Ruth Haines
If you're travelling with ointments, you may be wondering what you can and can't take through airport security. The good news is that most countries have consistent and effective airport security screening procedures in place, and you can usually take small containers of ointments in your carry-on luggage. Medically necessary ointments and creams are typically allowed in quantities over 3.4 ounces (100ml), but you may need to declare them and present them separately to a security officer for inspection. To make the process smoother, it's recommended to clearly label your ointments and ensure they are easily accessible for screening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you take ointment through airport security? | Yes, you can take prescription and essential non-prescription ointments through airport security. |
| Prescription ointments | Prescription ointments are not subject to the 100 ml / 3.4 fluid ounces rules. The prescription label must be clearly readable, and the name on the label must match the name on your boarding pass and passport. |
| Medically necessary ointments | Medically necessary ointments are allowed in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 ml. |
| Liquids, gels, and aerosols | Liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in travel-sized containers of no more than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) in a quart-sized bag. |
| Containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 ml | Containers larger than the specified limit must be packed in checked baggage. |
| Screening | Medications must be declared to the screening officer for inspection. |
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What You'll Learn
- Medically necessary liquids, medications, and creams are allowed
- Prescription ointments are exempt from liquid restrictions
- Containers must be travel-sized, typically 3.4 ounces or 100ml
- Declare all medications to the screening officer for inspection
- Non-liquid substitutes are available for most toiletries
Medically necessary liquids, medications, and creams are allowed
If your medically necessary liquids cannot be opened or X-rayed, you will still be allowed to bring them, but you will probably need to undergo a pat-down screening. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport early if this is the case. You will still need to remove your shoes during the screening process unless you have a medical condition or disability that prevents you from doing so, you wear a prosthetic device, are over 75 years old, or have TSA Pre-check.
You should clearly label your medication to facilitate the screening process. If your medication requires refrigeration, it should be stored in an insulated container with gel or ice packs. Medically necessary liquids, gels, and creams should be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag.
If you are wearing an insulin pump or CGM, inform the screening officer that you are wearing it, and that it is medically necessary and cannot be removed. Request alternative screening methods. A doctor's note or a medical device ID card can help provide additional information to screening officers.
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Prescription ointments are exempt from liquid restrictions
Medications are exempt from liquid restrictions, but they must be declared to the screening officer for inspection. Prescription ointments are considered medications and are therefore exempt from liquid restrictions. However, to avoid any issues, it is recommended that you clearly label your ointment and ensure that the name on the prescription matches the name on your boarding pass and passport.
When packing your prescription ointment, it is best to place it in your carry-on baggage to ensure easy accessibility during the flight. If your ointment is a liquid, gel, or aerosol, you must pack it in a clear, resealable plastic bag. While prescription liquids are exempt from the 3.4-ounce (100 ml) limit, you should still declare them to the screening officer and inform them of any special handling requirements, such as temperature control.
Additionally, you may be asked to open your ointment container for inspection and testing. This may include pouring the ointment into alternative containers or examining small amounts. If your ointment cannot be opened or X-rayed, you will likely undergo a pat-down screening, so it is advisable to arrive at the airport early.
It is worth noting that travel experts recommend only carrying the amount of prescription ointment you need for your trip. This helps streamline the screening process and ensures you do not encounter any issues related to quantity.
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Containers must be travel-sized, typically 3.4 ounces or 100ml
Medically necessary liquids, creams, gels, and aerosols are exempt from the 3.4-ounce (100 ml) rule. This includes prescription and essential non-prescription medications. However, it is recommended that you only carry what you need during your flight. If you are bringing larger containers of medically necessary liquids, creams, gels, or aerosols, pack them separately in your carry-on.
If your medically necessary liquids, creams, gels, or aerosols are under 3.4 ounces (100 ml), place them in a quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag with your other personal liquid and gel items. This facilitates the screening process.
If your medically necessary liquids, creams, gels, or aerosols are over 3.4 ounces (100 ml), you may still be able to bring them in your carry-on. However, you will need to declare them to the screening officer for inspection and additional screening. This may include pouring liquids into alternative containers or examining small amounts of the liquids. If your liquids cannot be opened or X-rayed, you will likely need to undergo a pat-down screening.
To avoid delays, contact the relevant airport or airline authority at least 72 hours before your flight to ask about specific requirements and procedures.
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Declare all medications to the screening officer for inspection
When travelling with medications, it's important to declare all prescription and essential non-prescription medications to the screening officer for inspection. This includes ointments, creams, gels, and liquids. While medications are generally exempt from liquid restrictions, they must be declared and may be subject to additional screening.
If you have medically necessary liquids, ointments, or gels, it is recommended to clearly label the medication to facilitate the screening process. You may bring these items in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag, but they should be easily accessible for inspection. Place liquid, gel, or cream medications in a clear, quart-sized, or one-litre plastic zip-top bag along with your other personal liquid items. If the medication is in a container larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters, it is advisable to pack it separately in your carry-on.
During the screening process, a security officer may ask you to open your bottles or containers of medically necessary liquids, ointments, or gels for inspection and testing. This may include pouring liquids into alternative containers or examining small amounts of the product. If your medication cannot be opened or X-rayed, you will still be permitted to bring it, but you may undergo additional screening, such as a pat-down.
To ensure a smooth process, it is recommended to contact the relevant airport authorities, such as TSA Cares or CATSA's customer service team, at least 72 hours before your flight to gain specific information regarding your medication. Additionally, clearly readable prescription labels that match your name on the boarding pass and passport can help streamline the inspection process.
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Non-liquid substitutes are available for most toiletries
Toothpaste is also available in tablet or powder form, which can be used with water. Sunscreen sticks are another smart way to get your favourite SPF on board without having to worry about liquid restrictions. Powder alternatives to aerosol dry shampoo are also available.
For those who are not ready to switch to solids, there are kits with small, travel-sized squeeze pods of body wash, shaving cream, lotion, and hair products. These kits are a convenient way to avoid having to buy toiletries at your destination or rely on subpar hotel products.
It is worth noting that prescription medications and creams are not subject to the same restrictions as regular liquids. However, it is recommended that medication be clearly labelled to facilitate the screening process, and that any liquids over 3.4 ounces (100ml) be packed in checked baggage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring ointment through airport security. Medically necessary ointments and creams are exempt from liquid restrictions. However, they must be declared to the screening officer for inspection.
Medications should be packed in your carry-on baggage to ensure accessibility. Place them in a clear, resealable plastic bag if they are liquids or gels and ensure they are easily accessible for inspection.
Yes, you should declare all medications to the screening officer. Inform them of any special handling needs, such as temperature control or sterile packaging.
