It is recommended that medications be clearly labeled to facilitate the selection process. You can carry medically needed liquids, medications and creams that exceed 3, 4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your hand luggage. Take them out of your hand luggage to separate them from the rest of your belongings. While traveling is an incredible opportunity, it doesn't always come without some hassles.
In addition to the current requirements and restrictions for testing for COVID-19, you also have to take special care to pack any medications you may need during your trip. After all, the last thing you want during a getaway is to run out of prescription drugs (especially if you get stuck somewhere due to a positive coronavirus test) or catch a bad cold without access to over-the-counter medications. That's why it's essential to know certain key details when you hit the road with medications in tow. To learn how best to prepare for your vacation, TPG spoke with Dr.
Julian Klapowitz of Travel Medicine Consultations, who shared everything you need to know about traveling with medications. The short answer is yes; that way, you don't run the risk of losing essential medicines in your checked baggage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specifically recommends carrying prescription medications with you. Generally speaking, a drug for 30 days is acceptable practically everywhere.
If it's more than that, the doctor must provide a note and you should also have the original prescription, according to Klapowitz. Only wait longer at the security check if you have larger quantities of pills or liquid medications that don't meet traditional TSA guidelines. When traveling abroad, the question of quantity really comes down to the types of medications allowed at the destination. The same answer as above applies practically here.
If you don't have enough medications to get you through a full vacation or if you need something abroad, there are ways to get medicines. It is stricter with respect to many medications than in many other countries where antibiotics, blood pressure medications and a variety of other pills can be purchased without a prescription. However, in some destinations, counterfeit drugs are a major problem. Yes, some destinations have drug restrictions.
For example, Japan doesn't allow certain medications for allergy and sinusitis, and the types of inhalers are illegal. In addition, travelers to the United Arab Emirates ended up in prison because the country has strict laws on narcotics. The most common banned substance are narcotics. “If someone is thinking about taking codeine, Percocet, Vicodin or methadone, I would normally advise them to check if it's possible to travel abroad without them,” Klapowtiz said.
Unfortunately, sometimes the answer is that you simply can't travel with restricted medications. However, countries will have a variety of regulations, for example, if you plan to travel with a restricted drug, make sure you have the documentation to back it up and that everything is clearly labeled, Klapowitz said. If you are traveling within the country, liquids are allowed as long as they meet the TSA's 3.4-ounce rule and fit in a one-quart bag. The TSA will allow you to travel with more than that amount, but you must declare liquid medications to TSA security officers for inspection.
Bringing sharp and sharp objects onto an airplane is generally not allowed. However, some medications require the use of syringes or needles. In addition to standard medications, Klapowitz suggested bringing any over-the-counter medications you use frequently. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and none of these entities has reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed them.
