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Traveling with Medications

Managing medicines during travel can be a challenge, but having a plan can help.

Preparing for travel

Before you travel, take these steps to make sure you are ready.  

  • Make a medicine list: Write down all medicines, doses, and how and when your child takes them.  
  • Talk to your health care provider and pharmacist: Ask how travel might affect your medicines, especially if you are crossing time zones. Ask if your medicines need special storage, such as refrigeration or protection from light. 
  • Plan for emergencies: Know the locations of medical clinics and pharmacies at your destination in case you need help. 
  • Get a doctor’s note: Carry a letter from your health care provider describing your child’s medical condition and medicines. This can help at airport security or customs. 

Packing medicines safely

Packing medicines correctly is important to avoid delays, protect their quality, and ensure they are safe to use. 

  • Use original containers: Keep medicines in their labeled containers from the pharmacy. If you cannot do this, carry a copy of your medicine list, prescription, or note from your health care provider. Contact a local pharmacy for your destination if you have questions about prescription label requirements. 
  • Pack extra supplies: Bring more medicine than you think you will need in case of delays. Be sure you have all supplies that you need to give the medicine.  
  • Use a designated bag for medicines and medical supplies: Keep medicines in a certain bag so they are accessible and remain with you. If you are traveling by air, use a carry-on bag. Checked luggage can get hot or cold or might get lost. 
  • Pack refrigerated medicines: If a medicine needs to be kept cold, use insulated lunch boxes or coolers with ice packs to keep medicines at the proper temperature. 

Flying with medicines

Flying with medicines requires extra planning, but you should be able to bring medicines and supplies on the plane. When traveling on long flights, be aware of time zones. You might need to adjust your child’s medicine schedule. Also, plan for meals if medicines need to be taken with food.

Air travel checklist for travelers with medical needs:

  • Have all medicines and supplies in a carry-on bag that stays with you.
  • Know medicine guidelines and laws for the places you will visit.
  • Carry written documentation and prescription information.
  • Pack and store each medicine properly.
  • Plan for airport security.
  • Arrive early.
  • Tell airline workers and security agents about your child’s health needs, medical devices, and medicines.
  • Keep extra medicine in a carry-on bag in case luggage gets lost.

  1. What medicines are allowed on a plane?

    • All prescription medicines are allowed on airplanes, whether in a carry-on or checked bag.
    • There is no limit to the number of medicines in pill or solid form that you can bring.
    • Liquid medicines are also allowed. Normally, liquids in a carry-on bag have to be 3.4 ounces or less per item. Medicines do not have to follow this rule. They do not have to be placed in a clear plastic bag.
    • Medical liquids allowed in a carry-on bag include:
      • Liquid medicines
      • Medicines in aerosol form (inhalers)
      • Gels, ointments, creams, or pastes
      • Medical accessories such as IV bags, ice packs, or gel packs
    • Medical equipment such as IV pumps, bags, and syringes is also allowed.

  2. How do I go through airport security with medicines?

    • Label all medicines and supplies. Labeling can help speed up security screening.
    • Keep medical items separate from the rest of your luggage when you go through the checkpoint. Use separate bins for personal items. Keep medicines and supplies such as freezer packs, IV bags, pumps, and syringes together for inspection.
    • Liquid medicines will be X-ray screened. Security agents may open containers. They may take a sample and put it into another container for inspection.
    • If you do not want your medicines to be X-rayed or opened, other screening methods may be used.

  3. What do I need to know about international travel with medicines?

    • A valid prescription or doctor’s note is required for all medicines entering the United States.
    • Each country has its own laws about medicines and controlled substances. Medicines that are legal in one country may be illegal in another. Check regulations for each place you will visit, including customs and border checkpoints. Contact the country’s embassy to learn more.
    • Find out how much medicine you can bring into the country. There might be a limit, such as a 30-day supply or 90-day supply.
    • Keep medicines in their original containers with a prescription label. If medicines are not in their original containers, carry a copy of your medicine list or a letter from your doctor.

  4. Who can I contact with specific questions?

    If you are traveling within the United States, call the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Cares helpline: 1-855-787-2227.

    Contact TSA passenger support for help with the security screening process for people with disabilities and medical conditions.

Managing medicines during travel

While you are away, you likely will not follow your usual routine. Here are some things you can do to keep taking medicine on schedule:

  • Use alarms and reminders: Set phone alarms or use other reminders to remind you of when to give medicines.
  • Plan for extra time: Medical care, including giving medicines, can take more time when you are away from home. Check that you follow all steps and that you take the correct dose.
  • Check with your hotel about refrigerator access: When staying at a hotel, call ahead to confirm that there will be a mini fridge in the room to store medicines that need refrigeration. You can use a portable thermometer to check the temperature of the hotel refrigerator.
  • Make a plan for lost, stolen, or damaged medicines:
    • Keep a photo of prescription labels on your phone.
    • Remember that insurance may not cover early refills, and some places may require a clinic visit to replace the medicine. 

Safe storage and disposal of medicines during travel  

Medicines must be kept in a safe space to protect against extreme temperatures and to protect children. 

Be aware of temperature changes

  • Don’t store medicines in the glove compartment or trunk of a car.
  • Protect medicines from sun exposure.
  • Keep medicines in a carry-on bag during air travel to avoid temperature changes.

Keep medicines out of the reach of children

  • Do not leave luggage with medicine unattended. 
  • Put away medicine after each dose. 
  • Keep medicines on a high shelf, in a cabinet, or in a hotel safe if available.

Dispose of medicines and supplies safely

  • Use a sharps container for needles and syringes. Small, travel-sized models are available.
  • If you will be handling chemotherapy, make sure to have supplies such as gloves, table coverings, and sanitizing wipes. Dispose of any waste in a sealed plastic bag.

Talk to your pharmacist or other patient families to find ideas and support for traveling with medicines. Always check with your care team if you have questions about your child’s medicines.

Key points about traveling with medicines

  • Keep medicines in original containers with labels. 
  • Write down all medicines, doses, and schedules. Use alarms and reminders to stay on schedule.
  • Pack medicines and medical supplies in a carry-on bag to avoid loss, delays, temperature changes, or damage.
  • Bring extra supplies and a doctor’s note for emergencies.
  • Follow TSA and international travel guidelines for medical items.
  • Plan ahead for safe storage and disposal of medicines.  

Find more information

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The Together by St. Jude™ online resource does not endorse any branded product or organization mentioned in this article.

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Reviewed: January 2026

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