Medicines With or Without Prescription
Allowed
Tablets and essential meds are allowed in both cabin and checked baggage; carry prescriptions for controlled drugs.
Quick answer
Medicines are mission-criticalâdelays or lost baggage can turn a routine trip into an emergency. Airlines therefore encourage passengers to carry meds onboard, even if they are allowed in checked baggage.
Controlled substances (strong painkillers, sedatives) need supporting documents: doctor letter, prescription with passenger name, and ideally the original pharmacy label. Without them, customs officers or CISF may confiscate the medication.
Temperature swings in cargo holds can ruin insulin, biologics, or inhaled meds. Use insulated pouches with gel packs (declared as medical exemptions) and inform crew if you need refrigeration support on long-haul flights.
Medicine packing list
- âOriginal blister packs or labelled bottles for each drug.
- âDoctor prescription stating generic name, dosage, and passenger name.
- âZip pouch segregating tablets vs liquids for quick inspection.
At screening and onboard
- âDeclare liquids over 100ml (syrups, cough mixtures) as medical exemptions.
- âKeep meds accessible mid-flight, not buried in overhead luggage.
- âDispose of sharps or empty vials with cabin crewânever in seat pockets.
Common medicine scenarios
| Type | Cabin handling | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Routine tablets | â Carry freely | Keep prescription for combos |
| Liquid cough syrup | â With declaration | May exceed 100ml |
| Temperature-sensitive biologic | â In cooler bag | Inform airline ahead |
Do this
- â Carry two extra days of medication in case of delays.
- â Use pill organisers with labelled compartments plus backup blister packs for proof.
- â Translate prescriptions into English if travelling internationally.
Avoid this
- â ď¸ Donât mix different pills in one unlabelled bottle; officers must identify them individually.
- â ď¸ Donât check critical medsâeven if the airline offers liability coverage, replacements may be unavailable abroad.
- â ď¸ Avoid self-medicating friends/family mid-flight unless youâre authorised; cabin crew must know before administering anything to another passenger.
FAQ
Q. Can I carry over-the-counter painkillers without a prescription?
Yes for small personal quantities, but keep them in retail packaging to prove authenticity.
Q. Do I need to inform the airline in advance?
Only if you require refrigeration, sharps disposal, or if the medication must be administered onboard. Otherwise carrying meds is standard.
Q. What about international narcotics lists?
Check the destinationâs controlled substance schedule. Some countries ban codeine or tramadol without prior clearance.
Tips before you fly
- âď¸ Set alarms on your phone for dosage reminders across time zones.
- âď¸ Store digital copies of prescriptions in DigiLocker or a password manager.
- âď¸ Pack hand sanitiser and tissues along with meds to maintain hygiene when dosing on the go.
Related YourTravelGuide guides
Official references
India DGCA guidelines â 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.