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UK Airline Rules for Essential Medicines

Find the latest guidelines on essential medicines and medical equipment during air travel. Check the flight security rules when flying in to or out of airports in the United Kingdom.

Baggage Restrictions on Essential Medicine

A helpful guide listing airline regulations for taking essential medicines and medical equipment on a plane.


Essential Medicines

In some cases you need supporting documentation from a relevant medical professional.

This rule applies if you are planning to carry essential medicines of more than 100ml in your hand luggage (such as inhalers and liquid dietary foodstuffs). That usually means you need a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription.

The same rule applies to cooling gel packs. Airport staff may ask you to open the containers for screening of the liquids at the security point.


Essential Medical Equipment

You may take certain medical equipment on a plane with you if it is essential for your journey. But, the medical equipment will get screened ‘separately’. You would also need to show documentation from a qualified medical professional (e.g. a letter from your doctor).


Flight Restrictions on Medical Equipment

Medicine and Medical Equipment Allowed in Hand Luggage? Allowed in Hold Luggage?
Tablets and Capsules Yes Yes
Essential Liquid Medicines Yes* (+100ml after screening) Yes
Hypodermic Syringes Yes Yes
Inhalers Yes Yes
Cooling Gel Packs Yes (after screening) Yes
Medical Equipment (e.g. CPAP and TENS machines) Yes Yes
Special food and liquids needed for medical reasons Yes Yes
Oxygen Cylinders Check with your airline Check with your airline


Flight Regulations on Medicines and Medical Equipment in the United Kingdom