Experienced travelers take a first aid kit with them even on vacation, as it is important to be prepared for any unforeseen situations. Learn more about the rules for transporting medicines in hand luggage on an airplane

When traveling, it is important to have a minimum set of medicines with you, depending on the duration of the trip and its purpose. Hopefully, you won't need them, but even one pill can be a lifesaver in case of nausea, poisoning, or an exacerbation of a chronic illness. At the same time, airlines may have their own rules regarding the transportation of medicines on board, including in hand luggage. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with them in advance to avoid unpleasant situations during the flight.

In the previous article, we told you which air carriers provide the service of accompanying underage passengers.

Can I carry medicines in my hand luggage?

According to the current rules, passengers are allowed to take medicines necessary during the flight into the aircraft cabin. However, before boarding, you should inform the airline employee about the presence of medicines in your hand luggage.

What is allowed to be carried in hand luggage? Mostly, these are commonly available medicines and some types of solutions. Among the allowed items:

- Non-prescription medicines such as ointments, syrups, eye drops, gels, nose and throat sprays;

- Prescription medications as prescribed by your doctor;

- Contact lens solutions and saline solutions;

- Disinfectants with an alcohol concentration of less than 70%.

In addition to medicines, certain medical devices for personal use are also allowed in the cabin, including inhalers, glucometers, small thermometers, needles in a case for injecting medicines, as well as support devices without sharp edges (canes, crutches), cylinders with uncompressed oxygen or air (up to 5 kg), some medical equipment, such as AED defibrillators, and dry ice.

How much medicine can I transport?

When traveling internationally, there are certain general rules for transporting medicines across borders. However, you are allowed to take only the amount of medicines that will be sufficient for the duration of the flight, taking into account possible delays.

It is important to remember that in some cases, you may be asked to confirm the authenticity of the medicines or the need to take them. Therefore, you should carry medicines in their original packaging and have a medical certificate or other documents confirming the need to use them during the flight. Some types of medical equipment may also require confirmation of its suitability for air transportation.

Medicines in the form of sprays, gels and liquids are subject to the general rules for the transportation of such substances, which provides for their packaging in containers of no more than 100 ml. All liquids must be placed in one closed transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 liter.

To facilitate and speed up the passage of control, tourists should inform the security officer about the presence of such medicines and prepare them for inspection by placing them in a separate container on the conveyor belt.

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Rules for the transportation of medicines by different airlines

General rules are useful and practical. However, each airline may have its own requirements for the transportation of medicines. Visit World has collected information from popular low-cost airlines and carriers.

RYANAIR

The website of the Irish low-cost airline does not have a separate section dedicated to the rules for the transportation of medicines. However, it is noted that the movement of liquids, aerosols, and gels to the high security area and on board the aircraft is controlled in accordance with current EU security requirements.

The section on the transportation of liquids states that passengers must carry liquids in containers with a volume of up to 100 ml. All of these containers must be placed in a transparent plastic bag with dimensions up to 20x20 cm and a total capacity of up to 1 liter. The bag must be tightly closed and placed in your hand luggage. It must be submitted for a separate X-ray inspection at the airport.

Traveling with medical equipment is allowed, but you must first contact Ryanair's help desk to agree on the conditions of transportation of this equipment.

WIZZ AIR

Hungarian airline Wizz Air recommends that passengers take all the necessary items on board, including hygiene products and medicines. At the same time, it should be noted that there is no possibility to store medicines in a cool place on board, so you need to take care of this in advance.

If you are transporting vital medications, such as insulin, be sure to bring a medical certificate with you. This document may be required during air security checks. It is important to remember that it is forbidden to take on board breathing devices containing compressed gas or liquid oxygen.

In case of need for special assistance, for example, for people with disabilities, the passenger must notify the airline at least 48 hours before the flight departure to ensure the necessary conditions for a comfortable trip.

EASYJET

EasyJet provides passengers with the opportunity to carry medicines in hand luggage to ensure comfort and safety during the flight. The British air carrier recommends that you bring a letter of confirmation from your doctor stating the type and reasons for taking the medication. It is important to note that there is no possibility to store medicines in the refrigerator on board the aircraft, so you should take care of their proper storage in advance.

If you need to transport medical equipment, you should contact the airline in advance to agree on all the details and obtain the necessary permits.

LOT

On the website of the Polish national air carrier, information is available on the rules for the transportation of liquids, including syrups. As in the case of other airlines, passengers are allowed to take a limited amount of liquids in their hand luggage. 

All liquids must be packed in containers of no more than 100 ml, and these containers must be placed in a single resealable transparent plastic bag. The maximum volume of liquids that can be transported in one bag is 1 liter per passenger.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways allows passengers to carry medicines in their hand luggage, but certain rules must be followed. Medicines in liquid form are subject to the general rules for the transportation of liquids in hand luggage. Each container of medicines should not exceed 100 ml. All liquids must be packed in a transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 liter.

If you need to transport more than 100 ml of vital medicines, you must declare them at the checkpoint. In this case, you may need a prescription or a medical certificate confirming the need to take the medication in the specified volume.

You can transport prescription medicines with a prescription or medical certificate. It is recommended that you carry an English-language version of the prescription or certificate, especially if the medication may be suspicious or if it is to be taken during the flight.

Over-the-counter medications, such as painkillers, antihistamines, or cold remedies, can be carried in your hand luggage. They are also subject to the rules for transporting liquids and solid medicines.

Emirates

Medicines in liquid form are subject to the general rules for the transportation of liquids in hand luggage. According to these rules, each container must not exceed 100 ml, and all liquids must be packed in a transparent plastic bag with a volume of up to 1 liter.

If you need to transport more than 100 ml of vital medicines, they must be declared at the checkpoint. In such cases, it is recommended that you have a medical certificate or prescription confirming the need to use the medication during the flight.

Prescription medicines can be carried in hand luggage, but must be accompanied by a prescription or medical certificate confirming the need for their use.

We remind you! Strikes in the transport industry are a regular occurrence in Europe, as workers demand higher wages or better working conditions. In August and September, strikes by transport workers are planned in several EU countries. Read more about where and when they will take place.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

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