The rules are easily forgotten in the lead-up to going away, and could result in vital medication being withheld
Passengers flying with popular companies like EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI, and Jet2 should be aware of a rule that may prevent them from passing through airport security. Specific regulations govern what can and cannot be brought in hand luggage, and some travelers may not realize that an additional document is required for certain items.
You may not think of your prescription medication as potential contraband, but that’s what the airlines do. If you attempt to bring medication that exceeds 100ml, security personnel will stop you and may request a letter from a doctor or another healthcare practitioner.
This letter must confirm that it is necessary for you to carry the medication on board. According to Gov.uk advice, if your medication is in tablet form or is less than 100ml, you do not need to provide this documentation.
We’ve gathered advice from some of the top airlines to help outline the travel rules to help ensure you are prepared and not caught off guard at the airport.
Ryanair
Ryanair does not require customers to hold a doctor’s letter to carry medication in their hand luggage, however, this may be required by airport security, the Mirror reports.
If a passenger needs to carry medical equipment in addition to their hand luggage, Ryanair will issue them with a medical baggage waiver letter.
TUI
A TUI spokesperson told the Liverpool Echo: “If a customer is carrying medication or medical equipment onto an aircraft, they will need to bring a doctor’s letter or a prescription, which will allow customers to pass through check-in and security easily.
“Travellers may also bring liquid medication larger than 100ml through security if they have a doctor’s letter.”
Jet2
Advice on Jet2’s website states: “All the essential medications you need for the duration of your journey should be carried in your hand luggage.
“Essential liquid medication in quantities over 100ml must be certified as authentic by a doctor’s letter and must be presented in their original containers. Bottles and packaging may need to be opened by airport security during screening.”
easyJet
easyJet said: “In line with government guidance passengers are able to bring essential medication on board and we only require a letter from a healthcare practitioner confirming that it is necessary to bring medication on board if they are liquids that exceed 100ml, are sharp objects such as needles or oxygen cylinders and concentrators, or any medical equipment that may be considered as dangerous goods in the aircraft cabin, a list of which can be found on our help pages on easyJet.com.”
UK Government
The official guidelines from the UK Government state that you must carry medicine containing a controlled drug with you in your hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK. It may be taken away from you at the border if you cannot prove it was prescribed for you.
If you’re taking medicine out of the UK, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your medicine contains a controlled drug. If it does, check the rules for the country you’re going to with the embassy before you travel. You’ll need to prove it’s yours with either a prescription or letter from your doctor.
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