Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows prescription medications in both carry-on and checked luggage.
✈️ It’s strongly recommended to keep all essential medications in your carry-on.
⚠️ Medications should be labeled and may be subject to additional screening.
Details
- Carry-on:
- Allowed in unlimited amounts, including pills, tablets, and medically necessary liquids.
- Medications do not need to fit in your 3-1-1 liquids bag if declared at screening.
- Keep them in original labeled containers to avoid confusion.
- Checked luggage:
- Permitted, but risky in case of lost/delayed bags. Always keep critical meds with you.
- Liquid medications:
- Allowed in reasonable quantities above 3.4 oz if medically necessary.
- Must be declared at the checkpoint for inspection.
- International flights:
- Rules vary; some countries require prescriptions or prohibit certain medications (e.g., codeine).
- Carry a doctor’s note or prescription if traveling abroad.
TSA Prescription Medication Rules Summary
| Medication Type | Carry-On | Checked | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pills/tablets | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Allowed | Keep labeled |
| Liquid meds | ✅ Any amount if necessary | ✅ Allowed | Declare at security |
| Med equipment | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed | May be screened |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Labeling: Unlabeled pill bottles can cause delays at international security.
- ✈️ Screening: TSA may test liquids or request visual inspection.
- ✈️ International restrictions: Some countries treat common U.S. meds as controlled substances — check before flying.
- ✈️ Lost luggage: Never put life-critical meds in checked bags.