TSA Medication Rules: What You Can Bring on a Plane

When you're flying with medicine, you're dealing with TSA medication rules, the official guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration that define what drugs and medical supplies you can carry through airport security. Also known as air travel drug policies, these rules exist to keep flights safe while letting people bring the medicines they need to stay healthy. Whether you're carrying pills, liquids, inhalers, or syringes, knowing what’s allowed saves you time—and stress—at the checkpoint.

Most prescription and over-the-counter meds are fine in your carry-on or checked bag. But liquids over 3.4 ounces (100 ml) are a gray area. If it’s a medically necessary liquid—like insulin, liquid antibiotics, or eye drops—you can bring more than the limit. You just need to tell the officer. No prescription label is required by TSA, but having it helps. Same goes for pills: no need to keep them in original bottles, but packing them that way avoids questions. If you use injectables like insulin or GLP-1 agonists like tirzepatide, bring a doctor’s note. You’ll also need to declare them separately at screening. The same goes for medical devices like nebulizers or glucose monitors—they’re allowed, but might need extra screening.

It’s not just about what you pack—it’s about how you pack it. Don’t toss your meds in a random bag. Keep them in one clear, easy-to-access container. If you’re carrying multiple types of pills, a pill organizer works fine. Avoid mixing meds with snacks or toiletries; that confuses the X-ray operators. And if you’re traveling internationally, remember: TSA rules only apply in the U.S. Other countries have their own rules. Canada, the UK, and Australia all have different limits on certain controlled substances.

Some people worry that bringing meds will trigger extra screening. It doesn’t—unless you’re hiding something. TSA agents see hundreds of medications every day. They’re trained to recognize pills, liquids, and syringes. What slows things down is when people try to sneak things through or don’t know what they’re carrying. If you’re unsure about a specific drug—like hydroxyzine or lopinavir/ritonavir—check the TSA website or call ahead. Most medications are fine, but a few controlled substances require special documentation.

What about supplements? Vitamins, fish oil, melatonin—they’re all allowed. No restrictions. Same with herbal remedies like turmeric or ginger pills. The only exception is if they’re in liquid form and exceed the 3.4-ounce limit without a medical need. And if you’re traveling with medical marijuana? Even if it’s legal in your state, it’s still illegal under federal law. TSA agents aren’t there to arrest you, but they will report it to law enforcement if they find it.

Bottom line: TSA medication rules are designed to be practical. They don’t demand perfection—they demand clarity. If you’re carrying something you need to survive, you’re allowed to bring it. Just make sure you can explain it simply. You don’t need a lawyer or a doctor’s letter for most things. But if you’re carrying high-risk meds, like those used for HIV or rheumatoid arthritis, having proof helps avoid delays. And if you’ve ever been stopped because your meds looked like something else—well, you’re not alone. Thousands of travelers face the same issue every year.

Below, you’ll find real stories and practical advice from people who’ve navigated these rules—whether they were flying with liquid antibiotics, managing heart failure on Entresto, or carrying insulin across borders. These aren’t theoretical guides. They’re lessons learned the hard way. And they’ll help you get through security without a second glance.