If you need to fly with medication, you may have a moment of panic while packing, wondering whether you can take pills or liquid or injectable medicines on a plane or travel with prescription drugs internationally. For travelers like me with conditions that require medications and supplements to prevent attacks and safely manage debilitating symptoms, it’s not an option to simply leave prescriptions at home or pack them in checked luggage when not having immediate access could be painful and even life-threatening.

TSA requirements and international laws can sometimes cause confusion, so I’m always extra cautious about traveling with medications despite being a frequent flyer and travel expert. I’d rather be overprepared than face delays, fines or jail time! The laws vary from state to state and country to country, so to avoid any medicine-related issues—when passing through airport security, onboard your flight and during your travels—it’s wise to do your research well in advance.

“The days leading up to a big trip are exciting but often packed with logistics. While medication planning might not be at the top of your list, it’s an essential part of healthy travel preparation,” says Gerard Flaherty, a travel medicine physician, medical professor at the University of Galway in Ireland, and the president of the International Society of Travel Medicine. “Having everything ready ensures you can fully enjoy your trip without the stress of searching for medicines in an unfamiliar location.”

Read on for tips from Dr. Flaherty and two other experts—Ian Cava, AskTSA manager, and Tammy Allen, MD, CEO of TravelMeds2Go —on how to best pack medicines and other advice about traveling with medication.

Get Reader’s Digest‘s Read Up newsletter for more travel tips, fun facts, humor, cleaning and tech all week long.

Can you take medicine on a plane?

If you’re traveling in the U.S., according to TSA, you can take prescription and non-prescription medication on a plane. “Medications in pill form are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags,” says Cava. “It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.” Liquid and injectable medications, such as insulin, and any necessary equipment—including unused syringes and insulated coolers or ice packs for temperature-sensitive medications like Ozempic—are also permitted in “reasonable quantities” appropriate for the duration of your trip. You must declare these when passing through security, and TSA may require additional screening, so it’s best to arrive early and allow extra time for this step.

Another reason to keep your medications in your carry-on rather than your checked bag: if your luggage is lost, it may be expensive, difficult or impossible to find the medicine you need, depending on your destination. “It’s advisable to bring more than the required amount—sometimes even double—to account for unforeseen events, such as extended stays or lost or stolen baggage,” says Dr. Flaherty. “Replacing a prescription medicine with an equivalent one abroad is not always straightforward and language barriers can complicate travelers’ efforts.”

Are there any medications not allowed on a plane?

“While the TSA generally allows most prescription and over-the-counter medications [on the plane], certain substances—such as strong painkillers, stimulants or medications with controlled ingredients—may be illegal or restricted in some countries, even if you have a doctor’s prescription,” says Dr. Allen. “To avoid issues, research your destination’s regulations to see if your medication is allowed. Always carry your prescription with your doctor’s name, your name and the dosage clearly stated.” If you have any questions, reach out to the country’s embassy for guidance.

Something that might seem harmless to you could prove problematic in other countries. For example, Dr. Flaherty notes that at some borders, there are restrictions on the transportation of pseudoephedrine, a commonly used nasal decongestant found in medicines like Sudafed.

“There are strict regulations for transportation of medications with abuse potential,” Dr. Flaherty says. This may include narcotic (strong painkillers such as codeine) and psychotropic drugs used for mental health disorders. He suggests travelers consult the International Narcotics Control Board and official government customs websites for information on individual country requirements for people traveling with these medications. Transparency is important. “If in doubt, the safest approach for the traveler is to declare their medications at international customs stations,” Dr. Flaherty says.

The experts also suggest travelers read individual airline requirements. While rules for U.S. carriers, such as JetBlue’s prescription medication policy 2025, tend to follow TSA guidelines, the rules for foreign airlines may vary based on their country’s laws.

Do you need to put liquid medicine in checked baggage?

“You may bring medically necessary liquids in carry-on bags,” Cava says. And you won’t even have to sacrifice any space in your TSA-approved quart-sized liquids bag. Cava says medical liquids, including medical accessories such as freezer packs and IV bags, can be carried in reasonable quantities that exceed the 3.4-ounce limit and they do not need to be packed in a quart-sized bag.

Some common over-the-counter products are also exempt from the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. For many years, I carried tiny travel-size bottles of contact lens solution on my flights—perfectly fine for short trips but insufficient for longer ones (and those little plastic bottles are so wasteful!). I recently realized that contact lens solution is considered a medically necessary liquid; therefore, larger bottles are allowed in your carry-on.

If you’re traveling with medical liquids, the experts recommend declaring them and placing them in a separate bin for screening to avoid any issues or delays when passing through TSA. “Be sure to notify the agent at the beginning of the screening process, as these will require additional screening, and you may be asked to open the medication,” Dr. Allen says.

What should you do at airport security when bringing medication?

Be transparent and proactive by declaring and removing the medications. “Medications are screened by airport security and this will involve a combination of X-ray and visual screening. Passengers should inform the TSA officer or their equivalent overseas that they are carrying medically necessary medications in liquid, gel, aerosol or pill form,” Flaherty advises. “They should remove the medicines and any associated equipment or accessories such as pumps or syringes from their hand luggage and place them on the tray for separate screening.”

It’s also important to be patient and cooperative in the event of any additional screening. “It may be necessary in some cases for the security officer to open liquid medicines for vapor analysis,” Dr. Flaherty says.

What do you need to know about flying with medications internationally?

Clothes and pills in a travel bag. Concept of medication required in journey.Mukhina1/Getty Images

Some common medications that are legal in the U.S. may be banned overseas, and the requirements for carrying medications into other countries vary. Here are some tips from our experts about flying with medications internationally.

Get organized

“Any medication may be subject to extra screening at customs, so have everything organized and clearly labeled. Allow extra time for the entire process,” Dr. Allen says.

Use original packaging and carry documentation

While TSA doesn’t require original packaging for medications, the experts note that your international destination might. So it’s best to keep medicines in their original, clearly labeled packaging and bring your prescription or a note from your doctor. If you’re traveling somewhere remote or extreme where pill bottles could break or blister packs might deteriorate, Dr. Flaherty says you can plan on repackaging medicines along with the original information leaflet into protective or resealable bags on arrival.

Know the limits

“Some countries only allow the entering visitor to take a 30-day supply of medicine for personal use and will require a prescription and, in some cases, an import license certificate,” Dr. Flaherty says. “These regulations also apply to passengers at land crossings or sea ports.”

Consult official government resources

Given that laws vary from country to country, you’ll need to check the specific rules for your destination. “If you’re traveling internationally, we advise reaching out to the State Department and/or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for guidance on traveling with medications,” Cava says.  You can find helpful info on the website for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Medications that may be prohibited across some state lines or country borders include:

  • narcotics, such as codeine
  • psychotropic drugs
  • medical marijuana
  • amphetamines
  • pseudoephedrine, a commonly used nasal decongestant found in medicines like Sudafed

If you require medications considered illegal in your destination you’ll need to consult the state or national government body of your destination to confirm current laws and inquire about any possible exemptions and requirements. This step must be done well in advance; do not wait until your travel day. You’ll be expected to comply with local laws at your destination, which may ultimately mean you can’t bring certain medications, and it’s better to know (and make an alternative plan) than have to scramble or cancel on your day of departure.

Other tips for flying with medication

A survey by BuzzRX of 1,245 Americans who travel with medication found that nearly 50% of those surveyed forgot to carry their prescription documentation; 1 in 10 people had their medication confiscated during travel, and one in nine had to cancel trips due to medication confiscation. Here’s some expert advice to help you avoid these pitfalls if you’re traveling with medication.

  • Do your research. Double-check TSA and your destination’s requirements (TSA has a helpful video about traveling with medication). And don’t forget transit airports. “Be sure to research regulations for any countries you’re transiting through or have layovers in, as rules can vary,” Dr. Allen says. Dr. Flaherty also recommends consulting your pharmacist for additional advice specific to your health and destination.

  • Make a list. “Keep a detailed list of your medications, including dosages, frequencies, prescribing doctor, and the condition each medication treats,” Dr. Allen advises. As a traveler with a disability, I always keep my prescriptions, medications and notes about my medical condition saved on my phone, and I also leave a copy with a family member who is not traveling with me, in case a doctor abroad needs to connect with my family in the event of an emergency.

  • Be prepared for other types of illness. Keep some basic medications in your travel bag. “Packing a comprehensive travel health kit with medicines for self-treating mild conditions like nausea, diarrhea, or headaches can make all the difference,” Dr. Flaherty says.

  • Stick to your carry-on. “Always pack your medications in your carry-on to ensure safety, easy access, and uninterrupted use in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost,” Dr. Allen says. If you need to gate-check your carry-on, United Airlines recommends removing your medication before giving your bag to the agent.

  • Prepare for changing temps. Most airlines can’t store medication in their refrigerators; plan accordingly. “For temperature-sensitive medications, use insulated pouches or cooling packs to maintain proper storage conditions,” Dr. Allen says.

  • Carry an extra supply (if possible) and your prescription. “Bring extra medication to account for unexpected delays or emergencies,” Dr. Allen says. And don’t forget a copy of your prescription. Even if the destination doesn’t require you to do so, it’s wise to bring along your official prescription in the event you lose your medication and need to replace it.

  • Stay organized. “Avoid mixing medications in one container to prevent confusion,” Dr. Allen advises, “especially when traveling internationally.”

  • Purchase travel insurance. “Not only does travel health insurance protect your trip, but it can also help cover the cost of replacing lost medication while you’re abroad,” Dr. Allen says. If you’re a frequent traveler like me, you can purchase an annual plan (I’m currently using Travel Insured International’s Annual Multi-Trip Protector) to cover emergency doctor visits and prescriptions. When I had an alarming spike in hemiplegic migraines while traveling in Jordan recently, I was able to receive reimbursement for a consultation with a neurologist, an MRI and some necessary medications.

FAQs

Do pills have to be in their original bottles when flying?

Although traveling with original packaging is not a TSA requirement, the experts say it’s still a good idea to use original packaging. “To play it safe, keep your prescriptions in their original bottles or packaging with the label intact—especially when traveling internationally,” Dr. Allen says.

Even traveling domestically in the U.S., you could potentially run into issues. “While most states don’t mandate that prescriptions be in their original containers, some states including New York, Georgia and Washington, require controlled substances to remain in their labeled packaging,” Dr. Allen notes. “Other states, such as Minnesota, Texas and Florida, do not explicitly require original containers, but individuals have been arrested for carrying loose pills in unmarked containers, raising suspicions of illegal drug use.”

How do I pack medication for a flight?

Dr. Flaherty recommends keeping your medicines in a PVC pouch in your carry-on bag so you can easily locate them while passing through security and during your travels. Packing cubes are perfect for this.

Dr. Flaherty says it’s also important to keep in mind that certain medicines are sensitive to temperature and light and generally should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place. Consult your pharmacist for any special storage conditions required for your medications before traveling.

About the experts

  • Gerard Flaherty, MD, is a medical professor at the University of Galway in Ireland and the president of the International Society of Travel Medicine.
  • Ian Cava is the manager of AskTSA, a blog sharing airport travel and security-related information with the public.
  • Tammy Allen, MD, is the CEO of TravelMeds2Go, an online platform offering pre-travel consultations, medication and prescription refills.

Why trust us

Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. For this piece on airports with the longest wait times, Sunny Fitzgerald tapped her experience as a longtime travel writer and frequent traveler to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

pilot and stewardesses with luggage walking by airportLightField Studios/Shutterstock

Thing to Avoid on an Airplane

see and hear on airplane chimesiStock/Matus Duda

What Airplane Noises Mean

airplane modeslyellow/Shutterstock

What's the Point of Airplane Mode?

Author
Sunny Fitzgerald
Sunny Fitzgerald is a Hawaii-based writer covering travel, sustainability, culture, home, health, wellness and more.
Read More
Sunny Fitzgerald