Millions of Americans frequently fly with some type of medicine in their baggage. According to the CDC, around 11.6% of the population has diabetes and may require insulin. Others carry EpiPen’s to treat allergies, and over half of US adults over 75 take blood-thinning statins. But can you bring drugs on board aircraft, and are there any restrictions? In this article, we’ll try to put your mind at ease and explain how you can travel with your medication.

First things first. What does the TSA say?

As is customary, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has developed a set of guidelines that officially limit what sorts of medication can be carried on board, and this is an excellent beginning point for a larger conversation. Here are some crucial aspects to consider:

• You only need to notify TSA officials about liquid drugs while passing through security, as per the “3-1-1” regulation. 
• It is advised that all “medically necessary liquids” be stated to avoid misunderstanding.
• Prescription labels are advised and should follow state standards.
• You can request a visual check instead of an X-ray, but only before screening.
• Nitroglycerin pills and sprays for angina are just good.

These guidelines allow travelers to carry practically any medicine without having to surrender it or risk being refused boarding. This may startle some naïve travelers who have heard tales concerning forbidden drugs. Actually, the TSA strives to increase the number of legitimate pharmaceuticals that passengers can carry. However, if you have any worries, you should always contact the TSA to double-check.

What are the forbidden goods in carry-on luggage?

Although a wide range of critical drugs are permitted for use on flights, many medical goods (or objects associated with disease) are more strictly regulated. (Read more about prohibited goods in carry-on baggage.)

This is particularly true for goods classified as “liquids, gels, lotions, and other items of similar consistency.” Anything that comes within this category will most likely have to be stowed in checked bags and cannot be brought inside the cabin.

Many popular goods are listed, such as shaving lotion, antiperspirants, energy gels, and moisturizing gels, yet only a handful are deemed necessary drugs. However, some exclusions do apply.

For example, infant formula, milk, and baby food are normally safe to bring on board; more than 3.4 Oz or 100 ml is permitted since they are deemed “medically needed liquids” (it is advised that the formula/milk be brought in transparent bottles rather than bags). And, as previously said, liquid prescription drugs have no limits. Lipstick and other cosmetics are OK; however, anything classified as an aerosol or gel should be avoided.

Stress-free tips to travel with your medication

The restrictions controlling which sorts of medication can be taken on US flights are very straightforward However, how they are used, the stress due to the poor health problems at a time of involving in heavy travel schedules also has the potential to retaliate. Thankfully, there are several things that we can all do make the experience of flying with medication more convenient:

• To begin, make things simple for TSA officials if feasible. If you can obtain a thorough label outlining the specifics of your drug, do so. Remove any uncertainty regarding what you’re holding and why you need it. That manner, security checks should go much more smoothly.
• Second, limit the amount of medicine you bring. Even those visiting from overseas are urged not to bring more than 90 days’ supplies. The more you carry, the more likely officials will get suspicious.
• Furthermore, it is a good idea to check with the TSA before going, since laws can change quickly and it is important to understand what you are dealing with. The TSA can also advise on the appropriate packaging and allowed quantity.
• Finally, several experts recommend that travelers taking medicine have a written note from their doctor clarifying what the drug is for. If you are traveling overseas, get this letter translated into the local language.

Make traveling hassle-free, no matter what medicine you depend on

Travel with your medication, whether domestically or internationally, should be no problem. Regulatory and security authorities do not wish to cause health catastrophes by denying passengers the medications they require, and the guidelines are simple to follow. So, instead of taking chances, do your study before presuming and flying directly to the airport. Consult rules, collect the appropriate papers, and make all essential preparations to fly safely, wherever you go.