First time flying with liquid meds...

[mickeymedic]

DH and I have flown quite a bit over the past 10 years. This year, though I will be traveling with epi pens and MIL with inhalers. I know that these do not need to go into our 3-1-1 bags (which is a good thing since mine is full.) But I did read that they need to be "declared" and shown to the TSA. How exactly does that work? Do the meds go into the bin that goes through the scanner? Is there someone specific that I am supposed to show it to?

 

[dougsmom98]

I always just have a separate ziplock bag just for liquid meds. When I get to the agent, I let them know that I am declaring these liquid medications and they put it in a special tray and inspect it.

 

[bavaria]

Epi pens and inhalers are not really classified like other liquid meds ie cough syrup or juice for diabetics. They rarely get a second glance, if noticed at all.

You can put them in a seperate bag for convenience, and put them into the bin. That's really all that you need to do, unless you are asked any specifics about them. But TSA sees those items all the time.

 

[mickeymedic]

Epi pens and inhalers are not really classified like other liquid meds ie cough syrup or juice for diabetics. They rarely get a second glance, if noticed at all.

You can put them in a seperate bag for convenience, and put them into the bin. That's really all that you need to do, unless you are asked any specifics about them. But TSA sees those items all the time.

Thanks! I was hoping you would post with an answer. I'm not sure why I am so worried about this. I guess my MIL's nerves are wearing off on me.

 

[bavaria]

It's usually easier than people think, but it's good to plan. Travelling with medication really seems to be so much easier and I know that people get really worried about it.

I won't list what is in my 'stash' at the moment, but it is extremely well stocked with some potent drugs from various countries, some labelled, some not, some labelled in German only, French only, English only, or a combination of languages. I don't have any prescriptions in paper form.

In the last two years I have flown over 200,000 miles to almost every continent and lots and lots of countries and have had ZERO glances at my stash. Not one!

I have also travelled with a colleague who is diabetic and carries a bottle of juice with her; this does get a check from TSA but she just points to her diabetic supplies and they send her on her way.

 

[bavaria]

And as a side note, in case anyone is using me as an example, don't!

SHAME on me for a few things. I still haven't purchased that medicalert bracelet I keep intended to purchase, although I take great care to remove myself from any situation which may result in an onboard incident.

I also really should have the names of medication and illnesses in three languages (French, German, English) because of the nature of my life. Drugs go under different names in different countries, and what may be over the counter in one may be prescription in another.

While I speak almost fluent French, I learned recently that I cannot so easily reassure a French SAMU that the situation is under control if I cannot recall the term for the medical condition in French.

For anyone travelling to a country where English is not the primary language, I strongly suggest writing out a full list of the meds you take (prescription as well as non-prescription) along with the translation, and your particular medical issues. I have done that for my father in three languages, and he carries it on his person at all times (and HE does wear his medicalert bracelet, so is a smarter traveller than I)

 

[mickeymedic]

It's usually easier than people think, but it's good to plan. Travelling with medication really seems to be so much easier and I know that people get really worried about it.

I won't list what is in my 'stash' at the moment, but it is extremely well stocked with some potent drugs from various countries, some labelled, some not, some labelled in German only, French only, English only, or a combination of languages. I don't have any prescriptions in paper form.

In the last two years I have flown over 200,000 miles to almost every continent and lots and lots of countries and have had ZERO glances at my stash. Not one!

I have also travelled with a colleague who is diabetic and carries a bottle of juice with her; this does get a check from TSA but she just points to her diabetic supplies and they send her on her way.

That's reassuring to hear. I have a small pharmacy of meds going with me this year. Sounds like it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[OCPDJ32]

Best thing to do is pack them in a separate easy to get get part of the bag and let the TSA screener know so that it doesn't alarm them. Sometimes they will see these items and pass them and other times not. Just depends on what is going on in the airport. I work for the police department here at the airport. Shoot me a message if you got any more questions

 

[albertamommyof4]

okay i ahve never flown before and i am on a couple of meds, i am on a cream but it is not 3 ounces( does this matter) also i am supposed to carry a epi pen which i will when flying do i need a medical bracelet to prove i need this??
Thanks
also what about tylenol for adults and liquid for the kids , does this go on carry on and do i need it in a different bag?
Thanks

 

[bavaria]

your liquid or gel meds are exempt. But if you are flying from Canada read www.catsa.ca for YOUR rules - they are very similar but some things vary from www.tsa.gov

Again, put your liquid or gel meds (including prescription cream) into a seperate bag. You do not need a medicalert bracelet for an epi pen.

Please go read the relevant site; it is important that you understand especially if you have never flown before.

 

[crashbb]

Question for you Bavaria - flying out of LHR I had my cough syrup (OTC) confiscated because it was over 100mL and not a prescription. I checked the relevant website, but it wasn't really clear about the OTC vs. prescription rule. Do you happen to know the rules for the UK?

 

[bavaria]

Let me google that for you, crashbb

I avoid LHR at all costs and try and connect in FRA or travel via train from France.

Here are the current UK rules. I don't think that Life brand cough syrup bought at Shopper's for instance would qualify. But you can get a prescription cough syrup, or sometimes a pharmacist will provide you with a labelled version which would most likely be considered official enough. Don't quote me on that however for anyone flying to/from the UK!

I like FRA and MUC for many reasons, including the pharmacies past security. I often buy items there before a flight which I didn't want to bother taking past security.

Essential medicines
Essential medicines for the period of the trip may be permitted in larger quantities above the 100ml limit, but will be subject to authentication. Passengers must have obtained the prior agreement of the airline with which they are travelling and their departure airport. Passengers must also bring with them supporting documentation from a relevant qualified medical professional.
Essential medical equipment
Passengers are permitted to carry through airport security medical equipment essential for use during the period of their trip. Where possible the equipment should be contained within the ONE item of cabin baggage and again should be accompanied by supporting documentation from a relevant qualified medical professional.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/airtravel/airportsecurity/requirements

 

[janni518]

okay i ahve never flown before and i am on a couple of meds, i am on a cream but it is not 3 ounces( does this matter) also i am supposed to carry a epi pen which i will when flying do i need a medical bracelet to prove i need this??
Thanks
also what about tylenol for adults and liquid for the kids , does this go on carry on and do i need it in a different bag?
Thanks

My dd17 flies with her epipen all the time and has never has a problem and she does not have a bracelet or anything else for that matter.

My dn15 flies with his diabetes supplies 4-6 times a year and also has never had a problem or even been questioned about it.

 

[crashbb]

Let me google that for you, crashbb

I avoid LHR at all costs and try and connect in FRA or travel via train from France.

Here are the current UK rules. I don't think that Life brand cough syrup bought at Shopper's for instance would qualify. But you can get a prescription cough syrup, or sometimes a pharmacist will provide you with a labelled version which would most likely be considered official enough. Don't quote me on that however for anyone flying to/from the UK!

I like FRA and MUC for many reasons, including the pharmacies past security. I often buy items there before a flight which I didn't want to bother taking past security.



http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/airtravel/airportsecurity/requirements

I did google (and read the UK travel site), and still was confused, especially in light of the fact that you had had no problems in all of your travels (though avoiding LHR would have something to do with that - and is a stellar idea). So, I thought I'd just ask. I know most people here are traveling within the US, but some might go to the UK.

And it was Boot's brand, thank you very much Which I was able to replace in the Boots post-security (ironically in a 100mL bottle! )

And yes, my smilies are totally nonsensical, but I like them!

 

[bavaria]

My dd17 flies with her epipen all the time and has never has a problem and she does not have a bracelet or anything else for that matter.

My dn15 flies with his diabetes supplies 4-6 times a year and also has never had a problem or even been questioned about it.

Nor should they EVER fly without them (see other thread)

And yes, my smilies are totally nonsensical, but I like them!

Hmm, trying to change your reputation, are you?

 

[crashbb]

Hmm, trying to change your reputation, are you?

Probably a lost cause in the mind's of some posters!

 

[albertamommyof4]

your liquid or gel meds are exempt. But if you are flying from Canada read www.catsa.ca for YOUR rules - they are very similar but some things vary from www.tsa.gov

Again, put your liquid or gel meds (including prescription cream) into a seperate bag. You do not need a medicalert bracelet for an epi pen.

Please go read the relevant site; it is important that you understand especially if you have never flown before.

Thank you i checked them out

 

[crashbb]

Thank you i checked them out

As a fellow Canadian, if there are non-prescription drugs that you take, check to see if they are available in the US (and bring extra if they are not). Simple things like Tylenol 1s or cough syrup with codeine are not available without a prescription in the US (or weren't last time that I checked). And, in the past, non-drowsy antihistamines weren't readily available either (I think some are now).

And Americans coming to Canada, do the same thing. I know that, for example, alleve is not available in Canada without a prescription (okay, Alleve isn't available at all, but the equivalent requires a script).

 

[bavaria]

And the Americans no longer have easy access to the 'good' cold medicine. I am very knowledgeable about purchasing drugs in certain countries based on access and cost.

I can even buy some of my prescription meds over the counter for far cheaper in America, for instance.

 

[goofy4tink]

Let me google that for you, crashbb

I avoid LHR at all costs and try and connect in FRA or travel via train from France.

Here are the current UK rules. I don't think that Life brand cough syrup bought at Shopper's for instance would qualify. But you can get a prescription cough syrup, or sometimes a pharmacist will provide you with a labelled version which would most likely be considered official enough. Don't quote me on that however for anyone flying to/from the UK!

I like FRA and MUC for many reasons, including the pharmacies past security. I often buy items there before a flight which I didn't want to bother taking past security.



http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/airtravel/airportsecurity/requirements

Wow....what service. I may have to make you our official 'googler'!!!!