Travelling with medication

Can you take medication in hand luggage?

If you’re travelling with a medical condition, the good news is there are few limitations in the transportation of medicines. Airlines understand the need to allow you to carry essential medicines in your hand luggage such as:

• Essential medicines of more than 100ml, including liquid dietary or medical foodstuffs, and asthma inhalers
• Medication such as tablets or capsules, hypodermic syringes
• Medical equipment, if it’s essential for your journey, such as crutches or walking sticks.

The key thing to remember is to bring supporting documentation from your GP or hospital consultant, like a copy of your prescription or letter from your doctor, to prove these are essential. If you need to take large quantities with you it is advisable to contact the airport in advance to let them know when your travelling so they can advise you accordingly.

One exception to the rule is in the case of oxygen bottles or insulin pumps. You will need the permission of the airline in question to bring these on board the plane. In some circumstances this may require a fee, so it's always best to check. The same goes for if this additional medication or medical equipment will take you over your hand baggage allowance. Also be aware that airport security staff may need to screen or open the liquids in question - but this can be done separately at security. They will also want to screen any mobility aids, such as crutches, walking frames and wheelchairs - which will be allowed with you in the cabin once they’ve been screened. Battery-powered wheelchairs may need additional checks - so again contact the airline in advance if you are travelling with them.

Discover more helpful guides to what you can and can’t take on a plane:

• General items 
• Liquids and Food 
• Electronic devices 
• Sports equipment, musical instruments and work tools 
• Medication
• Restricted and unusual items