Heading off on holiday abroad is always an exciting thrill, but you do have to put up with the chaos of packing and getting through airport security before you can finally sit back and relax. Travelling on a plane comes with a lot of luggage restrictions, especially your carry-on bags. Not only are there limits on bag sizes that are permitted inside the cabin – which can vary from airline to airline – but there are important rules when it comes to the contents of your bag.
Airport staff won’t allow anything through security that is considered dangerous, such as lighters and scissors, and there are strict restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage. But while there are several things you cannot take on board with you, travel insurance experts are urging passengers to always keep one key item in their hand luggage at all times.
Travel insurance firm PayingTooMuch says passengers should always put any medication they need in their hand luggage just in case their checked bags get lost.
The firm warns: “Where possible, always keep your medication with you just in case your checked-in suitcase gets lost. If your luggage does go missing during travel, not having your prescribed medicine with you is one less thing to worry about.
“It’s best practice to make sure you have enough medication with you for the duration of your trip and a little extra in case of delays. It’s also worth familiarising yourself with the rules of carrying medication for the country you’re visiting and the airline you’re flying with.
“Taking medication on a plane is usually allowed but you should always check before you travel. Some airlines will let you bring more than your usual supply without needing to declare it.”
Rules can differ depending on your destination as some countries have strict controls over specific medication – even if they’re legal in the UK – so it’s crucial to check before you jet off.
PayingTooMuch adds: “Travellers may need to take extra care when carrying medication to make sure they don’t fall foul of airport security or local laws. Apart from keeping them accessible, in some cases, you may even need a doctor’s note or a prescription to carry certain substances.
“It’s worth checking with your airline and countries you’re visiting to confirm the regulations well in advance of your trip to avoid any problems.”
At some airports, passengers aren’t required to remove all items from their hand luggage during security checks, but it’s best to familiarise yourself with the specific rules of the airport you’re travelling from.
In some cases, you can’t take liquids or gels over 100ml in your hand luggage, but if your medication is in liquid form or a prescribed gel, you should be able to take it with you. Make sure it’s in a clear, sealed bag and that you have proof it was prescribed by a GP.
UK government rules state that you’re allowed to carry the following items in your hand luggage:
- essential medicines of more than 100ml, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers
- medical equipment, if it’s essential for your journey
You’ll need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you – such as a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription – if it’s:
- in liquid form AND
- in a container larger than 100ml
You don’t need to show proof if the medication is either in tablet form or liquid in a container that’s 100ml or smaller.
Passengers are also warned to always take out travel insurance just in case medication is lost, stolen or damaged. PayingTooMuch explains: “The right travel insurance can help you reclaim the cost of your prescriptions.
“There are many policies available, so even if your priority is cheap medical travel insurance, always make sure you have the appropriate level of cover for what’s important to you. That way you can travel with peace of mind.”