Packing medications

letcatin

This is our first trip abroad. Both my husband & I use the plastic pill dispensers to remember our medications. I've been told to keep our medications in our carry-on luggage in case of lost or delayed checked luggage. Has anyone had any experience with medications going through airport security in other countries? Can we just bring them in the pill dispenser or do we need to bring each prescription bottle?

Claudia Sails

Depends on where you are going and what medications you take.

We've been to Europe twice in the last couple of years with no problems. Both my husband and I have prescription meds - blood pressure, thyroid, cholesterol, allergy pills, etc. Nothing like controlled substances - Oxycontin, etc. We bring the original pharmacy bottles with the label attached. Have never be asked but also never had our bags inspected (at least not to our knowledge). Definitely pack in carry-on NOT checked bags. If you want your daily reminder dispenser, that can go in checked bags. If you don't pack in the original bottle, I would recommend having a printed prescription.

In general, don't pack anything in checked bags that you can't live without - meds, important documents, valuables like jewelry, electronics and the asso. plugs/charging cables. A change of clothes is a good idea just in case your luggage goes missing.

British

I always used to travel with my meds in their original containers, but for the last couple of years I have chanced it and put my meds in my pill dispensers too. I got so fed up of carrying all the bottles, plus when you have to get up very early for some days, you know, the 5-30 am ones, every minute extra in bed counts, so saving time messing about with those bottles helps. I also carry the latest list of meds I take from a recent Doctor visit and another list describing what each medication looks like, shape, color, any writing on them. I also have taken photos of my medicine bottles with my cell phone for anyone who asks and for reference if I need some kind of emergency refill. In reality, some of the medications Americans take are not available in other countries. I believe one of the strictest countries for medications is Australia. I have been there and not been asked to show my meds, someone on the forum said they had some kind of supplement taken from them there. If you are not taking controlled substances then I would not be comcerned, I do worry about my handbag being stolen with my drugs in it while I am traveling. I always also take 5 to 7 extra days worth of meds with me in case of unforeseen delay returning home.
I once asked my family Dr. for a script of my meds to take with me and he acted as if I had two heads, he had never been asked that before.
Hope this helps.

letcatin

WE ARE TRAVELING TO IRELAND _ SCOTLAND>>>HAVE YOU HAD ANY EXPERIENCE AT HEATHROW? I"VE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM TRAVELING IN THE USA JUST USING MY PILL CONTAINERS BUT HAVE USUALLY PACKED THEM in the packed luggage not the carry-on that needs to go through TSA OR CUSTOMS. ??? NONE OF THE MEDICATIONS ARE NARCOTICS...JUST BLOOD PRESSURE, CHOLESTEROL, ETC.

British

You should never ever put your medications in your checked luggage! If you have never had delayed bags or indeed lost bags, then you have been very lucky! Things can also go missing from your luggage, so never put money, jewelry, cameras or anything else you treasure into checked bags. Years ago, my husband had just his computer cables and chargers stolen from his bag and a friend had Christmas envelopes of money taken from her checked bag there.
As far as Heathrow is concerned,you will be fine with your pill dispensers, just use some of the tips I mentioned for extra identification. Heathrow is a massive airport, very very busy, there can be long lines at security and sometimes you have to go through security even if you are technically still 'airside'. There are often secondary security checks at the gate, so be sure to be there early. I'll be passing through Heathrow tomorrow myself!

rosepetal

My husband takes quite a few medications. He keeps them in their prescription bottles and has a list of all of them and also has a cpap machine and a nebulizer. These are in his carryon but he also carries the same meds in his check-in luggage. There has never been a problem through security both in US and European countries as he tells the agent and they quickly look inside. However, his check-in luggage is always opened but nothing has ever been taken. I think my husband is being over cautious for putting meds in his checked luggage but he feels comfortable with that as he really needs the meds especially on a long trip.
We are leaving on September 18th for our Seine River London Paris Versailles river cruise starting in London and don't expect any problem getting through security.

British

Just one more thing to add about going through security. The only thing you are required to remove from your carry on to go through most security is your Baggie with your liquids in it. Everything else can remain in your bag, including your pills, it's very unlikely you will be asked to show them to the security people. There is no need to voluntarily show them your drugs ( note, in Britain, you are asked to take out iPads and tablets as well as laptops) security officers have training to hopefully catch more suspicious people than they miss, including drug mules.
Rose petal, I would still say, never put drugs in checked luggage, especially as you say your husband really needs them. If you are worried about your handbag carry on bag being snatched from you, like I sometimes worry about, then both carry half your medicines each which might save you if that situation occurs.

Claudia Sails

It can't hurt to have a backup supply in checked luggage but I certainly wouldn't put it all.

I very seldom remove the bag of "liquids" and have never had a problem. Also many people don't realize that meds aren't included in the 3-1-1 TSA limitations.

This is how I pack:

Carryon:
- one zippered clear bag with all prescription meds including liquid nasal spray - it can be whatever size you need to hold them
- one 1 quart bag with essential non-med liquids like extra face moisturizer, lotion for the flight, tooth paste, etc - I don't worry about shampoo or soap since the hotel or river ship supply them.
- small pill box with motrin, Dramamine and melatonin

Checked bags:
- one zippered bag - clear on one side/fabric with a green cross on the other - for any other over the counter meds like
stomach remedies, etc - I try to get the foil bubble packed kind with the name printed on it - this may go in my checked luggage
- a 7 day pill dispenser with each compartment labeled and filled with various OTC items like tylenol, allergy meds, etc - these are nice to have but could be purchased on arrival if my bag goes wandering
- an empty 7 day dispenser - I fill it upon arrival
Both of these go in a clear zippered bag. I find that the lids on these tend to pop open so I don't want to have to hunt through my luggage looking for pills.

British

Claudia, interesting that you don't have to take your bag with liquids out of your bag, I know you don't have to if you have paid the $100 for pre security clearance, but you certainly do have to have your liquids bag out in other countries.
There are pill dispensers that have a locking mechanism, and those are the sort I travel with. The long seven day type, they have a lever at one end that you have to press in to get any medicines out. They are actually quite a fiddle to use, but I also like them because once my grandchildren are old enough to maybe reach my medicine cabinet, it is another layer of protection. You do have to search for this type, but I now have four, I have found in various pharmacies and big box stores. They are almost exactly the same to look at until you look vey closely at them amd they say locking pill dispenser on the package. . I'll try to find one to show you and send a link.
Well, I am out of luck, all I can find on line is automatic pill dispensers!

Claudia Sails

I think I know the dispenser you're talking about. Never bothered as we don't have any little ones near - or at least none that couldn't open the childproof locks better than I.

I honestly can't remember a time in the last couple of years that I took the liquids bag out of my carryon. And we just recently got TSA pre.

Sue

I never have taken the prescription bottles. I use the daily dispensers and have never had any problems in Europe. Some of the bottles from my pills are quite large as I get 3 months at a time. The dispenser takes up minimal space.

Sue

British

Yes Sue, some of my bottles are big, but the pharmacist has in the past given and labeled extra small bottles for me, but now I prefer the small pill dispenser method.
As I have three flights coming up today, in three different countries, I'll report back on current security rules. If they take my pills off me, l may not make it back alive and this forum will have far less messages for people to read, which might be a good thing!

rogfam

Extremely interesting thread! Have traveled to 6 continents (Antartica still on Bucket List) and have never been asked about my meds. Never have taken the original bottles, rather combine them in two larger bottles to save space.

British

I know this is a thread that started with a meds question but no wonder we all get confused because every airport and airline has its own rules. At the beginning of the year I paid my $100 to get TSA pre- clearance. Last month I flew to England on AmericanAirlines, went through security, did not have to remove liquids or take off shoes. Tonight I am waiting for a flight to England right now, but I am flying British Airways and that apparently does not participate in the pre-clearance, so it was liquids out and shoes off. Oh the joys of plane travel!

British

So update on security at Heathrow. One thing for sure, you must allow, I would say three hours between flights at this airport. We do try to avoid Heathrow when we can and this story is typical. The plane circled around and around before it landed, maybe a half hour, no gate, so we had to walk down a staircase and be bussed to the terminal, quite a ride. Then, through security, liquids out of your bag, iPads out of your bag, don't do anything wrong, you will have to endure going through again. No one asked to see my medications.

letcatin

Thank you this is great info! We have 4 hours between flight arriving Heathrow & flight to Shannon, Ireland. Just curious...how do you get from terminal to terminal?

British

As I write this, I am sitting in our room at the Royal Livingstone hotel Zambia. Arrived three hours ago, I'm showered and ready to go and doing my diary and of course looking at the Tauck forum. Mr B is getting ready, I'm sure he takes longer than me! Heathrow, there are buses between terminals and trains within terminals. Fairly well sign posted. Where do you live, couldn't you get a direct flight to Shannon from the US?

AlanS

Might be a cost or timing issue. When we initially planned our flights, we had intended to spend a couple days in London before flying to Shannon. We changed our minds and when I checked it was actually cheaper to fly (business) to London then take Aer Lingus to Shannon, than directly to Shannon.

Claudia Sails

British wrote:

I know this is a thread that started with a meds question but no wonder we all get confused because every airport and airline has its own rules. At the beginning of the year I paid my $100 to get TSA pre- clearance. Last month I flew to England on AmericanAirlines, went through security, did not have to remove liquids or take off shoes. Tonight I am waiting for a flight to England right now, but I am flying British Airways and that apparently does not participate in the pre-clearance, so it was liquids out and shoes off. Oh the joys of plane travel!

Just read an article in Conde Nast travel that Lufthansa is the first European carrier to participate in TSA Pre but others are expected to get on board. Of course so many people have joined this past summer that there is still a bit of a line. On the other hand not having to take off my shoes and walk in ????? makes it worth it.

Sandman1

My wife and I pack each day's morning and night pills in individual 2" x 3" plastic zip lock bags. Buy on-line or in jewelry supply house. Cost about $7-$8.00/1,000. Then put his and hers into larger quart zip locks and put into an inside pocket on carryon. Have travelled to most European countries and many in Asia and have never had anyone open my carryon. Makes it easy and fast to take on the rush in the morning and you can watch your trip fade away as the large ziplock gets smaller and smaller. Would be a good idea to get a printout from your pharmacy, but never seem to get to ask, but have never had a problem at any airport, domestic or overseas. Works for us but this comes with no guarantee. Will sometimes take a full scrip bottle of meds purchased for vacation purposes only, like an antibiotic and stomach (diarrhea) med and just shove the original bottle into my carryon. To risky, IMHO, to carry a week plastic dispenser, as they pop open when moved too much. The individual bags never open and make it easy to keep track of your daily fix. Getting older sucks as the 2 X 3 plastics seem to grow in content with each year. The 1000 bags go pretty fast if you travel a bunch.

British

My dispensers are the lockable kind that are quite difficult to open, so I have no worries. The single little plastic bags are a good idea. I have actually purchased them online in the past for storing earnings.
There appears to be a new problem popping up now.We are about o start the Zambia Botswana and SA tour. We have already had a Welcome note from our tour guide that appears to suggest that we must keep all our valuables in our day packs at all times, passport, Jewelery and I assume drugs. This is what we had to do on our Tanzania tour two years ago, but I assumed then it was because of a recent terrorist incident in the country. It sure made my day bag heavy with iPad, a bit of jewelery, phone etc that I was not expecting to be in my day pack. I will clarify when we meet up. I hope this is incorrect cause I don't really want my medicines exposed to such high temperatures, it is forcast to be as high as 100 degrees F here and I do not relish my meds going off or being less effective on a two week tour plus extras that of course one should carry. So I will find out for sure later. I would also class a Cpap machine as a valuable too, so I don't know how that would work for people who need those each night.

BayStater

Lucky me... I have to travel with a bunch of meds/Rx.

For the meds I take daily: I use the small/cheap 7-day AM/PM pill boxes and have never had a problem (USA, Europe, Africa). (I use them at home and while traveling because I find having them laid out to be easier, takes less time and reduces the possibility that I accidentally mix something up, forget one, etc.)

For meds/Rx that are back-up/emergency use (antibiotics, pain meds, etc.): I try to leave them in the original containers (if reasonably sized).

I always have copies of the prescriptions and/or extra prescriptions (for verification and/or refill). And I always pack an extra 7-day pill box... just in case of travel delays, etc.

Having had things stolen out of checked bags on more than one occasion (as well as lost and delayed baggage), I would never put anything in a checked bag of value or importance... especially meds/Rx. (Frankly, I try to avoid checking luggage all together!)

If you are concerned about loss/theft, maybe you could split your supply and have a travel companion carry half?

FYI - I intentionally use the small, lightweight and cheap 7-day pill boxes so that I can leave them behind once I've emptied it. (Always trying to make room for souvenirs, right?)

I'd be careful about leaving out meds/Rx in the hotel and use the safe, etc. (It's also not fair to tempt people, not matter where you are.) Sadly, on the recent Z, B & SA trip we heard a lot about the opioid problems in Southern Africa (which mimic our challenges in the US).

Entering Zambia from SA last month, I was the first person out of the luggage area and was a bit caught off guard when a customs person stopped and asked me if I was carrying any medication/drugs (or similar phrasing?). I replied that yes, I had medication for personal use. After a brief pause, he smiled, told me to have a nice day and I was on my way.

I've got nothing to hide and am not doing anything wrong, so even if they wanted to examine my bag and/or meds/Rx there shouldn't be a problem. (I also travel with a one page, mini medical history... just in case. So that would also help support me if ever questioned.)

Happy Trails!

(NOTE: This is much more expensive that what I paid, but this is the sort of pill boxes I think are great for travel... https://www.amazon.com/AM-PM-Day-Pill-Organizer/dp/B0094M27D8/ref=sr_1_9_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1476450411&sr=8-9&keywords=7+day+pill+box,+AM+PM)

AlanS

BayStater wrote:

(NOTE: This is much more expensive that what I paid, but this is the sort of pill boxes I think are great for travel... https://www.amazon.com/AM-PM-Day-Pill-Organizer/dp/B0094M27D8/ref=sr_1_9_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1476450411&sr=8-9&keywords=7+day+pill+box,+AM+PM)

That is what I use (got them at Walmart). For a typical 12+ day tour I pack one in my carry-on and one in my checked baggage.