I am traveling to Spain next week and I'm still a little unsure about the airline restrictions. I am a VERY infrequent traveler, so I'm a bit ignorant. I am trying to travel with just a carry-on as we have many lay-overs before reaching Spain and I would like my luggage to arrive at the same time that I do. My question is this...Are you allowed to bring OTC medication in your carry-on (outside of the quart bag) if it isn't liquid (ibuprofen, pepto tablets, etc)? Is it best to declare a separate baggie of these things or just put them in the suitcase and don't worry about it? I apologize if this has been asked and answered, but I wasn't able to find this specific question with the search option. Thanks for any guidance!
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Yes, OTC dry tablets are no problem...they don't need to be in a quart plastic bag for display. Only liquids are of concern, whether they be medicines or shampoos or perfumes. Make sure you keep your pills in their original containers if you can, just in case.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
I'm betting that OTC liquids and creams will be confiscated if they are over 3 ounces and not in your single 1qt Ziplock bag. Prescription liquids and creams are permitted and can be outside the 1QT Ziplock bag.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Larry , Lori asked if it wasn't liquid.
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
805 posts
I'll be honest, I don't even both trying to get travel-sized items. Since I always check 1 bag (but only 1) I offer the following tip:
Take your liquids and put them inside TWO plastic bags. Why two? Because if one breaks you don't want to damage anything else.
In fact, if your bag has a seperate front compartment put the liquids in there. However, don't worry too much about it, I've even carried alcohol back on trips since the ban was put into place (tequila from Mexico) and have yet to have anything break.
Posted by
OP
St. Augustine, FL, USA
15 posts
Thanks, everyone, for your help!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Lori, if you are just taking carry-on, your liquids must not only be in a qt. ziploc bag, but the bag must be presented separately from your carry-on when you go through security. The bag also needs to be able to close completely.
OTC medications are fine -- just put them in your suitcase. They don't have to be shown or separately bagged (as long as they aren't liquid).
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
Lori,
The non-liquid OTC medicines can be taken out of the box to give yourself more room (if they're in blister packs).
Put the ones you need quick access to (ie: advil) in your purse, or side pocket of the luggage, so you dont have to dig for it, should you need it.
Posted by
Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
324 posts
Lori, airport security personnel in most of the world understand that the average traveler is not the enemy, and will be tolerant of any "mistakes" you might make as far as complying with the regulations of the month. Enjoy yourself, and don't be intimidated by the bureaucratic hassles which will greet you at the airport. The rest of your trip will be far more pleasant.