Yes, you can take medication on a plane, but it's crucial to pack it in your carry-on, keep it in its original labeled container, carry a doctor's note, and check your destination country's laws, especially for international travel, as some common medicines (like ADHD meds or strong painkillers) might be restricted or illegal elsewhere. Keep liquids over 100ml in your carry-on if needed, declare them, and carry any necessary sharps (like needles) with documentation.
Before you travel: Talk to your doctor about how airport screening might affect your medical device or medication. Carry a doctor's letter or medical ID card that lists your condition, devices, and medicines. Leave medicines in their original packaging - the name must match your boarding pass.
Pain medication:
Packing Your Meds the Right Way
Keep in mind these other tips: Bring enough medicine for your whole trip. You may want to bring extra, in case your return is delayed. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn't ask you to keep your medicines in their original prescription bottles.
It is not necessary to present your medication to, or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form (See next bullet). Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight.
Yes, you can travel with injectable and infused prescription medications. Always keep them in your carry-on, bring documentation, and declare them at security.
During travel
Travellers should carry a copy of their prescription together with a covering letter from their doctor. If supplies are needed whilst abroad, a pharmacy or health care provider should be consulted for advice.
Medicines
The TSA does not require you to have your medication in its original prescription bottle, so traveling with a pill case does not violate any rules.
If you don't have the original container, bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and why you need this medication. Travel with no more than you need for your personal use during your stay. A rule of thumb: Bring no more than a 90-day supply of medication.
The reduction in pack sizes of paracetamol available in supermarkets means a pack of 16 tablets will now last two days instead of two-and-a-half days if taken at the maximum dose (two tablets, four times a day). Anyone in pain that does not improve after short-term use should speak to their pharmacist or GP.
Can I take paracetamol on a plane? Yes, you can usually carry paracetamol on a plane, both in your carry-on and checked luggage, as it's typically considered a safe and permissible medication.
If you pack medicines in your hold luggage, we do not require a letter from your healthcare practitioner. However, we do advise you to pack your medication in your hand luggage where possible, especially if it is medication that you may need to take during the flight.
Narcotic pain relievers including but not limited to morphine, codeine, oxycodone (Percodan, Oxycontin), and hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin, etc.). Non-narcotic pain relievers (e.g., tramadol [Ultram]). All medications used as an aid to outpatient surgical or dental procedures.
Pack medications in a carry on in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labeled with your full name, health care provider's name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage.
You can't bring sharp objects (knives, scissors over 4in), weapons, most tools (hammers, drills), firearms, explosives, flammable liquids/aerosols, large lithium batteries, disabling sprays (pepper spray), or large quantities of liquids (over 100ml) in your carry-on; most hazardous materials and large sporting goods are also banned due to security risks, requiring them to be checked.
Carry a copy of a prescription and/or a letter from your doctor describing the medicine you are taking and the quantity you are bringing with you. Travel with an adequate supply of the medicines that you will need for your stay.
You will be asked to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening. Common examples of these devices include laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.
During Travel
Keep all medications in your carry-on luggage and in their original, labeled containers; do not combine multiple medications into one container. The name on the prescription should match the name on travel documents and identification. Be prepared for additional screening.
If you are travelling for less than three months you will not need a personal licence. You can simply carry your medication in your hand luggage with the letter from your doctor. If you are not sure if you need a letter or personal licence your doctor can advise you.
Bringing medication through security is easier than you think. ✔️Pills and solid meds are allowed with no quantity limitations in both carry-on and checked bags. ✔️Liquid meds over 3.4oz are allowed, just let the officers know at the checkpoint. ✔️No need to keep medicine in original containers, pill organizers are ok.
We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag. Liquids more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml not in a secure, tamper-evident bag must be packed in checked baggage.