Key takeaways
- Always carry enough medication for your entire stay, plus a few extra days. Keep your medications in their original containers (if possible) for easy identification.
- Store your medications in your carry-on bag, and plan for refrigeration needs.
- Bring documentation, such as written prescriptions or doctors’ letters, in case you need to present them to transportation security officers.
Preparing your medications and any necessary documentation in advance can help ensure a smooth, safe, and hassle-free journey.
Here are some important things to keep in mind when packing medication.
Bring enough medication
Ensure you pack enough medication for your trip, plus 3 days’ worth of extra in case of travel delays or other issues. Leave the rest of your prescription medication at home.
For injectable medications, be sure to bring any necessary supplies, such as alcohol wipes and needles. You may also need to pack a sharps container for safe needle and syringe disposal while you’re away.
Keep it in the original container
If possible, keep your medications in their original, labeled containers. If you use a pill organizer or another container, consider bringing a list of your medications with the drug name, the prescribing doctor, and dosage.
Although the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn’t require medications to be in their original containers for flying, individual states may have laws about it. It’s also important for traveling internationally with medications. For more information, see later sections of this article.
Store it properly
If your medication is stored in a refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C), you’ll need to pack it in a portable cooler or insulated bag to maintain the recommended temperature.
Note that some refrigerated medications may be temporarily stored at room temperature, which is 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). This may allow you to travel with more convenience. If you can’t find the storage requirements on the package or pharmacy paperwork, ask your doctor or the pharmacy that dispensed your medication. You can also call the drug’s manufacturer or visit their website.
You can take prescription and nonprescription medications on a plane for international and domestic travel. You’ll need to follow the TSA rules for flying with medications. If you’re traveling abroad, you’ll also need to consider the medication rules in your destination country. For details, see “Key considerations for international travel.”
In addition to pills (tablets and capsules), TSA allows medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities.
Here are some TSA tips for traveling with medications:
- Your medications do not have to be in original containers for domestic travel. However, individual states have laws about prescription medication labeling that passengers need to follow. Additionally, thorough labeling of your medications is best practice if you’re traveling abroad.
- It’s recommended to pack your medication in your carry-on bag instead of checked bags in case of lost or stolen luggage or travel delays. This also helps prevent exposure to extreme temperatures.
- You do not need to present your medication to or notify a TSA officer about any medication you’re traveling with unless it’s a liquid. Before screening, let the TSA officer know that you’re carrying liquid medications. They may want to screen the liquid separately.
- The officer may want you to place your medication, including any syringes you may need to administer the drug, in a separate security bin. Be prepared by packing your medications in a container that’s easy to remove from your carry-on item.
- Medications typically undergo X-ray screening, but TSA can screen your medications in other ways as well.
What are the rules for traveling with medication internationally? They may differ between the United States and your travel destination. Here are some special considerations for international travel with medications.
Medication restrictions
It’s possible that a medication that’s commonly prescribed or available without a prescription in the United States may be unlicensed or considered a controlled substance in other countries. If your medication is a controlled substance (in the United States or the destination country), the quantity of medication you can bring in may also be restricted.
To help ensure a smooth journey:
- Check with the U.S. embassy at your travel destination to determine whether there are any laws regarding your medications.
- Check the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) website for information on controlled substances.
- If your medication is not allowed in the destination country, talk with your doctor. Ask them about suitable alternatives or ask them to write a medical letter explaining your condition and the purpose of the medication.
Documentation
Make sure your medications are labeled appropriately. If your medications are not in their original containers, bring a copy of your written prescription(s) or a letter from your doctor detailing your medication needs. This can help if you need to replace a lost or stolen prescription while traveling.
Be sure to include the following information for all your medications:
- your name
- the prescribing doctor’s name
- the generic name of the medication (brand names may differ between countries)
- the dosage
You can find medication travel letter templates at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Consider the language
If you’re traveling to a country with a different language, learn key phrases related to your health needs in the local language or add a translation app to your smartphone.
Before you travel, know whom to contact if you need medical assistance or medication refills. If you have health insurance, call your insurance plan representative to determine whether they cover medical care and prescription medications while traveling. Note that original Medicare does not cover medical costs outside the United States.
Carry a list of your medications, dosages, and any allergies for emergency situations.
When traveling with medications, always bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days. If possible, keep medications in their original container.
You can bring prescription and nonprescription medications on a plane. You do not need to notify a TSA officer about any medication you’re traveling with unless it’s a liquid. In this case, they may ask you to open the container for visual inspection.
Before traveling internationally with medications, check with the U.S. embassy at your travel destination to determine whether there are any rules or restrictions regarding the medications you’re bringing in. Carry a copy of your prescriptions or a medication letter from your doctor.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.