Documentation

• While documentation is not required by TSA, the administration recommends bringing some along, including notes from a doctor or an ID card, stating your medical needs or disabilities so there is no issue when carrying prescription drugs. It is also recommended that any the name on the prescription bottle match your boarding pass, or have an explanation why it does not. Bringing only the amount of medication that is medically necessary is recommended by TSA as it will help prevent delays and ensure the quickest and hassle free screening and boarding conditions.

Non-Liquids

• Any other medication, including aerosols or pills, are only allowed through the security checkpoint until after they have been screened by an x-ray. Upon request, you may have your medications inspected by a security officer rather than screened. If the medication can not be cleared through a visual inspection, it may need to be X-rayed.

How to Take Medicine on Airline Flights

Air travel is one of the most common ways to get from one location to another. However, security restrictions surrounding air travel sometimes make it an unpleasant. For those needing medicine while they travel, there are specific guidelines that must be followed to keep the check-in process seamless and ensure that you get through security checkpoints in a timely and stress-free manner.

Instructions Transportation Security Administration (tsa) Guidelines

• Adhere to the rules and regulations put in place by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which outline the manner in which passengers are allowed to take medicine onboard. Medicine in pill form is not a security risk. For liquid medications, provisions are easier for those who have a written prescription. Written instructions must accompany any over-the-counter medication that is in liquid or gel form. Liquid medication must be placed in a quart-size plastic bag with a zipper, and each medication must be in volumes of three ounces or less. Any volumes higher than this must be separate from the quart-size bag and turned over to a TSA transportation security officer for proper screening. You must provide a written declaration from a caregiver or companion.

• Take extra precaution when traveling out of the country with medicine. Travel and Leisure Magazine recommends that you “check with the Department of State or American Embassy to ensure that your medication is permitted into the country you’ll be visiting.” Travel expert Pauline Frommers advises keeping all medicine in its original, labeled container. If additional medicinal supplies are required during your flight, such as syringes, bring along a note from your doctor explaining the use of the medicine and the accompanying device.

• Check the TSA website prior to your departure to stay abreast of any changes or updates to the rules for carrying medicine on the plane.

• Arrive at the airport earlier than the recommended time frame.