Security Procedures

[andrychowski]

Can someone simplify something for me, please?

My parents are traveling for us and they have lots of prescriptions that they want to carry on in case something unfortunate happens to our bags. My Dad usually combines his meds into one bottle. Will this get through security or does he need to carry every bottle with the prescription specifically on.

We have 4 kids plus my DH and my parents...so we are trying to make security as easy as possible.

 

[Darcy03231]

Each medication should be in its original prescription bottle.

 

[goofy4tink]

I know there are some that use those 'daily pill dispenser' type things, but I prefer to carry all my meds in their original bottles. I figure that it's just easier in case a security person has a question. I can just show him the original prescription and be on my way.

 

[DVC Grammy]

My DH and I fly 4-6 times a year and have never had a problem with those weekly pill containers. As long as the meds are in dry form, not gel or liquid, security doesn't seem to have a problem. Any gels or liquids should be put into a quart zip-loc (to show at security check) and be no more than 3 oz.

And now,totally unsolicited advice.............
Aside from the packing of meds when going on vacation, it's always a good idea to bring along a paper prescription from the doctor for any absolutely necessary medication, in case of emergency. (And the same thing goes for bringing extra glasses, if one wears prescriptive lenses.)

 

[andrychowski]

Sounds silly, but my Dad is 77 and takes lots of meds/vitamins. Most of his prescriptions he gets 90 day supply and they come in BIG bottles and hates carrying all those bottles. Whenever we travel, he puts them together for simplicity. He gets very set in the ways he does things and I didn't know how important it was to "make" him take all the bottles.

Thanks for the input. They are all in pill for except for inhalers and nose sprays so the pills are probably fine however he wants to carry them.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Your dad's right - he should be carrying all his medications with him, not putting them in his checked luggage.

If he gets the prescriptions filled at a pharmacy (aka not mail order), he can ask the pharmacist for small labeled bottles for each prescription. I only bring a couple, but my pharmacy has no problem doing this.

 

[CPT Tripss]

TSA should not give a hoot about pills. They do want to see liquid meds accompanied by the Rx label . . . so you might want to bring along the box with the label. Do not but these inn checked luggage.
I always encourage my "older" FIL to take a list of his meds that includes the dosing schedule. Not for the security checkers, but in case of a medical emergency.

 

[clkelley]

Our prescriptions from our Mail Order pharmacy have been coming with a warning that TSA requires prescriptions to be in their original containers for air travel. However, I have NEVER heard of this being a problem for US only travel.

Now for overseas travel, they do pay extra attention to medication because of drug trafficking. Also, some medications are OTC in other countries and are prescription in the US. To bring those medications back to the US, you need to have your prescription bottles.

Oh, and liquid medication needs to be in a SEPARATE Zip Loc from your normal TSA liquid ziploc and is not subject to the 3 oz restriction, it just needs to have a prescription label.

 

[DebbieB]

I fly almost weekly and have never had my pill box questioned.

 

[bavaria]

My DH and I fly 4-6 times a year and have never had a problem with those weekly pill containers. As long as the meds are in dry form, not gel or liquid, security doesn't seem to have a problem. Any gels or liquids should be put into a quart zip-loc (to show at security check) and be no more than 3 oz.

Actually, to clarify as the above post is not quite correct

http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm

You may bring all prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes.

Additional items you may bring include:

Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and,
Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.

You are not limited in the amount or volume of these items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. BUT if the medically necessary items exceed 3 ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you MUST declare to one of our Security Officers at the checkpoint for further inspection