packing prescriptions

Put meds in zip lock bags to which you can attach extra labels that you can get from the drug store. Also take the info sheets that come with the meds. Takes a lot less space and weight than original containers. We done this on at least eight trips and have never had a problem.

The "best practice" recommendation is to place the meds in their own container with the prescrition information on it. Your name must be on the labels. In reality, and against some recommendations, I combine my 6 meds into a few larger containers that have my name on the label. At the airport, I pull the ziplock bag with my prescriptions out and place it on top of the tray with my shoes and stuff. I have never been challenged and the ziplock bag has never been opened.

Always put your meds in your carry-on. Placing any meds that you absoulutely need in checked baggage is very risky and should not be done.

My sincere and abject apologies for wasting everyone's time so egregiously. In my puny defense, I went straight "to the boot" after a search of a few pages of the "general Europe" board yielded information more geared toward prescription refills while abroad. With current and ongoing changes in travel rules and with many conflicting opinions (from travel agents to seasoned travelers) I only sought to obtain the most up-to-date information on how to pack our meds. For those of us who have neither the time nor the inclination to do extensive browsing of all the posts, perhaps the sailor (who posted last) could utilize his/her talents and precious time to help Mr. Steves develop a keyword search tool. For those of you who contributed helpful information, thank you very much.

Cindy...the best place to search for non-geographic specifics like this is in the "classic view" section, which contains all posts. Since wading through the material IS very time-consuming, try entering a few keywords in the search box in the top right of the page. That will bring up a list of every mention on the RS website, including those mentions in the Travelers' Helpline, and other parts of Rick's site. Another option is to go into the "classic view" and use the CTRL and F key to open the Internet Explorer "Find" box. This will allow you to enter a key word and jump through the postings quickly and efficiently.

Cindy, don't feel so bad - everyone at one time or another was a 'newbie' and made a few mistakes of their own. It doesn't occur to many that the search feature would be so much help, and I do wish that there was mention of using it in the general information about using the Traveler's Helpline.
I've always carried meds in the original bottles, stuffed with a cotton ball or two to keep them from self-destructing from all the rattling around that they do. While capsules and coated meds hold their own, some could end up powder when you get into them again.

If your going to be nasty, you should not put yourself in social situations that require some tact. Thank you Cindy for your reasonable question and classy response. Gina