Tips for Flying with Medication

Preparation is key to having both a safe and successful trip. While packing and making considerations for outfits and accessories for your excursions, you may also be wondering what things need to be accounted for in terms of medications.

While you’re certainly allowed to travel with medications, the TSA offers these considerations and tips you should keep top of mind to stay in the clear:

• It’s not necessary to present your medication to or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form.
• Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It’s not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subjected to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.
• You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
• You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
• TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.
• Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, they may ask for an inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.
• Nitroglycerin tablets and spray (used to treat episodes of angina in people who have coronary artery disease) are permitted and have never been prohibited.

Still have more medication questions? The TSA Contact Center and the TSA Cares Help Line are able to assist.

Written by Sarah Suydam, Staff Writer for eSYTA.