Flying with liquids and medicines: some tips
(Updates 8/14: electronics, right to have clean gloves, bring alcohol gel.)
This article is geared towards flying from or within the US and Canada. Here "liquids" = liquids or gels or anything that counts under the TSA's rules. ATP = argumentative TSA person.
Read the rules for all countries you'll go to and fly from. Japan, for example, doesn't allow pseudoephedrine (the working decongestant. Beware the new type of decongestant). Australia has a special customs line for declaring certain medicines (it's much shorter).
Update: an "all electronics out" rule is showing up, where the TSA wants you to not just have your laptop out, but all electronics. I recommend organizing them in one plastic bag (I use gallon ziptops), and then following safe security line practices. [Might go into a new post later]
Flowchart for liquids and gels:
Is it a medicine?
-----> Yes. then any amount can be carried on, but you technically must "declare" it. Beware the ATP (see below). Done.
-----> No.
Is it related to medical needs?
-----> Yes., then ok as above, with "declare." Ditto the ATP. Done.
-----> No.
Is it in a container larger than 3.4 oz / 100ml?
-----> Yes. Forbidden in carry-on. Check it (if legal to check) or mail it, etc. Done.
-----> No. OK if it fits in your one Zip-top baggie. Don't overstuff the baggie. Pull your baggie out before the x-ray.
Explanation of flowchart:
You get as much medicine as you want in carry-on. That's their rules, and you can print it out, but
1. they want you to "declare" your medicines in the security line, although they don't always (or don't usually) demand it, and they can retroactively get pissy if you didn't. If you want to proactively follow the rules exactly, then as soon as you see your first TSA person in the security line you'd do your "declare": tell them you've got liquid meds greater than 3.4oz, and they'd write something on the back of your boarding pass.
2. Sometimes you'll get an Argumentative TSA Person (ATP) who doesn't remember the rules. The ATP can get weird about anything. Always take a deep breath when dealing with them. This too shall pass.
3. If you can get a doctor's note to carry with you, that helps, but it isn't required. (Nor will an ATP always read it. Sigh.) If a gel-medicine could be mistaken for moisturizer (or other non-medicine), then think about getting that note. I wouldn't go out of your way to get a note for non-prescriptions, if the cost of the note is larger than the replacement value of the medicine. (But replacement value includes the time it could take to find it: searching while illiterate isn't fun!)
In general, medical equipment and supplies do not count towards baggage limits, if
1. you have it in a separate bag and
2. the bag conforms to carry-on size limits. See the TSA link below.
In other words, if you have a carry-on bag (rollerbag style suitcase) and your personal item (small handheld bag: purse, laptop bag, etc), which together are your standard limit, you could also have a bag with medical supplies, and you're fully following the rules. The airline itself cannot force you to gatecheck your medical bag- it is like an invisible bag. You could also have a bag with camera equipment, and that's fine with security, but it doesn't mean that the airline itself will accept it as a third bag. I'd keep room in your 2nd bag just in case. Again, best to print out the rules, in case of ATP.
If they want to inspect your bags, including medical supplies
You have a right to ask them to change into clean gloves if they want to touch (a "secondary") your stuff. For most medical equipment and supplies, they won't touch it- they'll have you do so. Yes, bring 65% or better alcohol gel!
All the above is for the US (Canada usually tracks the US rules, but always check).
Here's a good summary of worldwide liquids rules from AA.
For the US, here's a summary on the TSA website, including links for various types of disabilities- hearing, mobility, etc. I recommend reading and then printing out everything that's relevant to you and your traveling companions.
Everything else that isn't medicine or medical... and about that freedom baggie:
For the US, the size limit is 3.4 oz / 100 ml for any single container of liquids or gels, if they aren't medicines. All your carry-on non-med liquids must go into one quart-size ziplock bag, your "freedom baggie." If you have any small liquid medicines, ones that could fit into your baggie, I recommend keeping them separate. This is so that if an ATP hates your baggie, your small medicines aren't affected.
The bottles should be single-layered in the baggie. The bottles should have a size printed or stamped on them, because an ATP could get weird about them. ATPs can generally get weird about unlabelled bottles: print one out, or peel one off another bottle.
How about contact lens solution?
Contact lens solution is medical. From what I read on Flyertalk.com (the best discussion board for flying):
1. If you have a prescription on your solution, no problem at all.
2. If you declare it, you usually won't have a problem.
3. If you don't declare it, you might not have a problem, but every once in a while an ATP wants to play diagnosis and doctor and tell you that lens solution isn't medical.
But to be safe, you could have an additional sample-sized <3.4 oz bottle in your baggie (yes, this contradicts the 'keep them separate rule'), and/or an extra bottle in your checked luggage.
What if I get an ATP?
Theoretically an ATP can get weird about anything medical,especially if it isn't prescription, but remember... it isn't their job to play doctor!
If you get a doctor-playing ATP, take a deep breath, and calmly state that your medicine is medical, and that you're following the instructions for carrying medicine or medical related items. If you have the time, temperament and inclination, please do fight back if faced with an agent practicing medicine like that.
If you have very little time, and you know you replace the medicine and be without it even if there is a delay, then maybe the fight isn't worth it. But try to get their name (or lane, description, and time & date): you might choose to complain later.
If your calm first statement doesn't work, ask for their supervisor. If that doesn't work, then ask for the "Ground Security Coordinator." The GSC is the airline's TSA coordinator. They often can help, but their office might be minutes away.
Where can I research all of this?
The TSA link above covers all types of travel questions about security, the security process, and their responsibilities.
If you ever have questions about flying, I highly recommend searching Flyertalk's forums, and then asking if you don't see your question answered already. They're a smart and helpful group of people. General questions go to Travelbuzz, security and safety (including medical issues re: security) in the Travel Safety forum, and airline-specific questions into the relevant airline's forum.
This article is geared towards flying from or within the US and Canada. Here "liquids" = liquids or gels or anything that counts under the TSA's rules. ATP = argumentative TSA person.
Read the rules for all countries you'll go to and fly from. Japan, for example, doesn't allow pseudoephedrine (the working decongestant. Beware the new type of decongestant). Australia has a special customs line for declaring certain medicines (it's much shorter).
Update: an "all electronics out" rule is showing up, where the TSA wants you to not just have your laptop out, but all electronics. I recommend organizing them in one plastic bag (I use gallon ziptops), and then following safe security line practices. [Might go into a new post later]
Flowchart for liquids and gels:
Is it a medicine?
-----> Yes. then any amount can be carried on, but you technically must "declare" it. Beware the ATP (see below). Done.
-----> No.
Is it related to medical needs?
-----> Yes., then ok as above, with "declare." Ditto the ATP. Done.
-----> No.
Is it in a container larger than 3.4 oz / 100ml?
-----> Yes. Forbidden in carry-on. Check it (if legal to check) or mail it, etc. Done.
-----> No. OK if it fits in your one Zip-top baggie. Don't overstuff the baggie. Pull your baggie out before the x-ray.
Explanation of flowchart:
You get as much medicine as you want in carry-on. That's their rules, and you can print it out, but
1. they want you to "declare" your medicines in the security line, although they don't always (or don't usually) demand it, and they can retroactively get pissy if you didn't. If you want to proactively follow the rules exactly, then as soon as you see your first TSA person in the security line you'd do your "declare": tell them you've got liquid meds greater than 3.4oz, and they'd write something on the back of your boarding pass.
2. Sometimes you'll get an Argumentative TSA Person (ATP) who doesn't remember the rules. The ATP can get weird about anything. Always take a deep breath when dealing with them. This too shall pass.
3. If you can get a doctor's note to carry with you, that helps, but it isn't required. (Nor will an ATP always read it. Sigh.) If a gel-medicine could be mistaken for moisturizer (or other non-medicine), then think about getting that note. I wouldn't go out of your way to get a note for non-prescriptions, if the cost of the note is larger than the replacement value of the medicine. (But replacement value includes the time it could take to find it: searching while illiterate isn't fun!)
In general, medical equipment and supplies do not count towards baggage limits, if
1. you have it in a separate bag and
2. the bag conforms to carry-on size limits. See the TSA link below.
In other words, if you have a carry-on bag (rollerbag style suitcase) and your personal item (small handheld bag: purse, laptop bag, etc), which together are your standard limit, you could also have a bag with medical supplies, and you're fully following the rules. The airline itself cannot force you to gatecheck your medical bag- it is like an invisible bag. You could also have a bag with camera equipment, and that's fine with security, but it doesn't mean that the airline itself will accept it as a third bag. I'd keep room in your 2nd bag just in case. Again, best to print out the rules, in case of ATP.
If they want to inspect your bags, including medical supplies
You have a right to ask them to change into clean gloves if they want to touch (a "secondary") your stuff. For most medical equipment and supplies, they won't touch it- they'll have you do so. Yes, bring 65% or better alcohol gel!
All the above is for the US (Canada usually tracks the US rules, but always check).
Here's a good summary of worldwide liquids rules from AA.
For the US, here's a summary on the TSA website, including links for various types of disabilities- hearing, mobility, etc. I recommend reading and then printing out everything that's relevant to you and your traveling companions.
Everything else that isn't medicine or medical... and about that freedom baggie:
For the US, the size limit is 3.4 oz / 100 ml for any single container of liquids or gels, if they aren't medicines. All your carry-on non-med liquids must go into one quart-size ziplock bag, your "freedom baggie." If you have any small liquid medicines, ones that could fit into your baggie, I recommend keeping them separate. This is so that if an ATP hates your baggie, your small medicines aren't affected.
The bottles should be single-layered in the baggie. The bottles should have a size printed or stamped on them, because an ATP could get weird about them. ATPs can generally get weird about unlabelled bottles: print one out, or peel one off another bottle.
How about contact lens solution?
Contact lens solution is medical. From what I read on Flyertalk.com (the best discussion board for flying):
1. If you have a prescription on your solution, no problem at all.
2. If you declare it, you usually won't have a problem.
3. If you don't declare it, you might not have a problem, but every once in a while an ATP wants to play diagnosis and doctor and tell you that lens solution isn't medical.
But to be safe, you could have an additional sample-sized <3.4 oz bottle in your baggie (yes, this contradicts the 'keep them separate rule'), and/or an extra bottle in your checked luggage.
What if I get an ATP?
Theoretically an ATP can get weird about anything medical,especially if it isn't prescription, but remember... it isn't their job to play doctor!
If you get a doctor-playing ATP, take a deep breath, and calmly state that your medicine is medical, and that you're following the instructions for carrying medicine or medical related items. If you have the time, temperament and inclination, please do fight back if faced with an agent practicing medicine like that.
If you have very little time, and you know you replace the medicine and be without it even if there is a delay, then maybe the fight isn't worth it. But try to get their name (or lane, description, and time & date): you might choose to complain later.
If your calm first statement doesn't work, ask for their supervisor. If that doesn't work, then ask for the "Ground Security Coordinator." The GSC is the airline's TSA coordinator. They often can help, but their office might be minutes away.
Where can I research all of this?
The TSA link above covers all types of travel questions about security, the security process, and their responsibilities.
If you ever have questions about flying, I highly recommend searching Flyertalk's forums, and then asking if you don't see your question answered already. They're a smart and helpful group of people. General questions go to Travelbuzz, security and safety (including medical issues re: security) in the Travel Safety forum, and airline-specific questions into the relevant airline's forum.