We recommend that you pack all essential medication in your carry-on baggage, or at least enough to last one week, so that you can access it if you are unexpectedly separated from your checked baggage at any point in your travels.
Travelling with your medicines
Always carry medicines and medical equipment (needles, syringes and so on) in their original, correctly labelled packages. Carry your medicine in your hand luggage (although check your airline's regulations before travelling) with a copy of your prescription.
Yes, we recommend you to take your medication in your carry-on baggage. Please pack medicines in a separate bag, preferably in the original packaging. Also take along the prescription and the doctor's certificate; especially if your illness requires treatment with injectable medication.
Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labeled with your full name, health care provider's name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage. Bring copies of all written prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines.
Most consumer personal electronic devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage, including but not limited to cell phones, smart phones, data loggers, PDAs , electronic games, tablets, laptop computers, cameras, camcorders, watches, calculators, etc.
A reasonable quantity of prescription and non-prescription medication (including special dietary and therapeutic products such as fish oil tablets) is allowed under the powder, liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions.
Remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening. (E.g. laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.) Remember to check the bins and collect all belongings after going through screening.
For prescription medicines, carry the prescription or letter from your doctor that outlines what you are taking and how much you are bringing with you. Do not bring in more than a 3-month supply. Take any remaining medicines or devices with you when you leave Australia.
Keep your medication in its original containers and pack all medications together in a clear plastic bag stowed in your carry-on luggage. Liquid medicines can be stored in your carry-on luggage, even if they are in containers exceeding 3.4 oz: they are exempt from the TSA's rule regarding carry-on liquids.
For example, panadol is fine, Panadeine which contains codeine, is not allowed. Prescription meds need to be in your carry on, as do any valuables. Checked luggage is not secure nor does it always arrive. Basically remove anything metal.
Carry a supply of medications in your hand luggage. Illness can strike at any time and luggage can go astray. If you are travelling with someone else split the medication to minimize loss or theft. Don't pack medication in checked luggage or send it by post to your destination since it may get lost.
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
You can take any other medication you may need for your trip with you in your hold luggage. It's a good idea to keep a spare copy of your prescription or doctor's letter in your suitcase with your medication, just in case you lose your first copy or security need to make any checks.
Keeping the medication intact (ie, do not crush tablets or capsules), place it in a sealable plastic bag and cover it with a messy substance like dirt or used coffee grounds. Seal the bag and throw it in the trash.
Medical supplies or equipment are allowed on board as additional items at no extra charge. Some medical items can be carried on the plane, as an "additional carry-on item", as long as they meet the standard size and weight limits.
If you're taking medication with you, confirm it's legal in your destination or if any rules or restrictions apply. Depending on your medication, you may need to apply for a permit to bring it to your destination. What you can do: Contact the consulate or embassy of your destination.
It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag. Remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.
Although it may seem like airport security is always on the lookout for drugs, the truth is that most checked bags are not searched for drugs.
TSA does not require medications to be in their original, labeled, prescription containers. However, using the original containers may limit delays or additional questioning. This is especially important if you have pain medications or other controlled substances.
Can airport scanners see pills? Even if the pills are contained in plastic, non metallic or metallic bottles, the answer is yes. The airport scanners have no problems finding the pills that you are travelling with, liquid form or not.
Bag screening
Place laptops and large electrical items separately in a tray. Put coins, keys, mobile phones and other small items in your coat or hand baggage. Place your hand baggage and coat into a tray. Place any liquid items (important: see 'Liquids - 100ml rule' above), correctly bagged, into the tray.