Question about packing medications in carryon luggage...

[DisneyClown]

My Mother is traveling with us and was wondering if she can put her pills in her case she uses to divvy up her pills for each day, or should she leave them in their respective prescription bottles until we get to Disney? We are flying Southwest out of Chicago Midway. Anyone know?

 

[chamonix]

She can divvy them up no problem.

 

[jsilvers]

The most recent guidance on the TSA web site appears to be:

Medication is ok to place in your carry-on or checked luggage in any form. From our web page: "All medications in any form or type (for instance, pills, injectables, or homeopathic) and associated supplies (syringes, Sharps disposal container, pre-loaded syringes, jet injectors, pens, infusers, etc.) are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. Atropens, an auto-injection system that can help treat many emergency conditions (low heart rate, breathing problems, and excess saliva related to insecticide, nerve gas or mushroom poisoning) are also allowed. We do not require that your medications be labeled."​

See http://blog.tsa.gov/2011/08/traveling-with-medication.html. (Note that the quotation is a cross-reference to another TSA web page, which no longer appears to exist.)

 

[LadyBeBop]

As mentioned, you're fine as long as travel is within the US. Now, you might have a problem if you cross international borders. That might be a Customs problem.

 

[bumbershoot]

As mentioned, you're fine as long as travel is within the US. Now, you might have a problem if you cross international borders. That might be a Customs problem.

A transplant patient friend of mine takes her MASSIVE box 'o drugs with her and hasn't had a problem with Mexico, at least. Dh hasn't had a problem with any country he's gone to (tiny box of drugs), and he's been to many.

 

[aubriee]

We always put our meds in weekly pill reminders and they have never even received a second look. TSA is there for security, not drug enforcement.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

As mentioned, you're fine as long as travel is within the US. Now, you might have a problem if you cross international borders. That might be a Customs problem.

Normally not an issue with international travel either, with the exception of a select few countries (Australia, Japan).

 

[dawnhaze]

I've traveled by air many times with medications in a divided-up pillbox. I've never had a problem within the US.

I was told by my TA to leave meds in their original containers when going on a cruise, though.

 

[stitchlovestink]

My Mother is traveling with us and was wondering if she can put her pills in her case she uses to divvy up her pills for each day, or should she leave them in their respective prescription bottles until we get to Disney? We are flying Southwest out of Chicago Midway. Anyone know?

And I would say it would depend on the 'type' of mediciation. If it is considered a 'controlled substance' then I definitely would leave it in its original container. Personally, I think it's best it have the bottles along for any of the scripts just in case or my best suggestion would be to sort them when you arrive. But to each his or her own. You also have to think about the destination state's laws (not just TSA's) when travelling regarding prescription medication. Some states require it to be kept in the original bottle when out & about like that. It's much different than at home. Safe travels to you and your family!!


Posted from Disney Forums Reader for Android

 

[CPT Tripss]

I've traveled by air many times with medications in a divided-up pillbox. I've never had a problem within the US.

I was told by my TA to leave meds in their original containers when going on a cruise, though.

I have never had a problem on a cruise. Most cruise lines contract security - they are looking for weapons, candles, irons and booze, not meds.

 

[DisneyClown]

Thanks to all who replied!!! My Mom's meds are for diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. She only takes pills, no injections. I figured it was ok, but had read about the whole every state has different requirements thing so wanted to see if it really was a big deal. Sounds like she'll be ok, but I know she will take the bottles along.

 

[lylone]

Pills are fine divided up. All my heart pills and boyfriends pills have never been an issue. Now zanax I carry in its script bottle only because they can be questionable. Any liquid meds must be declared at the checkpoont and should be labeled with a script.
Going out of the country they must be in there respectibe bottles. We went to Mexico this year and none of ours were questioned. Boyfriend's carry ons were checked but they just looked at contents and didnt even touch the bottles.

 

[mickey1968]

I divide mine up but also have them all written out on an index card that is in my toiletries kit. Just in case.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Going out of the country they must be in there respectibe bottles. We went to Mexico this year and none of ours were questioned. Boyfriend's carry ons were checked but they just looked at contents and didnt even touch the bottles.

No, prescription meds do not have to be in original bottles for travel to most countries, as already mentioned.

 

[Mary T in PA]

I do both.. I have a big ziploc baggy that has my actual pill bottles that I keep in my backpack. Then I have a small pill container that contains the pills I need for my flight day that I keep in my purse.

I have never had any trouble.

 

[lylone]

No, prescription meds do not have to be in original bottles for travel to most countries, as already mentioned.

If you fly back from Mexico with more than "normal usage" in your bag....you can be detained by customs. Purchasing zanax, antiobiotics and other perscription drugs in a foreign country and bringing them back into the states is prohibited. I saw many signs or maybe it was on the customs form about it.
You can take chances.....
But, I would carry the bottles rather than being accused of bringing drugs back into the states.