Packing Meds For Air Travel

How to Pack Medications

If you use prescription medications in your daily life, you are well aware of how important they are to your health. Many travelers worry about traveling with medication and make crucial mistakes along the way. First, make sure you don’t pack your medication in your checked luggage. If your luggage gets lost, you may put your health at risk while you try to replace the medication. The Transportation Security Administration allows passengers to carry necessary mediation or medical supplies as carry-on items.

Use Original Containers

Make sure that your prescription medication is in the original pharmacy container labeled with the same name that is on your travel ticket. While it may be more convenient to combine your medications into one bottle, take each type of medication in its own labeled bottle. These medications will still need to pass through security. Some travelers recommend bringing copies of their prescription, just to be safe.

If you use medication that requires refrigeration, bring an insulated cooling bag (like a lunch bag). You may be able to buy ice or request it from the flight crew to keep your bag cold. Just to be safe, pack a few extra days of medicine. Flights get delayed and it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you have diabetes, you may bring your insulin on board. Remember to have a copy of your prescription with you.

Bring Food, Water and Snacks

If you know that your medication must be taken with food, pack some snacks. You will also need water for your medication, which is not always immediately accessible on the plane. Make sure to purchase a bottle before you board the plane to be safe.

Don’t Forget About Over the Counter Medications

If you’ve traveled to another country, you’ve probably seen off-name brands of common medication that make you think twice. Also, the prices for over-the-counter medication at airports tends to run much higher than you pay at home. Consider packing the following medications to be safe:

Pepto-Bismol and Imodium can be useful for food-poisoning and diarrhea, which is common in other countries.

Pack Dulcolax in case you develop constipation after eating different foods.

An antihistamine like Claritin can be used treat an allergic reaction

Pack pain medication like Tylenol or Advil.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack Dramamine for your excursion.

In case of any bites or cuts, pack an antibiotic treatment like Neosporin and bandages.

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