As Easter holidays approach and summer looms, many Irish families and individual are gearing up for their overseas trips.
However, for those who rely on medication, figuring out whether to pack them in hand luggage or hold suitcase can be a source of stress.
Travel experts advise passengers to carry enough medication for the flight and potential delays in their cabin bag to prevent loss or damage.
While all airlines permit travellers to carry essential prescriptions, there are specific rules regarding quantities and types of medication that passengers should be aware of.
Airport personnel may need to open containers to screen liquids at security checkpoints. Medical equipment undergoes separate screening.
It's also recommended to check embassy guidelines for your destination to stay updated on their medication regulations. This can be done by visiting the embassy website.
Ryanair has stated that passengers are allowed to bring their medical equipment on board at no extra cost, in addition to their small personal bag. This is subject to pre-clearance by their Special Assistance Team.
The airline allows passengers to carry as much liquid medicine as required for the duration of their flight. This does not need to be placed in the transparent bag required for all other liquids but must be ready for inspection at airport security.
According to Ryanair, if a passenger wishes to carry or use a special medical item on board, they will need to contact the airline. The airline will then determine if the request can be approved and provide authorisation to carry the item.
Airline easyJet say that if medication is packed in your hold luggage their is no need to provide a letter from your doctor or healthcare practitioner.
But they advise you to pack your medication in your hand luggage where possible, especially if it is medication that you may need to take during the flight.
They also ask passengers to check with your doctor or pharmacist if your prescription contains a controlled drug, as some countries have strict laws with these medications.
Controlled drugs are medication that are subject to high levels of regulation as a result of government decisions, such as Diazepam, Lorazepam, Codeine or Tramadol.
They say if you need to travel with medicine that contains a controlled drug, check the embassy rules for the country you’re travelling to, as well as the entry requirements before you fly.
You will need to prove your medication is yours, either with a prescription or a letter from your doctor.
A letter from your healthcare practitioner, confirming the medication is prescribed to you and is necessary to bring on board, is only required If you are bringing any of the following items on board:
Any medical equipment that may be considered as dangerous goods in the aircraft cabin. Check with easyJet for a full list.
TUI say If you’ll be carrying medication or medical equipment with you in the aircraft cabin, you’ll need to bring a doctor’s letter or a prescription with you.
This will need to confirm that the medication is yours, and the equipment is needed during the flight. Liquid medication larger than 100ml can be taken through security if you have a doctor’s letter.
If you’re putting medicines in your hold luggage, TUI advise to pack them in a separate bag and say it will not be counted within your standard cabin baggage allowance. The bag may not, however, exceed the maximum measures of allowed cabin baggage.
TUI also says you can carry insulin, or a pen injection device in your hand baggage during your flight without a medical certificate, but passengers must declare this at check in.
Insulin should always be packed in your cabin baggage rather than your hold luggage as it can be inactivated if carried in the hold due to low temperatures.
When flying with Jet2, you can bring essential medications in your hand luggage, but liquid medications over 100ml require a doctor's letter and must be in the original container. You also need to declare needles, syringes, and insulin pens to security and cabin crew.
Jet2 recommends carrying essential medications for the duration of your trip in your hand luggage. They must be clearly labelled with your full name, health care provider's name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage.
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