To pack medicine bottles for travel, keep them in their original labeled containers, carry them in your carry-on (never checked bags) with a doctor's note if needed, and check destination country rules; for international flights, liquids over 100ml go in checked luggage, while essential meds stay with you, perhaps decanted into smaller compliant containers or blister packs if original bottles are too bulky, but always keeping the prescription label info handy.
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. Bring copies of all written prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines.
Always pack your prescribed medication in the original packaging or if you have several medications it may be easier to ask your pharmacist to make up a Webster pack for you. Carry your medications in your hand luggage. Illness can strike at any time and luggage can go astray.
Medication should be correctly labelled and in its original pharmacy packaging. Contact the airline in advance to make appropriate arrangements if needing to fly with oxygen, insulin or other injectable medicines. Consider packing some extra medication in the hold luggage in case hand luggage is lost or stolen.
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.
Yes, you generally must declare all medication at customs when entering a country, especially prescription drugs, controlled substances (like opioids, ADHD meds), and even some herbal remedies, keeping them in original packaging with a doctor's note/prescription to avoid seizure, as rules vary by destination (e.g., Australia requires declaration for most meds). Always check the specific requirements of your destination country's border agency before travel to know exactly what's needed, like doctor letters, limits (often 3 months' supply), and if your medicine is even legal there.
A: Medications should be packed in your carry-on baggage to ensure accessibility. Place them in a clear, resealable plastic bag if they are liquids or gels and ensure they are easily accessible for inspection.
Before you travel:
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.
My essential travel gadgets package
If you need proof that medication you are bringing is prescribed by the NHS there, you can either:
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.
The TSA's fluid limit rule for carry-on liquids stipulates you can carry no more than 3.4 ounces per container of liquid. 3.4 ounces may seem like an odd amount, but it's to keep TSA rules consistent with international regulations, which allow for 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) per container.
If your supplements are in solid form (think capsules, tablets, or gummies) you can pack as many as you want, and they don't have to be in their original containers. Thinking about bringing liquid vitamins? You'll want to keep them in their original containers.
If you are carrying medications such as aspirin, paracetamol or Australian over-the-counter medications you do not need to declare these items to Customs and Border Protection when you arrive in Australia.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn't ask you to keep your medicines in their original prescription bottles. But each state may have its own rules. If you aren't bringing your medicine in its original bottle, bring a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor.
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.
You can't bring sharp items (knives, scissors over 6cm), many tools (hammers, saws), firearms, flammable liquids/gases, corrosive chemicals (bleach, oven cleaner), explosives, pepper spray/mace, large lithium batteries, and items that look like weapons on a plane carry-on. Restricted liquids (over 100ml), certain powders (over 350ml/g), and some electronics like hoverboards also face limitations or bans.
You can bring any medication with you in your carry-on bag. Never place medication in a checked bag, even if you don't need it during your flight. If you're asked to gate check your carry-on bag, remove your medication before giving your bag to an agent.
Pain medication:
Your doctor's letter must specify the name of the medicine and dosage. Ensure the medication remains in its original packaging with the dispensing label intact. This will assist with identifying each substance at the border. Be ready to declare all medication to the Australian Border Force upon arrival.
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.
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.