Medicines With or Without Prescription
Tablets and essential meds are allowed in both cabin and checked baggage; carry prescriptions for controlled drugs.
Tablets, essential medicines, and small medical devices belong in your cabin bag. Keep prescriptions handy for anything controlled, declare liquids over 100ml, and store everything in clearly labelled pouches.
What to do
✅ Do
- •Carry two extra days of medication in case of delays.
- •Use pill organisers with labelled compartments plus backup blister packs for proof.
- •Translate prescriptions into English if travelling internationally.
🚫 Don't
- •Don’t mix different pills in one unlabelled bottle; officers must identify them individually.
- •Don’t check critical meds—even if the airline offers liability coverage, replacements may be unavailable abroad.
- •Avoid self-medicating friends/family mid-flight unless you’re authorised; cabin crew must know before administering anything to another passenger.
Controlled substances (strong painkillers, sedatives) need supporting documents — a doctor letter, a prescription with your name, and ideally the original pharmacy label. Without them, customs or CISF may confiscate the medication.
Common medicine scenarios
| Type | Cabin handling | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Routine tablets | ✅ Carry freely | Keep prescription for combos |
| Liquid cough syrup | ✅ With declaration | May exceed 100ml |
| Temperature-sensitive biologic | ✅ In cooler bag | Inform airline ahead |
Frequently asked questions
Can I carry over-the-counter painkillers without a prescription?+
Do I need to inform the airline in advance?+
What about international narcotics lists?+
Related guides
Related rules
Power bank in flight
Not allowed in checked baggage.
Laptop in cabin/check-in
Cabin strongly recommended; checked baggage only if fully powered off and padded.
Mobile phone in check-in
Technically allowed but discouraged. Phones must be switched off if checked in.
Camera (DSLR)
Allowed in cabin. Pack heavy tripods or light stands in checked baggage.
Dry cells & spares
Allowed in cabin if individually protected. Not allowed loose in checked baggage.
Smart luggage
Allowed only if the lithium battery is removable. Battery must be in cabin when bag is checked.
Official references
DGCA guidelines — simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.