Medication and Prescription Drugs

Traveling with Prescription Medication

We strongly recommended that you keep all of your prescription drugs and medication with you at all times.  This includes inhalers, heart monitors, medical batteries, medical records, prescription eye drops, instructions, and notes from your doctor.  If these items are stored in the luggage compartment underneath the plane, you’ll have zero chance of retrieving them until you land. 

Planning Ahead

Because airport security has become so strict in recent years, you need to follow certain precautions when taking the above items on the plane.  Here are some useful tips: 

• Arrive at the airport early.  This gives you more time to get through airport security.

• Keep all prescription drugs and equipment in their original containers with the pharmacy labels.

• Make sure you have a doctor’s note which clearly explains your medical condition and why your prescription drugs are necessary.

• While booking your tickets, make sure that the airline is aware of any special medical needs that you might have.  And in the days leading up to your flight, call the airline and airport directly to reiterate those needs.

• Be advised that containers with liquid are no longer allowed on certain flights.  If any of your medication is in liquid form (including eye drops, prescription cough medicine, topical salves, etc), you’ll need to clear these items with airport security well in advance.  Having a doctor’s note can sometimes help.

• If possible, travel with a friend or family member.  Make sure that he or she is fully aware of any medical complications that you might have.  And make certain that he or she has access to your medication and knows how to administer them properly.

• Make sure to adjust your dosages if you’re flying across numerous time zones.

Comments (0)

Show/Hide comment form