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With Spring Break just around the corner, many people across the nation will be boarding planes for a week of fun and excitement. People have lots of confusion about traveling with medication. Current restrictions on the type and amount of liquids able to be carried on planes may present some uncertainty for the average Spring-Breaker trying to pack their medication. Here are a few tips to assist you when facing the security check points this coming spring.
Can I bring medications in my carry-on bag(s)?
Yes! The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows all over-the-counter medications and prescription medications that are in solid pill form or inhaler to be carried on. It is recommended that all prescription medications be in their labeled bottles for ease of screening, however medications in the weekly organizers may be allowed. If you are traveling overseas it is best to check with the airline for the specific security requirements. It is always wise to bring a written prescription for any prescription medication that you are taking chronically if you are traveling overseas. Have your doctor write the prescription with the generic drug name (i.e. atorvastatin vs. Lipitor®), as medications may have different brand names in other countries.
Of course, you may also bring liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and ointments in your carry-on luggage. However, the new security restrictions may pose a challenge if you need to bring a medication of this type…
Am I able to bring medications that are liquids, aerosols, or gels?
Yes, you are able to bring liquids, aerosols, or gels if they are in individual 3-ounce containers or smaller. They must all be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag, and each traveler must remove their single plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.
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What if I have liquid, gel, or aerosol medications that are greater than 3 ounces each?
According to the TSA, ensuring the health and welfare of certain travelers, greater than 3 ounces of the following liquids, gels and aerosols are permitted through the security checkpoint in reasonable quantities for the duration of your itinerary, in the absence of any suspicious activity or items (all of the following exceptions must be presented to the security officer in front of the checkpoint):
All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline or contact lens solution for medical purposes
Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition
Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs
Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids
Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions
You are allowed reasonable amounts over 3 ounces of the items above in your carry-on baggage, but you will need to perform the following upon going through the security checkpoint:
Separate these items from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size and zip-top bag.
Declare you have the items to one of the security officers at the security checkpoint.
Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening.
Normally the TSA will X-ray medication and related supplies. However, you may ask that Security Officers visually inspect
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your medication and associated supplies.
You must ask for visual inspection before the screening process begins; otherwise your medications and supplies will be X-rayed.
If you would like to take advantage of this option, please have your medication and associated supplies separated from your other property in a separate pouch/bag when you approach the security officer at the walk-through metal detector.
Ask the security officer to visually inspect your medication and hand your medication pouch/bag to him or her.
To prevent your medication, associated supplies or fragile medical materials from contamination or damage, the security officer will ask you to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during visual inspection. Any medication and/or associated supplies that they cannot pass visually will be X-rayed. If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.
*For additional information you may ask your physician or pharmacist. You may also find helpful information on this topic by visiting the TSA website at www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm.
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