Carrying liquid medicine onto an aircraft

Hades · 19 Feb 2013 at 07:59

I need to fly soon and have to take liquid medicine with me. Ideally I would take it in my hand luggage as I have to apply it daily. So losing it would be a bad idea. I believe that liquids should normally be carried in clear bottles but this is in a non-see through dispenser. I will obviously check with the airline once I have booked the flight, but does anyone know whether I need to get a letter from my doctor explaining what it is, or what the procedure is?

Thanks.

Chris-.- · 19 Feb 2013 at 08:01

Taking liquids through security
There are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage. If possible, pack liquids in your hold baggage (luggage that you check in).

If you do take liquids in your hand luggage then:

containers must hold no more than 100ml
containers should be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm
contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed
the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top
it is limited to 1 plastic bag per person
you must show the bag at the airport security point

supporting documentation from a relevant medical professional (eg a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription)

Hades · 19 Feb 2013 at 08:09

Thanks. I just threw my prescription away so looks like I will need a doctors letter.

joelk2 · 19 Feb 2013 at 08:53

yeah a doctors letter will suffice. my brother in law is diabetic and takes all kind of things on the plane.

grumpysculler · 19 Feb 2013 at 13:19

I am pretty sure (but cannot find a reference) that medicine should be in the original container and not decanted. It can also be more than 100ml if that is supported by the prescription. You may get asked to taste it though (or do some other security check such as x-ray or swab).

Same rule for formula milk and anything else that isn't reasonable to pack in the hold or have in less than 100ml quantities.

Stretch · 19 Feb 2013 at 14:09

joelk2 said:
yeah a doctors letter will suffice. my brother in law is diabetic and takes all kind of things on the plane.

Lookout for a new wave of diabetic terrorists.

bledd · 19 Feb 2013 at 14:16

Sort of on topic..

These are awesome for taking small amounts of perfume/aftershave

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Travalo-Essentials-Refill-Perfume-Spray/dp/B0058W05IM/ref=dp_ob_title_hpc

LordSplodge · 19 Feb 2013 at 15:11

You just need a prescription. I took a rucksack full of medicine including a couple of kilograms of 'liquid' medicine with no problems right at the height of the liquid-bombing scare.

Crowort · 19 Feb 2013 at 15:16

joelk2 said:
yeah a doctors letter will suffice. my brother in law is diabetic and takes all kind of things on the plane.

I'm a type I diabetic so have to carry insulin. It is a little different for insulin as it is denatured by freezing so can't be risked in the hold. I'm not so sure they wouldn't try to make you put other medications in hold luggage. I've heard of them being sniffy about needles not needed on the flight being in hand luggage for example.

grumpysculler · 19 Feb 2013 at 15:23

Crowort said:
I'm not so sure they wouldn't try to make you put other medications in hold luggage. I've heard of them being sniffy about needles not needed on the flight being in hand luggage for example.

Putting stuff you don't need during the flight (but will so shortly after) in the hold works fine until you go to Belfast while your hold baggage goes to Belarus.