How to Pack Prescriptions for Air Travel

Whether you are at home or traveling, it is important to maintain your prescription medication schedule. You are allowed to check your prescription medication in your checked luggage or carry it on with you if you will need it during your flight. If you pack your medicine correctly, you will not have a problem bringing it with you on your flight.

Instructions

1

Pack enough medication to last for the duration of your trip and bring extra in case you end up staying longer. You can always bring any medicine you do not use back home with you.

2

Separate the medicine you are bringing onto the flight with you from the medicine you are checking with your luggage. Be sure you have enough medicine with you for the flight and travel time and account for any flight delays by bringing extra medicine.

3

Be sure that all prescription medication is labeled correctly and is prescribed in your name. You cannot bring medication on board if the medicine is not prescribed for you; the name on the prescription medication container needs to match the name on your airline ticket.

4

If you have more than one prescription, do not combine medications. Keep each prescription in its original bottle or container.

5

If your prescription medication is a gel or liquid, be sure to follow the airport security guidelines for gels or liquids: the gel or liquid must be kept in a 3 oz. container and the containers must be put in a quart-size clear plastic bag with a zip top. You can put all of your liquid or gel containers (no larger than 3 oz.) into one plastic bag. If you require more medication for your flight than this restriction allows for, contact the airline in advance and explain your situation. They will advise you on how to travel with more than the allotted amount of liquid or gel medications.

6

At the airport, be prepared for security to inspect your medication. Answer any questions they ask you and remain cooperative to move through the line as efficiently as possible.