Airline security regulations are ever-changing and confusing. If you are planning a long-distance move by plane, you may be wondering how you should travel with prescription medication. Despite tightened security in recent years, medications in any form are allowed on the flight if the proper procedures are followed. This guide will provide you with some tips for flying with your medicines and what you can expect when taking them through security.
It is very necessary that you make your health as a priority while traveling with medication. The most important thing to remember when packing medication is label properly and keep the containers readily available.
Transfer your prescription to your new location
Before you move, transfer your prescription to your new location, so you can continue to fill it once you get there. You can often do this easily online if your pharmacy has a website. If you will be using a different company, call the new pharmacy with your prescription information and they will contact your old pharmacy and take care of everything for you.
Pack medications in your carry-on
It is extremely important that international travelers have their medical supplies with them, so they don't face inconvenience during their travels -- especially those suffering from chronic diseases. While bulky pill bottles can take up a great deal of room in a carry-on bag, it is the safest place to stow them. If your checked luggage becomes lost, your prescription medications will be safely on the place with you.
If you don't have room for all your medications in your carry-on, pack enough doses for your trip plus extra doses in case:
- Your luggage becomes lost
- Your flight is delayed
- Any other unexpected mishaps come up during travel
You want to be prepared with a sufficient amount of doses until your bags are returned or until you can obtain a refill from your new pharmacy.
Keep medication in original bottles with prescription label
When traveling within the US, the TSA (Transportation Security Authority) does not require that you keep your medications in their original bottles. However, laws vary state to state, so it is a good idea to keep the original containers even if you transfer them to a smaller pillbox for traveling.
- Always carry your presciption paperwork, too. When your prescription is filled, the pharmacy will often give you a print-out with a tear-off section on the top containing the same information as the label on your medication. If you are carrying your prescriptions in a plastic bag or smaller container, you can attach this sheet to avoid any confusion at the security checkpoint.
- You can also bring a letter from your doctor explaining your medications and your reasons for taking them.
- We also suggest filing a copy of your prescriptions with a friend or family member not traveling with you. This can be useful in case you lose part or all of your luggage.
Notify security that you are traveling with medication
When going through security, let them know that you are traveling with medications. The TSA permits medications to be taken aboard in any form -- liquid, gel or aerosol. However, liquids in amounts exceeding three ounces, as well as certain medical supplies, are subject to inspection.
Some of these include:
- Syringes
- IV bags
- Oxygen tanks
- Icepacks (if not frozen solid)
After notifying the TSA agent that you are carrying these items, they may be X-rayed. If you do not wish for them to undergo an X-ray, notify the agent and they will inspect the medication or medical-related item personally. Medications may be opened for inspection, but not touched by the agent. Any issues with this process should be voiced before the screening begins.
Keep a list of important information regarding your medications
Make a list of the brand and generic names of all of your prescriptions, your dosage and the reasons you are taking them. Include the numbers of your doctor and pharmacy. If there is any emergency during your travels where you will need medical care, this will be vital information for the paramedics.
Check customs regulations if traveling to another country
Some countries have specific rules regarding certain medications, such as sedatives, tranquilizers and narcotic pain medications. Contact the embassy of your destination country to find out if your medication is legal there and what amount you are permitted to cross borders carrying. As traveling within the country, keep your medications in their original bottles, a copy of your prescription and/or a note from your doctor.
Some medicines prescribed in US are considered unlicensed and controlled substances in other countries of the world. For instance, some inhalers, allergy and sinus medications are considered illegal in Japan. In United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Narcotics laws are very strict.
Many times, people land in prison for carrying medication which is considered illegal in their destination country. The rules can vary significantly based on which country you are visiting, but you might face significant consequences like confiscation of your medicine -- which will impact your health. Some countries will enact stiff penalties like the charge of drug trafficking. That's why it's important to always follow the TSA regulations.
In order to avoid hiccups while traveling abroad, make sure you follow these rules:
- Make an inquiry with the foreign embassy of your destination country about the legal/illegal status of all the medication in your doctor's prescriptions. It is better to anticipate problems beforehand and solve them in advance than facing trouble later.
- If you find any part of your medication to be illegal in your destination country, ask your doctor for a suitable replacement. If that doesn't work, then get a letter written by your doctor certifying your health condition and how you need your medicine to avoid health problems.
- Discuss with your healthcare professional ways to get enough medicine for the period of your stay -- or indefinitely if you are moving there. If you are unable to get the full dosage of your prescriptions, then check if there is alternative medicine from verified and certified local dealers. In many of the developing countries, counterfeit medicines are being sold.
- If your medication needs refrigeration, pack it properly. If you don't maintain your medication at their prescribed temperatures, they might lose their effectiveness.
Even if medication is available in your destination country, it might not meet US standards. Make sure the medical vendor supplying your medication is certified. If you are unable to find good medical vendors on your own, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. They should be able to help you to find reliable and quality medicine. Do not buy medicines in the open market -- only buy from licensed pharmacies.