Some airlines have tougher rules on medication than others (Image: tbradford via Getty Images)
Families preparing for their Easter holidays have been advised to check their airline’s rules on bringing medication on board. For those on medication, figuring out whether to pack pills in hand luggage or hold suitcase can be a source of stress.
As such, travellers are being told to carry enough medication for the flight and potential delays in their cabin bag to prevent loss or damage.
While all airlines permit essential prescriptions, there are rules regarding quantities and types of medication that passengers should be aware of.
Airport personnel may need to open containers to screen liquids at security checkpoints and medical equipment is screened separately.
Furthermore, certain countries have strict rules on what medicine is allowed in, particularly those with controlled substances. In such occasions, it’s best to check embassy guidelines.
Here are some rules from different airlines about travelling with medication.
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EasyJet passengers do not need a GP’s note if medicine is stored in the hold (Image: Getty)
EasyJet
EasyJet advises passengers to pack medication in their hand luggage where possible, especially if they may be needed during the flight. However, if medicines are packed in hold luggage, there is no need to provide a letter from a doctor or healthcare practitioner.
EasyJet also advises passengers to check with their doctor or pharmacist if their prescription contains a controlled drug, as some countries have strict laws regarding these medications.
Controlled drugs are medications that are subject to high levels of regulation due to government decisions, such as diazepam, lorazepam, codeine or tramadol.
The airline further advises passengers who need to travel with medicine containing a controlled drug to check the embassy rules for the country they’re travelling to, as well as the entry requirements before flying.
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Certain countries have strict rules on medicines with controlled substances, such as codeine (Image: Getty)
Passengers will need to prove the medication is theirs, either with a prescription or a letter from their doctor.
A letter from a healthcare practitioner, confirming the medication is prescribed to the passenger and is necessary to bring on board, is required only if the passenger is bringing any of the following items on board:
- Liquids that exceed 100ml
- Sharp objects such as needles
- Oxygen cylinders and concentrators
- Any medical equipment that may be considered as dangerous goods in the aircraft cabin
If you are still unsure on what to take with you, contact easyJet for a full list.
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Ryanair passengers can bring medicine with them, subject to clearance (Image: Getty)
Ryanair
Ryanair allows passengers to bring medical equipment on board free of charge, in addition to a small personal bag, subject to pre-clearance by its special assistance team.
This includes as much liquid medicine as needed for the flight duration, which doesn’t have to fit into the transparent bag required for other liquids. However, it must be ready for inspection at airport security.
Ryanair has issued a warning to passengers who wish to bring or use special medical items on board. The airline states that passengers must contact them for approval and authorisation to carry the item.
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TUI passengers must declare insulin or pen injections at check-in (Image: Getty)
TUI
TUI passengers will need to bring a doctor’s letter or a prescription confirming that the medication is theirs and any medical equipment is needed during the flight. Liquid medication larger than 100ml can be taken through security if you have a doctor’s letter.
If medicines are packed in hold luggage, TUI advises packing them in a separate bag which will not count towards your standard cabin baggage allowance. However, the bag must not exceed the maximum measures of allowed cabin baggage.
TUI also allows passengers to carry insulin or a pen injection device in their hand baggage without a medical certificate, but this must be declared at check-in.
Insulin should always be packed in cabin baggage rather than hold luggage as it can be inactivated due to low temperatures in the hold.
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Liquid medicines over 100ml need a doctor’s note on Jet2 flights (Image: Getty)
Jet2
Jet2 passengers can bring essential medications in their hand luggage, but liquid medications over 100ml require a doctor’s letter and must be in the original container. Needles, syringes and insulin pens must also be declared to security and cabin crew.
Jet2 recommends carrying essential medications for the duration of your trip in your hand luggage. These must be clearly labelled with your full name, health care provider’s name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage.