Medicines in hand luggage. Travel. Are you planning a flight and wondering how to carry medicine in your hand luggage? This is important because packing medicine the wrong way can cause problems at airport security.
Liquids, tablets, creams, insulin — each type of medicine has its own rules. Sometimes you also need a doctor’s note or the original packaging. Check what medicines you can bring on board, when you should tell airport staff about them, and what documents to have so you don’t get stressed at the airport.
What medicines can you take in hand luggage?
Since November 6, 2006, new safety rules from the European Union apply to carrying liquids and other items in hand luggage. These rules also cover medicines. Solid medicines like tablets can be carried without limits in hand luggage, but only for personal use. Before travelling, check if your medicine is allowed in the country you’re going to.
Read also: Ryanair’s banned items list: What you can’t bring on board
Liquid medicines like ointments, creams, or syrups have special rules:
- Medicines you don’t need during the flight must be in packages of up to 100 ml, inside a clear, resealable plastic bag.
- These medicines must be allowed in the destination country and prescribed by a doctor.
- You might need to show a medical certificate proving you are allowed to carry them.
- The total volume of all liquids in the bag (including deodorant, lotion, or perfume) can’t be more than 1 litre.
Medicines you need during the flight don’t have to be in a clear bag, but you must show them separately at security. No matter the type, only carry the amount of medicine needed for the length of your trip.
Extra advice for air travel with medicine
If you need medicine during your flight, carry more than enough for the planned travel time. Delays or route changes can make your trip longer, so it’s better to be safe.Keep medicines in their original packaging with your name and dosage on the label. This helps avoid problems at the airport.