As the Easter holidays approach, many travellers are preparing for trips abroad. For those who require medication during their journey, understanding airline policies is essential to ensure a smooth experience.
While all major airlines permit passengers to carry necessary medications, specific regulations regarding quantities and documentation can vary. It’s advisable to also check embassy guidelines for your destination country to ensure compliance with their medication regulations. You can do this by visiting the respective embassy’s website.
Ryanair allows passengers to bring essential medical equipment and medications on board free of charge, in addition to their small personal bag, subject to pre-clearance by their Special Assistance Team, Daily Record reported.
This includes as much liquid medicine as needed for the duration of the flight, without the requirement to fit it in the transparent bag designated for other liquids. However, these medications must be ready for inspection at airport security.
Passengers wishing to carry or use special medical items on board should contact Ryanair in advance to obtain the necessary authorisation.
easyJet advises passengers to pack medications in their hand luggage, especially if they may need to take them during the flight. If medication is packed in hold luggage, there is no need to provide a letter from a doctor or healthcare practitioner.
However, if the prescription contains a controlled drug – such as Diazepam, Lorazepam, Codeine, or Tramadol – passengers should check embassy rules for the destination country and carry proof of prescription or a letter from their doctor.
A letter from a healthcare practitioner is required if bringing liquids exceeding 100ml, sharp objects like needles, oxygen cylinders, concentrators, or any medical equipment that may be considered dangerous goods in the aircraft cabin.
TUI requires passengers carrying medication or medical equipment in the aircraft cabin to bring a doctor’s letter or prescription confirming that the medication is theirs and that the equipment is needed during the flight.
Liquid medication larger than 100ml can be taken through security if accompanied by a doctor’s letter. Medications placed in hold luggage should be packed in a separate bag, which will not count towards the standard cabin baggage allowance, but must not exceed the maximum dimensions allowed for cabin baggage.
Insulin or pen injection devices can be carried in hand baggage without a medical certificate, but passengers must declare these at check-in. It’s recommended to pack insulin in cabin baggage rather than hold luggage, as low temperatures in the hold can inactivate it.
Jet2 permits passengers to bring essential medications in their hand luggage. Liquid medications over 100ml require a doctor’s letter and must be in the original container.
Passengers should declare needles, syringes, and insulin pens to security personnel and cabin crew. Jet2 recommends carrying sufficient essential medications for the duration of the trip in hand luggage, clearly labelled with the passenger’s full name, healthcare provider’s name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage.
