Airport Security: Medications And Your Carry-On Limits

Medication is an essential item for many travellers, and it's important to know how to transport it safely and within the law. While it is possible to travel with medication, each country has its own laws and regulations regarding medicines, and travellers should be aware of these before embarking on their journey. Medication in liquid form, for example, is subject to different rules than solid medication and may need to be declared.

Medication in solid form has no limit

However, it is important to note that medication in solid form will still need to be screened by X-ray or a visual inspection. The TSA recommends keeping medication in your carry-on baggage, as you may need immediate access to it. It is also a good idea to clearly label your medication to facilitate the screening process.

While medication in solid form has no limit, it is important to be aware of the regulations for medication in liquid form. Medically necessary liquids, medications, and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres are permitted in carry-on bags. However, you must declare these to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection. Unlike other liquids, liquid medications do not need to be placed in a zip-top bag. They will be subject to additional screening, which may include opening the container.

It is worth noting that each country has its own laws related to medicines. While the TSA's guidelines apply to US airports, other countries may have different regulations. For example, the UK government requires proof, such as a doctor's letter or a copy of a prescription, for liquid medications over 100 millilitres. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the rules of the country you are travelling to and heed the advice of the relevant authorities.

Declare liquids over 3.4 oz/100ml to TSA

Medications in liquid form are allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100ml. However, you must declare these to a TSA officer at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening and you may be asked to open the container.

If you are travelling with liquid medication, it is recommended that you remove it from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. This will make the screening process easier.

Liquid medications are exempt from the rule that liquids must be placed in a zip-top bag. However, you should notify a TSA official that you have medically necessary liquids, and they will be subject to additional screening.

If you are travelling internationally, check the rules for the country you are visiting to make sure it doesn't have any restrictions on the ingredients in your medication. For example, if you are travelling to the UK, you must carry proof—such as a letter from a doctor or a copy of a prescription—for liquid medications of more than 100ml. No proof is needed for medicines in tablet form or liquids in a container holding 100ml or less.

Medication is X-rayed by default

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that medication does not need to be presented to or approved by an officer, unless it is in liquid form. In this case, you must inform a security official at the start of the screening process. Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres, in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is recommended that medication is clearly labelled to facilitate the screening process. Medication in liquid form will be subject to additional screening and you may be asked to open the container.

You can bring unlimited amounts of medication in pill or solid form, as long as it is screened. Medication can be carried in both carry-on and checked baggage, but it is highly recommended to keep it in your carry-on in case you need immediate access. The TSA does not require medication to be in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labelling of prescription medication, so passengers need to comply with these.

Label medication clearly

When traveling with medication, it is recommended that you clearly label your medication to facilitate the screening process. Clearly labeling your medication can help security screeners identify what each item is and confirm that you are allowed to travel with it.

While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, individual U.S. states have their own laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication, with which passengers need to comply. So, depending on where you are traveling from, you may need to have your medication in its original prescription bottle.

Additionally, when traveling to a foreign country, having your medication in its original prescription bottle can make the customs process smoother and simpler. Some countries may also require a doctor's note for your prescriptions, explaining why you are taking each medication. It may be helpful to translate this note into your destination's local language.

To further ensure that you can easily pass through security, keep your medication in your carry-on luggage. This way, you can quickly show security screeners your medication if they need to inspect it. It is also a good idea to keep your medication in your carry-on in case you need immediate access to it during your flight or in case your checked luggage gets lost.

Countries have unique medicine laws

When travelling with medication, it is important to remember that each country has its own unique medicine laws. While the rules vary by country, violating these laws can have serious consequences, including authorities confiscating your medicine, or penalties such as jail time.

In the United States, for example, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that it is not necessary to notify a security official about any medication you are travelling with, unless it is in liquid form. In this case, you must inform a TSA official at the start of the screening process. Unlike other liquids, liquid medications are allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces, in reasonable quantities for the flight. They will, however, be subject to additional screening. Medication in pill or solid form can be brought in unlimited amounts, as long as it is screened.

In the United Kingdom, travellers must carry proof, such as a letter from a doctor or a copy of a prescription, for liquid medications over 100ml. No proof is needed for medicines in tablet form or liquids in containers of 100ml or less. Controlled substances, such as cannabis, codeine, fentanyl, and testosterone, are under strict government control and require a letter of proof from a doctor.

In Canada, travellers are allowed to bring an unlimited amount of prescription drugs in tablet form, as well as prescription and non-prescription liquid, gel, and aerosol medications in quantities greater than 100ml.

To avoid any issues when travelling with medication, it is important to check the rules and regulations of your destination country, as well as any countries you have layovers in.

Frequently asked questions