An unpleasant experience at the airport because of medication: Avoidable

I’ve never been on a plane in my life. This year, I’m going on my first trip with a friend. And although I’m afraid of heights, I’m much more afraid of the airport process. I’ve always been confused about what you’re allowed to take on a plane, what goes in your carry-on and what goes in your suitcase. Now that it concerns me, it stresses me out a bit more. I’m one of those people who takes medication regularly. And the question of how to pack them properly so that they are not a problem at the airport is obviously out of place. However, I have been reassured several times that I am not dealing with the same situation alone, so everything will be fine.

Of course, you can take your medication with you when travelling by plane. But how to pack them properly? In what luggage to put them and how much to take? Apparently I’m not the only one who asks questions like this. Fortunately, there are answers that have reassured me personally. Hopefully they will help you too.

Always in hand luggage

Whatever medication you take, it always belongs in your hand luggage. Although these are pills that you take regularly every morning, as a general rule, you may need medication during the flight. Therefore, keep them with you, not in your suitcase, which will go into the hold. For most pills, no special confirmation is needed. If it is for allergy, pain, pressure or thyroid medication, the situation is usually problem-free.

However, strong medications, psychopharmaceuticals, opioids and injectables should have a doctor’s note, ideally in English so that the document can be understood at all airports. The doctor will write the confirmation in a few words, stamp it and sign it. If you are not sure whether your medication can be taken without a certificate, you should get one for ordinary contraception. Personally, I take weaker psych meds and prefer to get the paper endorsed for them. It doesn’t cost me anything and I’ll be safe.

How to pack medicines correctly?

When you pack your medicines, think that you should leave them in their original packaging, or at least the official packing. While some people use medicine dispensers, even I admit that unlabeled pills in a box look a little suspicious at the airport. Especially if you’re flying somewhere for three days and taking a few months worth of medication with you.

So ideally, pack your medication in your hand luggage, only in the amount you actually need and in the original box. As long as you have a doctor’s note with the pills , you have nothing to worry about. Unless you’re me. I already know how to pack my meds, but I think I’m going to have a hard time overcoming this fear of heights.