Medications
Medications in pill or other solid form must undergo security screening. It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. Check with state laws regarding prescription medication labels.
You are responsible for displaying, handling, and repacking the medication when screening is required. Medication can undergo a visual or X-ray screening and may be tested for traces of explosives.
Inform the TSA Officer
Inform the TSA officer that you have medically necessary liquids and/or medications and separate them from other belongings before screening begins. Also declare accessories associated with your liquid medication such as freezer packs, IV bags, pumps and syringes. Labeling these items can help facilitate the screening process.
3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption
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.
Remove medically necessary items from your carry-on bag. These items will be screened separately from your other belongings. You are not required to place your medically necessary liquid, gel, or aerosol in a plastic zip-top bag. If a medically necessary liquid, gel, or aerosol alarms during the screening process, it may require additional screening and may not be allowed.
The 3-1-1 liquids rule exemption allows certain items to be carried in the cabin of the aircraft when the item is declared and it is:
- Required during your flight and/or at your travel destination;
- Not available at the airport in the sterile area (after the screening checkpoint) and/or;
- Not available at your travel destination.
Common examples of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols include but are not limited to:
- Prescription liquids, creams, and gels;
- Breast milk, infant formula, baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches), and toddler drinks;
- Ice, gel, and freezer packs used to cool breast milk, infant formula, and or other medically necessary items;
- Hand Sanitizer, up to 12 ounces, until further notice.
Common examples of liquids, gels, and aerosols that are NOT medically necessary onboard or are usually available at a destination, and are subject to the 3-1-1 rule, include but are not limited to:
- Water, juice, soda, and other beverages, except as necessary for certain health conditions such as diabetes.
- Partially solid food items such as spreads, peanut butter, sauces, jams, and jellies.
- Sunscreen lotion
Accessories
Ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs, and other accessories may be presented at the screening checkpoint in a frozen or partially-frozen state to keep medically necessary items cool. All items, including supplies associated with medically necessary liquids such as IV bags, pumps, and syringes must be screened before they will be permitted into the secure area of the airport.
Screening
TSA officers may test liquids, gels or aerosols for explosives or concealed prohibited items. If officers are unable to use X-ray to clear these items, they may ask to open the container and transfer the content to a separate empty container or dispose of a small quantity of the content, if feasible.
Inform the TSA officer if you do not want your liquid medication to be screened by X-ray or opened. Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid and you will undergo additional screening procedures to include a pat-down and screening of other carry-on property.