Flying with medicines and medical equipment
You can carry essential medicines over 100 ml and medical equipment in your hand luggage. Here’s when you need proof, from GOV.UK and the TSA, 22 October 2026.
UK airports: what’s allowed
| Item | Hand luggage | Hold luggage |
|---|---|---|
| Tablets and capsules | Yes | Yes |
| Essential liquid medicines | Yes | Yes |
| Hypodermic syringes | Yes | Yes |
| Inhalers | Yes | Yes |
| Cooling gel packs | Yes | Yes |
| Medical equipment (for example CPAP and TENS machines) | Yes | Yes |
| Special food and liquids needed for medical reasons | Yes | Yes |
| Ice packs | Contact the airport | Yes |
| Oxygen cylinders | Contact your airline | Contact your airline |
When you need proof
GOV.UK: 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 100 ml. You don’t need proof for tablets, or for liquid in a container of 100 ml or less. Airport staff might open containers to screen the liquids, and medical equipment is screened separately.
There are different rules for medicine that contains a controlled drug: see GOV.UK: travelling with controlled drugs.
Sources: GOV.UK: medicines and medical equipment, checked 22 October 2026.
US airports
The TSA lists medications as an exemption to the 3.4 oz (100 ml) liquids rule. Tell the officer at the checkpoint, and expect extra screening.
Sources: TSA liquids rule, checked 22 October 2026.
At your destination
Some medicines that are legal in the UK are controlled or banned in other countries. Each country’s FCDO page covers this on its ‘Entry requirements’ or ‘Health’ page: find your destination.
Guidance only. Security staff and airlines make the final decision, and rules can differ by airport, airline and route.
More airport and airline checks
Power banks · Liquids at security · Cabin bag sizes · Vapes and e-cigarettes · Lithium batteries · Duty-free allowances · ETA, ESTA and ETIAS · Passport validity · Travel advice by country