Traveling with prescription drugs or medical supplies can feel overwhelming, but TSA has clear accommodations for patients. Medical liquids, pills, syringes, and pumps are fully allowed, provided they undergo standard screening.
Getting through security with your medications shouldn’t be stressful. Most travelers over-prepare, worrying about documentation they don’t actually need. Here’s the straightforward version of what TSA requires.
Prescription Pills and Tablets
Pills and solid medications are allowed in unlimited quantities in both carry-on and checked bags:
- State Laws: TSA does not require medications to be in prescription bottles with labels. However, individual state laws may require labels, so keeping them in original pharmacy bottles is highly recommended.
- X-Ray Screenings: Pills can go through the X-ray machine. If you do not want your medication X-rayed, you can request a visual inspection before screening begins.
Medical Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols
Liquid medications (like cough syrups, insulin, or saline solution) are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids limit:
- Reasonable Quantities: You can bring quantities exceeding 3.4 oz (100ml) in carry-on bags.
- Declaration Required: You must declare these medical liquids to security officers before screening. Place them in a separate bin for manual testing.
- Cooling Accessories: Ice packs, gel packs, and freezer packs used to keep insulin or other drugs cold are allowed through security, even if they are slushy or melted.
Syringes, Needles, and Medical Devices
If you carry needles or medical machines:
- Syringes and Auto-injectors: EpiPens and unused syringes are allowed in carry-ons if accompanied by the injectable medication (like insulin).
- CPAP Machines: CPAP and nebulizer machines are allowed. You must remove the CPAP machine from its carrying case and place it in a bin for X-ray, but the mask and tubing can stay in the bag.
- Declared Devices: Inform officers if you wear a glucose monitor (CGM) or insulin pump, as these should not go through body scanners or X-ray machines.