Can I bring it?
Can I Bring Medicine on a Plane?
Can I bring medicine on a plane?
Rule at a glance
Medicine baggage decision
- Carry-on
- Allowed
- Pills and medically necessary liquids are allowed. Tell the officer about liquid medication for separate screening.
- Checked baggage
- Allowed
- Allowed in checked baggage, but keep essential medication with you in the cabin.
- Scope
- This answer is based on published guidance from Transportation Security Administration. It addresses departure-security screening; your airline, transit point and destination country can apply additional restrictions.
Send this rule directly to the person you are travelling with.
Why?
Medication is generally permitted but must be screened. Medically necessary liquids can be exempt from standard liquid limits; destination import rules may still apply.
Before you pack and screen
Check the marked container size
Carry-on screening uses the container’s marked capacity, not the amount left inside. Check your departure airport’s clear-bag rule and any medical-liquid exception.
Before you fly
- 1Check the departure-security rule and the Transportation Security Administration source again before travel.
- 2For liquids and gels, check the container’s marked capacity—not the amount remaining.
- 3Also check your operating airline’s baggage policy and destination import rules.
Official source
Transportation Security Administration
Last verified · Sep 2026
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring medicine in carry-on baggage?
Pills and medically necessary liquids are allowed. Tell the officer about liquid medication for separate screening.
Can I pack medicine in checked baggage?
Allowed in checked baggage, but keep essential medication with you in the cabin.
Can I bring liquid medicine over 100ml?
Medically necessary liquids may receive separate screening. Tell the security officer and carry documentation when it helps.