How Do You Carry Supplements or Medications on a Plane?

In last month’s e-newsletter, I shared a round up of new travel rules for 2025. I received this question based on that:

“Just read about new travel rules for 2025 in your latest newsletter.

Recently, I read that carrying prescription meds and supplements also have new requirements. Do you have info about that?

Any websites you recommend? I’d appreciate your input.”

Here’s the answer to, “How do you carry supplements or medications on a plane?”

How I travel:

*All non-liquid medications and supplements are packed in a pouch. This pouch, along with any medical equipment I might need, is kept in my backpack.

*My prescriptions are stored in their original containers. If the container is too bulky, I transfer them to a smaller container and carry a copy of my prescription with me.

*Supplements are placed in individual mini-baggies and labeled for each day, AM or PM. (For examples of pill containers, see my recommendations here.)

*Powders (e.g., for protein shakes) are in baggies and labeled for each day. I have a photo of that label on my phone. I usually don’t carry more than three or four days’ worth because powders over 12 ounces can lead to a search. See this note for TSA’s powder policy.

*On one trip I needed to carry syringes. I packed those and a letter from my doctor in a protective case and tucked this into my backpack.

*When I’m prescribed a liquid, I ask the pharmacy how large the bottle is. Carry-on liquid medication doesn’t have to be packaged in 3.4 ounce containers, but a 16 oz bottle might initiate a search. I keep all liquid medicines and supplements in a Ziploc bag in my backpack next to the pouch. TSA doesn’t require this for liquid meds; I do this to prevent leaks from spreading. See this note regarding TSA’s policy on liquids, aerosols and gels, including the medications link in the Exemptions section. (Note: I have Global Entry / TSA Pre-Check, so my liquids stay in my backpack. If you don’t have Pre-Check, you’ll probably need to place both your liquid toiletries baggie and medical liquids baggie in the x-ray bin.)

*I attach a medical luggage tag to my backpack. (This is the one I use.) FYI – A bag with medically necessary supplies does not count as one of your carry-on bags. The caveat is that if there’s not enough overhead space on the plane, the airline has the right to check one of your non-medical bags.

*When I first started carrying medical equipment, when I’d pass through security, I let the TSA agent know that I have medical supplies in my backpack. The majority of them just nodded and didn’t really seem to care. Perhaps it’s because it’s the x-ray screener who’ll determine what looks suspicious – and not the conveyor belt agent I’m speaking to. So, I no longer do that; I just make sure my medical tag is clearly showing.

For TSA’s official policy on medications being packed in carry on luggage, see their tips page here.

There are no new rules regarding medications and supplements in carry-on luggage for domestic flights.

If you are traveling internationally, keep in mind that TSA has no jurisdiction in other countries, so be sure to check on those countries’ policies at the State Department website here, as well as tips from Travelers’ Health here.

If you’d love to worry about needing to know about how to pack for a vacation, but there never seems to be time to take one, browse these Escape from Work options in online or book format.