Medications on Planes

[poppies_are_red]

Hello! I was hoping to get some advice. I was wondering if anyone has had any problems with security and customs at airports, and if so was it easily resolved? Or what else have they asked for? Just want to be as prepared as possible.

I'm off to Costa Rica in December flying from Gatwick airport with British Airways on the way there. Then on the way back, will be flying with the Iberia airline from Costa Rica to Madrid, then to Heathrow Airport. I've got a bunch of medication to bring in my hand luggage: hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, folic acid and prednisolone. I was gonna bring my prescription sheet and some supporting letters from my rheumatology consultant.

Thanks!

[DorsetLady]

I've got a bunch of medication to bring in my hand luggage: hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, folic acid and prednisolone. I was gonna bring my prescription sheet and some supporting letters from my rheumatology consultant.

That’s absolutely fine, just make sure all meds are in original packs… shouldn’t be an issue.. if you’re not 100% sure just check with airline and/or airport - easy enough to do online….

[PMRpro]

That should be enough. I always put my medication in a ziplock bag like you use for liquids and carry it in my hand luggage. I place it with the liquids bag in a separate tray at security so they can see what it is. Never had a problem yet, even with the USA or Australia.

[CarolMcl]

Hi. I took the medication in the original packaging along with a letter from my GP as my methotrexate is in injection form 🌹

[Bobbydoodle]

I put mine in a ziplock bag along with my repeat prescription slip and never had any problems.

I always take extra medication in case I’m delayed for any reason too.

[MariaVT]

It depends on where you are going to and what their rules are. Best to check each governments own restrictions. When I went away I kept all medication in its original packaging and took my prescription with me. No problems.

[Autolupus]

I've travelled extensively with syringes and other meds. I always bring extra, put them all in a zip lock bag, have them all in original packaging and my prescription. I tell security as I go through what they are and say there are syringes in theee. Never had a problem enjoy your trip.

[lupuslainey]

Make sure you check that you can take everything into Costa Rica. We recently went to Singapore and I had to apply for permission to take some of my meds in.

[poppies_are_red in reply to lupuslainey]

ok, I will double check it with the government's website. Thank you!

[Whippet_lady]

I was going to ask the same thing as I'll be going to the US next spring. I think I'd have to have quite a few ziplock bags for my meds and they would take up all the space in my hand luggage if they have to be in their original packaging!

[DorsetLady in reply to Whippet_lady]

If they aren’t in their original packaging you could then the risk of them being confiscated! Some countries are very strict on medication-especially if it’s not what they encounter regularly…

[Babsy2]

Medication allowed in hand luggage. Best to keep it with you anyway. Enjoy your trip.

[Lily25]

Hi Poppie_are_red. I've never had a problem with my any of my medications whilst flying. In fact I'm on holiday in India atm and I'm on the same kind of medication as you. I always put my medication in my hand luggage and have never has any problems.Good luck with your travels. Xx

[poppies_are_red in reply to Lily25]

that's good to hear. Enjoy the rest of your holiday!!

[MusicalFurbaby]

All you need is a GP letter confirming you have been prescribed those medications. Yes to original packaging, and yes to carry-on luggage—I’ve made that mistake before! Put the meds in my suitcase which was then delayed by a couple of days! Never again!

[colrowena]

I have lupus and have never had any issues when taking my medication with me on holiday. However, if you are worried about doing so you could check the Uk government website in relation to rules on taking medication abroad. You could do this for the particular country you are travelling to.