The TSA has a lot of rules about what can and can’t be brought through the TSA security checkpoint. They tend to be a little softer on rules for peoples’ medications (i.e. how much liquid medication you can bring with you) because, well, it’s medicine, y’know?
Of course, just to avoid any bumps in the road, you should always plan how you’ll go through TSA security with your medication. You should also be careful to wash your hands before getting to the scanner, in case you wind up the lucky recipient of a swab test (last thing you need is residue from certain meds).
All that being said, you may want to follow some guidelines just to make sure that everything runs smoothly when you go through the TSA security checkpoint in the U.S., as well as Customs/Border Patrol in another country:
1. You’re flying internationally and didn’t check their rules
Just because something is legal in this country doesn’t mean it’s legal in the country you’re going to. There are plenty of common medications that are perfectly fine to take here, but can’t be brought into Countries A, B and C. Here’s a short list of some of them. Check to see if the meds you’re on are OK to be brought somewhere, because Adderall, Benadryl, CBD, Xanax, and more, may not be OK wherever you’re going. The bottom of this post explains how to find out.
2. You didn’t declare your liquids
The TSA’s rules say:
Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.
So if you don’t tell the TSA officer at the screening area that you have cough syrup or (bottled or IV) antibiotics or saline in your carry on bag, they’re just going to see these big containers of liquids, not in a quart-sized bag, and guess what? You just earned yourself and your bags a secondary screening.
3. You brought LOTS of pills
When we travel domestically, I tend to bring 1-2 extra day’s worth of my medications. That way if our plane is delayed and we have to stay somewhere an extra day or two, I’m still OK.
When we travel internationally, I bring up to an extra week’s worth of meds, just to be on the safe side. After all, my doctors’ prescriptions won’t work in other countries (and my insurance probably wouldn’t cover them outside the U.S. anyway).
But if you bring lots and LOTS of extra, the checkpoint agents are going to look at you kind of funny. And if it’s a controlled substance, you miiiight even earn yourself some questioning (because, let’s face it, having 250 Oxycontins on you when you’re only going to be there for 2 weeks could look like you may intend to sell them). Unless you’re relocating or are working on a temporary assignment, don’t bring more than 90 days’ worth of any medication.
4. Your meds aren’t in their original bottles
This typically isn’t an issue, and the TSA even says:
TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.
That being said, if you keep your pills in the bottle they originally came in, that shows the labels provided by a pharmacist – especially if they’re a controlled substance – you’re less likely to have to go through a round of additional questioning.
5. You don’t have a doctor’s note
You don’t officially have to have a doctor’s note for the medications you carry with you on a plane. That being said, it’s probably the fastest way to get past any questions a screener may have. The more documentation you have with you, the smoother the overall process will be.
Feature Image: PickPik
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