Guru Tips

Packing for a flight can be challenging when you need to bring medications or medical equipment with you, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for your flight can make this experience less stressful for you.

Traveling with Medications

When you’ll be traveling with medications, it’s important to know how to pack them, so that you won’t risk having them confiscated at airport security. Keep the following tips in mind when packing medications for your international flight:

  • Label all of your medications, and bring a note from your doctor for any prescription medications you’re traveling with. 
  • TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection.
  • Plan on taking more time going through security when you’re traveling with medications.
  • Consider packing your medications in a travel organizer that is made for this purpose. These organizers offer a convenient way to pack your pills, capsules and other medications.
  • If you’re bringing diabetic medication with you, such as insulin and syringes to administer it, make sure that they have the original pharmacy label on them. 
  • Bring all of your medications in your carry-on bag. Don’t pack them in your checked bags, since they can be misplaced or damaged during your flight. 

Traveling with Medical Devices

When you have a CPAP machine or other medical device to bring on your trip, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Make sure that you have proof that you need this equipment for medical reasons, such as a medical notification card.
  • Always have your medical device with you in your carry-on bag rather than packing it in your checked luggage, where it could get lost or damaged. 
  • Get to the airport earlier than usual, since you can expect to take extra time going through screenings with your medical device. 
  • If you have a pacemaker, bring a medical device ID card with you. Depending on the screening process used at the airport, your pacemaker might set off the metal detector alarms. 
  • If you need to travel with a portable oxygen concentrator, you will have to use a pre-approved one. Those that aren’t pre-approved are not allowed on flights. 
  • Bring an international adaptor with you for CPAP machines or other medical devices that need to be plugged in when you are flying out of the country. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use your normal plug at your destination.
  • Consider purchasing a travel bag designed for CPAP machines to make it easier for you to transport your device safely. 
  • If you have a long layover while flying internationally, you might want to consider bringing a battery-operated version of your medical device with you if possible. This helps ensure that you’ll be able to use your device at the airport during your layover if needed.

Whether you’re traveling with medication, a medical device or both, always contact your airline before the day of your flight. Let the airline know what you will be bringing on your flight for your medical needs, and make sure that the airline provides you with any relevant information you need, such as rules and restrictions on medical devices or medications. Planning ahead helps ensure that you won’t run into any problems at the airport while traveling with medications or medical equipment.

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