restricted. (Read more: Prohibited items on carry-on luggage)
This applies particularly to products classed as "liquids, gels, lotions, and other items of similar consistency." Anything which falls under this category will probably have to be stored in checked luggage, and cannot be taken into the cabin.
Many popular items are included, such as shaving lotion, antiperspirants, energy gels, and moisturizing gels - although few would be considered as essential medications. However, even here some exceptions apply.
For instance, baby formula, milk and baby food are usually fine to carry on board, over the usual 3.4 oz or 100 ml are allowed as they are considered "medically needed liquids" (It is recommended that the formula/milk be transported in clear bottles and not in bags). And, as we noted earlier, liquid prescription medications have no restrictions. Cosmetics like lipstick are also fine - just be wary of anything classed as an aerosol or gel.
Stress-free tips for carrying medication
The regulations governing what types of medication can be taken on US flights are fairly clear. However, the way they are applied and the stress of dealing with health conditions during hectic travel schedules can still lead to problems. Fortunately, there are some things we can do to make it easier to travel with medication::
Firstly, make life easier for TSA officers if possible. If you can secure a detailed label documenting the precise nature of your medication, do so. Eliminate any ambiguity about what you are carrying, and why you need it. That way, security checks should be much smoother.
Secondly, it's a good idea to keep the amount of medication you carry as low as possible. Even those arriving from abroad are advised to bring no more than 90 days' supply. The more you carry, the more likely officials are to become suspicious.
Additionally, it's a good idea to check with the TSA before traveling, as regulations can change rapidly and it pays to know exactly what you are dealing with. The TSA can also advise about the right packaging to use, and permissible quantities.
Finally, many experts advise that travelers with medication carry a signed letter from their physician explaining what the medication is for. If you are traveling abroad, it's a good idea to have this letter translated into local languages.
Make flying hassle-free, no matter what medication you rely on
Traveling domestic or abroad with medication shouldn't be problematic. Regulatory and security agencies don't want to cause health emergencies by denying passengers the drugs they need, and the rules are easy to follow. So don't take risks, but do your homework before assuming and heading straight to the airport. Consult regulations, obtain the documentation you need, and take all of the necessary preparations to stay healthy, wherever you need to fly.
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