Medication in hand luggage: what the rules say

Travelling with medication raises a lot of questions, especially around liquids, controlled drugs, and what to carry where. The good news: most medication is allowed in your hand luggage. Here is what you need to know before you fly.

Can you take medication on the plane?

Yes. Most airports and airlines allow medication in hand luggage, including:

• Tablets and capsules (any quantity)
• Essential liquid medicines
• Inhalers
• Hypodermic syringes
• Cooling gel packs
• Medical equipment such as CPAP and TENS machines

The specific rules depend on the form your medication takes and the country you are flying from or through.

Liquid medication and the 100ml rule

Most airports apply a 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage, but essential medicines are typically exempt. You can usually carry liquid medication over 100ml provided:

• It is prescribed to you, and
• You carry proof — a doctor's letter or a copy of your prescription

If your liquid medication is 100ml or under, proof is generally not required. Tablets and capsules need no documentation, regardless of quantity.

Security staff may open your medication containers to screen the contents. Keep your medication accessible and allow a little extra time at the checkpoint.

Flying with controlled drugs

If any of your medication is a controlled drug (check with your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure) stricter rules apply:

• Keep it in your hand luggage at all times during travel
• Carry a valid prescription or doctor's letter stating your name, the medication, dosage, and purpose of treatment
• Keep it in its original packaging with the pharmacy label intact

Rules around controlled drugs vary by country. Some medications that are widely prescribed in one country, including certain opioid painkillers, antidepressants, ADHD medications, and products containing codeine or tramadol, may be restricted or banned at your destination. Always check the destination country's regulations before you travel, ideally via its embassy or official health authority.

How much medication can you carry?

For most medications, there is no strict quantity limit for personal use. However, carrying a large supply may attract questions at security or customs. As a general rule:

• Pack enough for your trip, plus a few extra days in case of disruption
• If you are carrying several months' supply, check whether your destination or home country requires a licence or special documentation
• Some countries require prior authorisation for controlled substances, regardless of quantity

Medication rules by airline

Airlines broadly follow the same international aviation guidelines, but their specific policies — particularly around documentation, hold baggage, and medical equipment — differ. Here is what some of the most popular airlines say.

British Airways

British Airways permits all standard medication in hand luggage. Liquid medicines over 100ml are allowed with a valid prescription or doctor's letter. If you are travelling with medical equipment or need to carry insulin and syringes, BA recommends notifying them in advance. Medication is screened at security but is exempt from standard liquid bag requirements when clearly identified as essential medicine.

Ryanair

Ryanair allows medication in hand luggage and does not impose additional restrictions beyond standard airport security rules. Liquid medication over 100ml requires proof of prescription. If you are travelling with a large quantity or medical equipment, Ryanair recommends contacting their special assistance team ahead of your flight.

easyJet

EasyJet follows standard aviation liquid rules, with an exemption for essential liquid medication over 100ml when accompanied by a prescription or doctor's letter. Medical equipment is permitted and must be declared at check-in. EasyJet recommends packing a supply of essential medication in your hand luggage rather than your hold bag in case of baggage delays.

TUI

TUI advises passengers to pack medication in a dedicated bag separate from standard cabin baggage. This bag does not count toward your cabin baggage allowance, provided it stays within standard cabin dimensions. As with all airlines, essential medication should always travel in your hand luggage, not your hold bag.

Jet2

Jet2 permits medication in hand luggage in line with standard airport security rules. Liquid medication over 100ml is allowed with supporting documentation. For medical equipment or special requirements, Jet2 recommends contacting their accessibility team before travel.

Wizz Air

Wizz Air follows the standard 100ml liquid rule with an exemption for essential liquid medicines supported by a prescription. Wizz Air's hand luggage policy is among the more restrictive for bag sizes and quantities, so if you are travelling with bulky medical equipment, check their current guidelines before you fly.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa permits medication in hand luggage and explicitly allows liquid medicines over 100ml with a prescription. For controlled substances, Lufthansa recommends carrying official documentation in the language of your destination country where possible. Medical equipment such as CPAP machines should be declared at check-in.

Emirates

Emirates allows medication in hand luggage and follows IATA guidelines on liquid medicines. For travel to or through the UAE, note that some medications common in Europe are classified as controlled substances under UAE law — check the UAE Ministry of Health list before you travel. Emirates recommends carrying a doctor's letter for any prescription medication, regardless of quantity.

Tips for travelling with medication

• Keep medication in its original labelled packaging
• Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor
• Check the rules for your destination country, especially for controlled drugs
• If you have liquid medication or medical equipment, allow extra time at security
• If you are travelling across multiple countries, check the rules for each one

What if your flight is delayed or cancelled?

A flight disruption is more than an inconvenience when you are travelling with medication. If your flight arrived more than three hours late at its final destination, or was cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, you may be entitled to compensation under EU261 — up to €250, €400, or €600 per passenger, depending on the flight distance.

Flight Delayed helps passengers check their eligibility and handle the claims process, so you can focus on what matters - no win, no fee.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to declare my medication at airport security?

You may need to declare liquid medication or controlled drugs. Tablets and capsules in standard quantities are generally straightforward, but having your prescription to hand is always a good idea.

Do I need to take medication out of my bag at security?

You may be asked to remove liquid medication for screening, particularly if it exceeds 100ml. Keeping medication in a clear bag makes the process quicker.

Can I bring an inhaler on a plane?

Yes. Inhalers are permitted in hand luggage without restriction on most airlines and at most airports.

Can I take paracetamol on a plane?

Yes. Paracetamol and other standard over-the-counter medications can be carried in both hand luggage and checked luggage.

What if my medication is banned in my destination country?

Check the destination country's regulations before you travel. Contact the relevant embassy or official health authority if you are unsure. Carrying a prescription does not guarantee entry — local laws take precedence.

See if your disrupted flight qualifies for compensation with Flight Delayed now.