As Easter holidays approach and summer looms, millions are gearing up for their overseas trips. For those who rely on medication, figuring out whether to pack it in hand luggage or hold suitcase can be a source of stress.
Travellers are advised to carry enough medication for the flight and potential delays in their cabin bag to prevent loss or damage. While all airlines permit passengers to travel with essential prescriptions, there are rules regarding quantities and types of medication that travellers should be aware of.
Airport staff may need to open containers to screen liquids at security checkpoints, and medical equipment is screened separately.
It is also recommended to check embassy guidelines for your destination to stay updated on their medication regulations, which can be done via the embassy website. Here are some rules from different airlines about travelling with medication.
Ryanair
Ryanair allows passengers to bring their medical equipment on board free of charge, in addition to a small personal bag, subject to pre-clearance by its special assistance team, reports the Daily Record.
This includes as much liquid medicine as needed for the flight duration, and it doesn't have to fit into the transparent bag required for other liquids. However, it must be ready for inspection at airport security.
Ryanair has stated that passengers wishing to bring or use a special medical item on board must contact the airline for approval and authorisation.
EasyJet
EasyJet advises passengers to pack medication in their hand luggage where possible, especially if it is needed during the flight. The airline also asks passengers to check with their doctor or pharmacist if their prescription contains a controlled drug, due to strict laws in some countries.
If travelling with medicine that contains a controlled drug – such as diazepam, lorazepam, codeine or tramadol – passengers are advised to check the embassy rules for the country they are travelling to, as well as entry requirements. Proof of ownership of the medication, either through a prescription or a doctor's letter, is required.
A letter from a healthcare practitioner confirming the medication is prescribed and necessary to bring on board is only required for certain items:
- Liquids that exceed 100ml
- Sharp objects such as needles
- Oxygen cylinders and concentrators
- Any medical equipment that may be considered as dangerous goods in the aircraft cabin.
If you are still unsure on what to take with you, check with easyJet for a full list.
Jet2
Jet2's policy allows passengers to bring essential medications in hand luggage, but liquid medications over 100ml require a doctor's letter and must be in the original container. Needles, syringes and insulin pens must be declared to security and cabin crew.
Jet2 recommends carrying essential medications for the duration of your trip in your hand luggage. These must be clearly labelled with your full name, healthcare provider's name, generic and brand name and exact dosage.
TUI
TUI passengers require a doctor's letter or prescription confirming that the medication is theirs and that the equipment is necessary for the flight. Liquid medication larger than 100ml can be taken through security with a doctor's letter.
If medicines are packed in hold luggage, TUI advises packing them separately and states they will not count towards your standard cabin baggage allowance. However, the bag must not exceed the maximum dimensions of allowed cabin baggage.
TUI also allows passengers to carry insulin or pen injection devices in hand baggage without a medical certificate, but this must be declared at check-in. Insulin should always be packed in cabin baggage rather than hold luggage due to potential low temperatures in the hold.
