Sachin Walls
When it comes to airport security, there are often questions about what can be taken on board a flight. Liquids, gels, and medications fall under strict regulations, with specific volume limits and packaging requirements. These rules can vary slightly depending on the country and airport, but generally, travellers are advised to pack liquids in their checked bags unless necessary. Medically necessary liquids, prescription drugs, and certain full-size liquids are allowed but may require additional screening procedures. Understanding these regulations is crucial for a smooth travel experience, ensuring that travellers can bring essential items on board while complying with security measures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum liquid container size | 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) |
| Container type | Clear zip-top plastic bag |
| Container quantity | One quart-sized bag |
| Medication allowance | Medically required liquids, prescription drugs, and gel ice packs are allowed in reasonable quantities. |
| Powder allowance | Powders are screened and should be placed in checked bags. |
| Duty-free purchases | Liquids purchased at duty-free shops are exempt from the liquid volume rules if sealed in a security tamper-evident bag. |
| Screening assistance | TSA Cares helpline: (855) 787-2227 |
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What You'll Learn
Medication in carry-on luggage
When travelling with medication, it is important to remain organised and be aware of the regulations and restrictions in place. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the U.S. allows passengers to bring prescription drugs and medically necessary liquids, such as water or juice, through security and onto flights. Liquids must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and placed in a one-quart, clear, zip-top bag. An exception to this rule is made for liquid medications, which are allowed in larger quantities, provided they are "reasonable" for the duration of the flight.
If you are travelling with liquid medications, you must inform the TSA official at the start of the screening process. They may be screened during security, and you can request a visual inspection if you do not want them X-rayed. This request must be made before the medication enters the X-ray tunnel. Medications that cannot be opened or X-rayed will likely require a pat-down screening, so it is advised to arrive at the airport early.
Solid medications, such as pills, are not limited in quantity, but they will also go through the standard X-ray screening process. It is not necessary to present medications or notify a security official, unless they are liquid. It is recommended to keep a detailed list of your medications, including the name, dosage and schedule, either on your phone or in a pocketbook. While not required by the TSA, keeping pills in their original prescription bottles may simplify the customs process when travelling internationally.
If you have any questions or concerns about travelling with medication, TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travellers with additional assistance during the security screening process. They can be contacted at least 72 hours before your flight.
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Buying liquids at the airport
If you are planning to buy liquids at the airport, it is important to be aware of the restrictions on carrying liquids through airport security. Most airports, including Heathrow, follow the rule that any liquids carried through security must be in containers of 100ml or less, and they must be placed in a single, transparent bag. This includes drinks, suntan lotion, fragrances, cosmetics, and toiletries. Medications are exempt from this rule but should be kept in a separate bag.
If you purchase liquids at the airport, they are considered "safe" and can be brought onto the plane. Duty-free liquids purchased internationally can be carried in your carry-on bag if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag and do not show signs of tampering. Powders purchased duty-free must also be in a security tamper-evident bag and include a receipt proving they were purchased at the airport.
It is recommended that any liquids larger than 100ml be packed in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag. This is because any liquid that alarms during screening will require additional screening and may not be permitted in your carry-on bag.
Some exceptions to the 100ml rule include baby food and breast milk, which can be carried in quantities greater than 100ml when travelling with an infant. However, it should be stored in a clear, transparent container or bag, and the volume should not exceed 2 litres.
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Medically-necessary gel ice packs
The rules and restrictions for carry-on luggage at airport security vary depending on the country and the airport. It is always advisable to check with the specific airport and airline beforehand. Here is some information regarding medically-necessary gel ice packs:
If you are travelling with gel ice packs that are not medically necessary, different rules may apply. In some cases, these gel ice packs may be subject to the standard liquid restrictions and would need to comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule (100ml or 3.4oz) for carry-on luggage. It is worth noting that some airports and countries may have different restrictions, so it is always best to check beforehand.
For checked baggage, the rules can vary as well. In some cases, non-medical gel ice packs may be allowed in checked bags but not in carry-on bags. Again, it is important to verify this information with the specific airline and airport.
It is worth noting that some medications may be exempt from standard liquid restrictions when properly labelled and declared. It is recommended to keep medications in a separate quart-sized ziplock bag for easy access and inspection. This helps facilitate a smoother process when going through security checkpoints.
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Screening procedures
Solid Medications
Solid medications, such as pills or tablets, are generally allowed in unlimited amounts in carry-on baggage or checked bags. These medications do not need to be placed in a clear plastic bag and can be kept in their original containers. It is still recommended to carry only the amount needed for the flight in your carry-on bag.
Liquid Medications
Liquid medications are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. However, you must declare these liquids to the TSA official at the start of the screening process. Liquid medications should be placed in a separate bin or dish for inspection and may be subject to additional screening, including opening the containers for inspection or transferring liquids to alternative containers. Medications in liquid form should be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. While liquid medications are allowed in carry-on bags, it is recommended to carry only the amount needed for the flight.
Medications in Aerosol Form
Some countries, like Canada, allow prescription and non-prescription aerosol medications in quantities greater than 100 milliliters in carry-on bags. However, regulations may vary by country, so it is essential to check the rules of your destination country.
Duty-Free Purchases
Liquids, including LAGs (liquids, aerosols, and gels), purchased at duty-free airport retailers or on board an aircraft are exempt from the standard liquid volume restrictions. These items must be properly sealed in a security tamper-evident bag (STEB) and remain sealed until you reach your destination.
Controlled Substances
For medications that are considered controlled substances, such as cannabis, codeine, fentanyl, or testosterone, additional regulations may apply. These substances are under strict government control and may require proof, such as a letter from a doctor or a copy of a prescription, especially when traveling internationally. It is important to research the regulations of your destination country to ensure compliance.
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Calling TSA Cares helpline
There are restrictions on the amount of liquid you can take through airport security. Liquids, gels, and aerosols are limited to containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. These must fit into a quart-sized ziplock bag. Medications are exempt from this rule but should be kept in a separate quart-sized ziplock bag. Powders are also screened and should be placed in checked bags. Liquids purchased after passing the TSA checkpoint are allowed on the plane.
If you require special assistance during your security screening, you can call the TSA Cares helpline. This service is for passengers who require assistance due to a disability or medical condition, including those with internal or external devices that may affect screening technology. It is also for those traveling with medically necessary liquids, gels, or aerosols over 3.4 ounces, traveling with a child with a disability or medical condition, or traveling with a service animal. Other reasons to call include difficulty understanding or communicating in English and traveling with religious or cultural items that require special handling, such as crematory remains.
To request assistance, you must contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your departure. You can do this by completing the TSA Cares form or calling (855) 787-2227. The helpline is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET and on weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. It is important to plan ahead to ensure a smoother security experience.
When calling the TSA Cares helpline, be prepared to provide information about your specific needs and requests. The TSA Cares team will work with you to ensure that your security screening is as smooth and comfortable as possible. They may provide guidance on what to expect during the screening process and make any necessary accommodations. Remember that airport wheelchair service is provided by your airline, not by TSA. By calling TSA Cares in advance, you can ensure that your travel experience is as stress-free and accommodating as possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Medication in solid form, such as pills, has no quantity limit. Liquid medication is also exempt from the 3.4-ounce (100ml) limit for liquids, although you must declare it at the security checkpoint and it will be subject to additional screening. Only bring what you need for the flight.
Medication does not need to be placed in a zip-top bag like other liquids, although it should be clearly labelled. If your medication is in liquid form, you may be asked to open the container for inspection.
Powders are now screened at security, so pack these in your checked baggage if possible. Controlled substances like cannabis, codeine, fentanyl, and testosterone are subject to additional regulations and may require a letter from a doctor.
