Navigating Airline Medication Policies: A Traveler’s Guide
As the Easter holidays approach and summer vacations loom, many families and individuals are making preparations for international trips.
For those reliant on prescription drugs, determining whether to pack medications in carry-on baggage or checked luggage can create anxiety.
Travel experts generally advise passengers to carry sufficient medication for the duration of their flight, plus extra for unforeseen delays, in their hand baggage to mitigate the risk of loss or damage.
While all airlines permit passengers to transport essential prescription medications, specific regulations exist regarding quantities and types of medication that travelers must understand.
Airport security personnel may need to open containers to inspect liquids at checkpoints, and medical equipment undergoes separate screening, according to reports.
It is also recommended to consult the embassy guidelines of your destination country for detailed information on their specific medication regulations. Embassy websites are valuable resources for this information.
But what exactly are the precise rules implemented by various airlines?
Airline-Specific Medication Guidelines
Ryanair
Ryanair confirms that passengers can bring medical equipment onboard without incurring extra charges, in addition to their small personal bag, provided they obtain pre-approval from their Special Assistance Team.
The airline allows passengers to carry liquid medicine quantities deemed necessary for the flight duration. While these liquid medications are exempt from the standard transparent bag requirement for other liquids, they must be presented for inspection at airport security.
Ryanair stipulates that passengers requiring special medical items onboard must contact the airline in advance to secure authorization and approval.
easyJet
easyJet advises that a doctor’s note is not mandatory if medication is placed in checked baggage. However, they strongly recommend packing medicines in carry-on luggage, particularly if needed during the flight itself.
For passengers with prescriptions containing controlled substances—highly regulated medications like Diazepam, Lorazepam, Codeine, or Tramadol—easyJet advises consulting a doctor or pharmacist due to stringent regulations in certain countries.
Those traveling with controlled drugs should proactively check the embassy regulations and entry requirements of their destination country before flying.
Proof of medication ownership, such as a prescription or doctor’s letter, is generally required. A letter from a healthcare professional confirming the prescription and necessity of the medication onboard is only mandatory for specific medical items.
easyJet also recommends contacting them to verify if any medical equipment could be classified as dangerous goods within the aircraft cabin. A comprehensive list of prohibited items is available from the airline.
TUI
TUI states that passengers carrying medication or medical equipment in the cabin must possess a doctor’s letter or prescription. This documentation should verify that the medication is prescribed to the passenger and that the equipment is essential during the flight.
Liquid medication exceeding 100ml is permitted through security when accompanied by a doctor’s letter.
If medications are packed within checked baggage, TUI advises placing them in a separate bag. Although this bag will not count toward standard cabin baggage allowance restrictions, it must still adhere to maximum cabin baggage dimension limits.
TUI permits passengers to carry insulin or pen injection devices in hand baggage without a medical certificate; however, these items must be declared at check-in. Insulin should always be transported in carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage, as hold temperatures can render it ineffective.
Jet2
Jet2 policy permits passengers to bring essential medications in their carry-on baggage. However, liquid medications surpassing 100ml necessitate a doctor’s letter and must remain in their original containers.
Needles, syringes, and insulin pens require declaration to both security personnel and cabin crew.
Jet2 advises passengers to carry sufficient essential medications for the entire journey in their hand luggage. Medications must be clearly labeled with the passenger’s full name, healthcare provider’s name, both generic and brand names of the medication, and precise dosage instructions.