Traveling with medications that need to stay cold can be one of the biggest uncertainties before a trip. Heat waves and hot climates can make it a bit of an issue, but with the right approach, it can be figured out.
Preparing the Medication Packs
Each pack has several units in it, and they have to stay cold, refrigerated. Two are taken out of each pack, put back in the pack, then the pack gets taped shut again. Duct tape gets used because it’s really good at standing up to water, it won’t just flake off like other tapes. Masking tape, sometimes Scotch tape, will even just stop working because it’s wet.
The reason for only putting some in the pack instead of all is because they’re going to be rolled out and go into insulated water bottles. These things are amazing, different brands keep things cold for longer than any cooler at this size. There are no real coolers at that size.
Ways to Travel Safely with Refrigerated Medications
Packing Medication in Insulated Bottles
The medicine part goes down, there’s a bit of a tail on the vials. Those need to be up so that when ice goes in, there’s space for the ice to not be in direct contact, since pushing ice up against that part can denature the medicine.
Several units go in one bottle, with other bottles holding the remaining amount. Once the medicine is in the bottle, small ice balls get put inside with the medicine, not too many are needed since the medicine is already cold. The bottle, lid off, stays in the fridge overnight whenever possible, then the lid goes on.
The other bottles go in a cooler bag, then a couple of ice packs go on top, and that should do for quite a while.
Small ice balls get used instead of ice cubes because letting ice water from foreign countries flow over the medicine while it’s melting, that water may or may not be very healthy. Avoiding keeping that ice water from actually flowing over the medicine means being a lot better off.
Keeping Documentation With the Medication
The most important thing for this whole kit is in a little pocket. Prescriptions matter when going through the airport, medicine doesn’t matter how good it is in the cooler bag, it needs to make it through customs and security.
Every single prescription needed should be with you, along with how many units are in each bottle to keep track later, as well as a doctor’s note explaining the need for these medicines.
Packing Medication in Carry-On Luggage
Medications should always be packed in a personal item bag. Traveling with medication in both carry-on and checked baggage is possible, but it’s recommended that essential medications go in carry-on baggage, specifically the personal item bag that fits under the seat in front.
This ensures easy access at any time. If a carry-on suitcase needs to be checked due to space limitations, access may not happen until arrival at the final destination, and there’s a chance it may be delayed or lost.
Prescription medications should stay in original packaging with original labels attached. Medication can be brought in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it’s screened. Multiple prescription pills should not be combined into one container, this is not the time to save space. Liquid prescriptions should not be decanted into travel-size containers.
Following TSA Liquid Rules for Medication
A separate bag should hold over-the-counter and prescription medications as well as any other medically necessary substances. Prescription medications, medical supplies, and essentials are not subject to the same strict liquid rules as other liquids like shampoo or sunscreen.
Container sizes greater than 3.4 oz are allowed for these items. These liquids don’t need to be placed in a liquids bag but will be subject to additional screening, which may include opening the container.
Declaring Medical Devices at Security
An airport security agent should be told if liquid medications are being carried, as well as any medical devices on the body or in the body. An internal device like a pacemaker should be reported as soon as possible, since going through the metal detector should be avoided.
External devices like an insulin pump should be mentioned too, since these might set off the alarm. External devices don’t need to be removed, but if an alarm goes off, a quick pat-down may be needed to verify the device.
Arriving Early for Security Screening
Arriving at the airport early and giving extra time is a good idea when traveling with medications, especially with multiple medications or medical devices that need to be checked. Security screening processes can vary by airport, by state, by country, and even by the day of travel.
