When it comes to travelling abroad it can be both fun and stressful. One of the key things is what you are allowed to take in your hand luggage on a flight as the rules sometimes appear to be constantly changing.

And the problem can be more difficult if you need regular medication involving liquids or needles among other things. While many are allowed in the hold the last thing you need is to be delayed without access to vital medicines or worse still for your luggage to be lost.

But with strict rules on what you can take in your hand luggage some people can be left wondering whether you can take them or not. So what are the rules around taking these items on board the craft with you in your hand luggage?

The good news is that in most cases you will be allowed to take your medicine with you. According to the government website you are allowed to carry the following in your hand luggage:

  • essential medicines of more than 100ml, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers
  • medical equipment, if it’s essential for your journey

You’ll need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you (for example a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription) if it’s both in liquid form and in a container larger than 100ml. You do not need to show proof if the medication is either in tablet form or liquid in a container that’s 100ml or smaller.

Airport staff might need to open the containers to screen the liquids at the security point. Medical equipment is screened separately.

The medication or needles should be packed in their original packaging and these need to be correctly labelled. It is also advised you take extra in your suitcase in case of unforeseen delays in getting home.

However if you are carrying controlled drugs then you need to take further checks including with the embassy of the country you are travelling to. You will also need to be able to prove it is yours with either a prescription or letter from your doctor. There are also limits on the amount you can carry of these drugs.

Airlines have also issued their own guidance for travellers. Before you travel you should check with the company you are flying with for its exact rules however this is what some of the most popular ones currently say:

easyJet

If you pack your medication in your hand luggage you need a letter from your healthcare practitioner confirming that it is necessary for you to bring the following items on board:

  • Liquids that exceed 100ml
  • Sharp objects such as needles
  • Oxygen cylinders and concentrators
  • Any medical equipment that may be considered as dangerous goods in the aircraft cabin, a list of which can be found here

For all other medications and equipment you do not need to get a letter from your healthcare practitioner. You can bring any medicines and medical equipment that you need to have with you.

This includes gel packs or cooler bags to maintain the temperature of medication and food. However they say they are unable to refrigerate medication on board.

You can also bring baby food, baby milk and sterilised water in your cabin bag. This includes soya milk for babies, sterilised water (which must be in a baby bottle), formula, breast milk or cow milk (specifically for babies) and baby food in containers of 100ml or less. They then must be placed inside a clear re-sealable plastic bag no bigger than 20 x 20cm.

The 100ml liquid limit doesn’t apply to baby food, milk or sterilised water, provided that the total amount is no more than 1 litre. You may be asked to taste it for security reasons.

Tui

You can carry both medical and dietary liquids over 100ml, but you will need to bring a doctor's letter to show at security.
You can also carry liquid baby foods or baby milk that are either pre-packaged or made up at home.

You can also carry foods for special dietary requirements as long as it’s essential for the flight or holiday.

Ryanair

You can carry on board as much liquid medicine as you need for your flight. Your medicine does not need to fit in the transparent bag that is needed for all other liquids but please have it ready for inspection by airport security.

If you are travelling with an infant (8 days-2 years), you can bring as much baby milk, powdered milk, sterilised water, and baby food as you need for your flight even if this exceeds the usual limit on liquids. These don’t need to fit in the transparent bag that is needed for all other liquids but do need to be inspected by airport security.