TSA Guidelines for Flying with Prescription Medications: What You Need to Know in 2025

When you’re flying with prescription medications, the last thing you want is to get held up at security because your pills don’t look right or your liquid insulin gets flagged. You’re not alone. Nearly 70% of U.S. adults take at least one prescription drug, and many of them fly regularly - for work, family, or medical care. The TSA doesn’t want to stop you. They just need to know what you’re carrying. Here’s how to make it smooth, legal, and stress-free.

Prescription Medications Are Allowed - No Limits

The TSA lets you bring as much prescription medication as you need, no matter the form. Pills, liquids, creams, patches, inhalers, injectables - all are allowed in your carry-on. That includes insulin pens, nebulizer solutions, eye drops, and even topical creams for eczema or psoriasis. Unlike the 3-1-1 liquid rule that limits toiletries to 3.4 ounces in a quart-sized bag, medications are completely exempt. You don’t have to fit them in that bag. You don’t have to limit the amount. You can bring a week’s supply or a month’s - it doesn’t matter.

But here’s the catch: you still have to declare them. When you get to the security checkpoint, tell the TSA officer you have medication. If it’s liquid, remove it from your bag so they can see it clearly. They won’t always ask, but if they do, be ready. Most of the time, they’ll just wave it through. But if they’re unsure, they might swab it for testing or ask for a label. Don’t panic. That’s normal.

You Don’t Need Original Bottles - But It Helps

TSA doesn’t require your meds to be in their original pharmacy bottles. That’s a common myth. You can transfer pills to a pill organizer, put liquids in travel-sized containers, or carry patches in a small case. But here’s the real advice: keep them labeled if you can.

Why? Because 78% of delays at security in 2023 happened because the name on the bottle didn’t match the name on your ID. Even a missing middle initial or a typo can cause a 10-minute hold-up. If you’re using a pill organizer, bring a copy of your prescription or a note from your doctor. It’s not required, but it saves time. If you’re flying internationally, this becomes even more critical. Some countries treat even common U.S. prescriptions like Adderall or Xanax as illegal drugs. A doctor’s letter can prevent arrest or deportation.

Never Pack Medications in Checked Luggage

United Airlines, Delta, American, and every major U.S. carrier now strongly recommend - and many require - that you keep all medications in your carry-on. Why? Because checked bags get lost, stolen, or damaged. In 2022, a passenger’s life-saving insulin was destroyed when their bag was mishandled. That’s not hypothetical. It happened. And it could happen to you.

Even if you don’t think you’ll need your meds during the flight, keep them with you. Time zones change. Delays happen. Your flight might land at 3 a.m. and your next dose is due at 4 a.m. If your bag is stuck in Atlanta, you’re out of luck. Carry-on is your safety net.

CBD and THC Products Are a Minefield

This is where things get messy. If you’re bringing CBD oil, gummies, or topical creams, check the label. If it contains more than 0.3% THC, it’s illegal under federal law - no exceptions. That’s true even if it’s legal in your state, even if your doctor prescribed it, even if the bottle says “hemp-derived.” TSA follows federal law, not state law.

And here’s the kicker: TSA officers aren’t trained to test THC levels. They see a bottle labeled “CBD oil” and they don’t know if it’s compliant. So they confiscate it. In 2023, over 14,000 CBD products were seized - and later found to be legal. That’s not a mistake. That’s a system gap. The Government Accountability Office confirmed it. If you’re traveling with CBD, bring proof: a certificate of analysis (COA) showing the THC content is below 0.3%. Even then, be prepared for delays. Some officers just say no.

International Travel? Check Before You Go

Flying to Japan? Don’t bring Adderall. It’s a controlled substance there. Going to Dubai? Even small amounts of codeine or melatonin can get you arrested. The U.S. State Department and CDC warn travelers every year: what’s legal at home might be a felony abroad.

Before you book your flight, check the rules of your destination country. The TSA’s app now includes a link to the IAMAT database, which lists medication restrictions in over 200 countries. You can also check the U.S. Embassy website for your destination. If you’re carrying a controlled substance - anything with a DEA schedule (II through V) - get a letter from your doctor. It should list the medication, dosage, reason for use, and your doctor’s contact info. Some countries require this in advance.

Also, don’t bring more than a 90-day supply unless you have special permission. Customs and Border Protection may question large quantities, even if they’re yours. If you’re moving abroad or staying long-term, you’ll need to apply for a medical import permit - but that’s a whole other process.

Medical Devices: Insulin Pumps, CGMs, and More

If you use an insulin pump, continuous glucose monitor (CGM), or other medical device, you can bring it through security. TSA allows these devices in carry-on luggage and won’t X-ray them unless you agree. You can request a visual inspection instead. Just tell the officer before you go through the scanner.

For complex devices, you can contact TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227. You need to call at least 72 hours before your flight. They’ll assign a specialist to help you through security. You can also wear a Sunflower Lanyard - a discreet sign that you may need extra time or assistance. It’s available at 45 major U.S. airports now, including JFK, LAX, and Chicago O’Hare.

Don’t try to remove your device for screening. That could damage it. TSA’s guidelines say: leave it on. They’ll screen around it.

Temperature-Sensitive Meds? Bring Frozen Gel Packs

Need to keep your insulin cool? You can bring frozen gel packs in your carry-on - but they must be completely frozen solid. If they’re slushy, TSA might confiscate them. Once they’re frozen, you can pack them with your meds. No limit on the number. Just make sure they’re not leaking. If you’re worried, wrap them in a plastic bag.

Some travelers use insulated pouches or cooling wallets. Those are fine too. Just don’t pack ice cubes or loose ice - those count as liquids and are subject to the 3-1-1 rule. Frozen gel packs are allowed because they’re considered medical supplies.

What to Pack: A Quick Checklist

• Keep all medications in your carry-on
• Bring original prescriptions or doctor’s notes (especially for controlled substances)
• Match your name on ID with the name on prescriptions
• Declare all medications to TSA officers
• Don’t bring CBD products with more than 0.3% THC
• Check your destination country’s rules before you fly
• Use frozen gel packs for temperature-sensitive meds - but only if solid
• Call TSA Cares if you need help with medical devices
• Don’t decant pills into unlabeled containers - it increases risk of confusion

What Happens If You Get Stopped?

If a TSA officer questions your medication, stay calm. You’re not in trouble. You’re just being checked. Show them your prescription, your doctor’s note, or the COA for CBD. If they still aren’t satisfied, ask to speak to a supervisor. You have the right to request a private screening. You can also ask for a copy of the incident report.

Don’t argue. Don’t get angry. Don’t lie. Most delays are caused by miscommunication, not bad intent. A polite, clear response gets you through faster.

What’s Changing in 2025?

There are no new TSA rules for 2025 - yet. Some YouTube videos claim “2025 guidelines” are coming, but those are misleading. TSA hasn’t announced any changes. The current rules, updated in 2023, still stand.

But change is coming. TSA is testing biometric verification for medication declarations at eight airports. That means you might soon scan your ID and have your meds automatically flagged in their system. IATA and the WHO are also working on a global standard for medical travel documents - expected by mid-2025. That could make international travel with meds easier. But for now, stick with what works: be prepared, be clear, and be honest.

Medication isn’t the problem. Uncertainty is. The TSA isn’t trying to block you. They’re trying to keep everyone safe. If you know the rules, you’ll breeze through security - no stress, no surprises.