Medicines in Carry On - Do I have to use original containers?

[mmbrad02]

I should probably clarify. I read earlier that TSA does NOT require original containers. But what I'm asking is - do any of you use a pill box or other container rather than your original bottles,and does that go smoothly? I guess I'm just looking for actual people to say "Sure I do, no problems!" before I try it. I take 5 medicines in pill bottles, and I get them in 90 day supplies, PLUS I am diabetic on an insulin pump. I'm young and (relatively) healthy (I realize that sound contradictory but most of my meds are for preventative measures) and have no issues identifying my meds, etc, but putting all that in my carry on gets bulky. Before I add any snacks, books, entertainment for the flight, my bag is already loaded down. I would love to pack a pill box for a week and put it in my carry on, and then, just because I'm overly cautious, throw the bottles in my checked luggage. Would this work? Anything else I should know?

 

[Tattylou]

I've taken one of those week pill boxes with various pills every time I fly - no problems, no questions. My parents always do that too. My BFF has diabetes - pretty sure she hasn't ever had issues with her pump and TSA either.

 

[crazylady]

I already a pill box with no issues. They have never looked at it.

 

[Shanti]

I should probably clarify. I read earlier that TSA does NOT require original containers. But what I'm asking is - do any of you use a pill box or other container rather than your original bottles,and does that go smoothly? I guess I'm just looking for actual people to say "Sure I do, no problems!" before I try it. I take 5 medicines in pill bottles, and I get them in 90 day supplies, PLUS I am diabetic on an insulin pump. I'm young and (relatively) healthy (I realize that sound contradictory but most of my meds are for preventative measures) and have no issues identifying my meds, etc, but putting all that in my carry on gets bulky. Before I add any snacks, books, entertainment for the flight, my bag is already loaded down. I would love to pack a pill box for a week and put it in my carry on, and then, just because I'm overly cautious, throw the bottles in my checked luggage. Would this work? Anything else I should know?

I regularly fly and cruise with assorted pills in pillboxes, no labeled bottles or copies of prescriptions. No problems.

This is so common that airports everywhere would screech to a halt if they had to identify & approve everyone's meds. As long as it's a reasonably short-term supply (not multiple months' worth), they aren't concerned about meds.

 

[rwdavis2]

TSA won't care. They are not the DEA. Never, ever put meds in checked bags. I have used pill wallets for 20 years with never a problem.

 

[DebbieB]

I use pill boxes, never a problem. I used to travel frequently for work. The only time I took bottles was International.

 

[SG131]

The only meds I haven’t taken all mixed together and made sure to have an original label on are my prescription pain meds, which it doesn’t sound like you have so you should be good.

 

[shoreward]

I agree with all of the previous posters - never a problem.

A personal tip on the meds - I usually bring along one or two extra days-worth, just in case my return home gets delayed by a day or two.

 

[bumbershoot]

My friend travels with her general pill box even internationally with no issues. To give you an idea, she’s a transplant recipient. She takes a ton of pills. And has had no issues.

 

[SteveH]

Melissa you shouldn't have an issue with a pill box. When we went my wife and I packed our pill boxes in our backpacks, we had a spare in our luggage just in case. We were never questioned by TSA about them or test kit.

Side Notes:

When you go through the lines at Disney security, pull out your test kit and hold it and tell security what it is. They never asked to see my wife's kit once they knew what it was.

The only time pills should become an issue is if they are a controlled narcotic, those should always be in the original container while traveling.

You can request a "travel/small prescription bottle" from your local pharmacy, not sure about mail order ones though.

 

[Shanti]

The only time pills should become an issue is if they are a controlled narcotic, those should always be in the original container while traveling.

Just wanted to add that I've repeatedly traveled with someone who uses controlled narcotics for pain, and even they just put them in unlabeled pill boxes and it was never an issue. It might or might not be a rule to travel with the bottle or prescription for controlled substances, but as a practical matter in airports, you don't have to worry about it.

 

[Sadie22]

You can carry a separate bag for medicines and medical equipment, which does not count as your carry-on or personal item. I flew with a CPAP, a pill box, assorted bottles, eye drops, and diabetes supplies in a medical bag. I made sure that the medical bag was small enough to fit in the overhead bin. Just be sure to disclose medical liquids to TSA.

 

[Starwind]

From TSA in 2013: https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2013/09/24/tsa-travel-tips-tuesday-traveling-medication

note in particular: "TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply."

 

[maxiesmom]

I have had no problems taking my meds in non original containers.

 

[DVC-Don]

For my general prescriptions (blood pressure, cholesterol) I don't normally carry them in the original, but for controlled meds (hydrocodone) I keep them in the original containers. The TSA does not care, but should I be involved in an accident or something and found with hydrocodone it would take a while to clear that up with the police.

 

[arminnie]

I always take an extra week’s worth of medicine. Also I suggest you keep a detailed list of your meds (prescribing doctor, dosage, etc) in your phone in case of emergency.

 

[keishashadow]

You can carry a separate bag for medicines and medical equipment, which does not count as your carry-on or personal item. I flew with a CPAP, a pill box, assorted bottles, eye drops, and diabetes supplies in a medical bag. I made sure that the medical bag was small enough to fit in the overhead bin. Just be sure to disclose medical liquids to TSA.

Have observed Allegiant gate agents being schooled on this fact when they tried to charge a woman for her medical bag that included a older/larger CPAP

Suggest packing larger Rx bottles in gallon size zip bag for ease at security.

Pharmacies upon request will re-label a smaller sized ‘travel’ Rx bottle, wherein you can put in enough pills for your trip vs the large 90 day supply types.