Can You Take Medicine on a Plane?

Approximately 4.5 billion people board commercial airplanes and take to the skies each year. Global travel has never been more common. Yet, many people who take over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications worry about taking their medicines on an airplane, given that all checked-in and carry-on luggage is subject to screening.

In the U.S., you are permitted to bring prescription drugs, OTC medications, medically required liquids, and medical supplies on a plane. You can even bring ice packs if you need to keep your medications cool.

Please continue reading to learn more about the rules regarding taking medicine through U.S. airport security.

What are the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules about prescription drugs?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits passengers to bring over-the-counter and prescription drugs in solid and liquid form, other medically necessary substances like juice or water, and medical equipment onto an airplane.

What medications can you take on a plane?

Items that you’re allowed to take on an airplane include:

Over-the-counter and prescription medications, including liquid medication.
Medical supplies.
Water, juice, or other gel or liquid nutrition products and medical liquids required by passengers with a disability or medical condition for consumption during the flight.
Breast milk and baby formula.
Saline solution for contact lenses.
Mastectomy products and other medical or cosmetic items that contain gels or liquids.
Transplant organs, bone marrow, and other life-sustaining medical materials.
Ice packs (frozen gels or liquids) required to keep medications or life-sustaining materials, or disability-related items cool.

You do not need to present your medication to the security agent. You also don’t need to notify the officer at the security checkpoint about any medication unless it is in liquid form in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 mL).

Is there a limit on how much medication I can take on a flight?

There is no limit on how much medication you can bring with you on a flight if it is in solid form. In other words, you can bring medications in pill form in unlimited amounts. In fact, you should bring enough medication to last you for your entire trip and a few extra days in case of delays.

However, if you are carrying liquid medications or medically necessary liquids, you should place them in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or smaller and carry them in a quart-sized clear zip-lock bag along with your other personal liquid and gel items. This is the easiest way to comply with TSA regulations and expedite the security screening process.

If your prescription medications come in larger containers in excess of 3.4 ounces, you are still allowed to bring them (in reasonable quantities). Simply place medically required liquids in your carry-on bags and declare each medication to the TSA officer at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids may need to undergo additional screening, and you may be asked to open the container. The TSA agent may perform tests on the liquid in some cases.

Does prescription medication have to be in original containers when flying?

The TSA does not require original prescription bottles. But keeping all medications in their original labeled containers instead of a pill case or pill box can save you a lot of hassle.

This is especially true if you travel abroad, because the laws in your destination country may be more strict. Also, original medication bottles have safety features to protect you from accidental misuse or overdose.

Generally, it is best to avoid transferring pills from their original bottle to another container.

Can you take unmarked pills on a plane?

You can take unmarked pills with you on a plane in carry-on and checked baggage. Your medication does not have to be in its original packaging.

If you are taking prescription drugs that are controlled substances, for example, opioid pain pills, it’s best to have a doctor’s note explaining your medical conditions and prescriptions.

Keep in mind that the rules at your final destination may be different than the U.S. and may require passengers to declare medications or undergo additional screening. Some medications that are legal in America may be illegal in other countries, leading to serious consequences.

Always check the individual laws of your destination country if you’re traveling abroad. It’s best to have a valid prescription and doctor’s note with you, just in case.

Do I need to have my medication X-rayed?

Screening of medications is usually done with your carry-on bag through an X-ray machine. However, you can request a visual inspection during security screening if you prefer. Do this before your bag goes through the X-ray machine on the conveyor belt.

Should I pack medications in carry-on baggage or checked-in baggage?

The TSA allows you to bring medication in either your carry-on or checked bag. However, it is a good idea to keep all medications in your carry-on baggage. This is especially true if you are on certain medicines with a strict medication schedule or you need medicines like nitroglycerin tablets to treat angina episodes. Keeping prescription medications in your carry-on luggage will ensure that you have immediate access to your medications in the event of delays, lost baggage, or emergency situations.

Wrapping up

Taking medicine on a plane is pretty straightforward for the most part. Knowing the rules in advance can save you a lot of hassle at the airport. Whether traveling for work or vacation, get to the airport early, so you’re not pressed for time at airport security. Obtain professional medical advice for prescription medication you should take while traveling, pack your OTC and prescription drugs in your carry-on bag, and you should be good to go.

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