Anyone have experience with Swiss Air and bringing on medication? I bought a nifty divided pill holder. After calling the airlines, they say all medication has to be carried in the bottles dispended by the pharmacy. How likely is it that a luggage search will result in us having the explain pills? The pharmacy bottles take up alot of room!
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2787 posts
I take pills to Europe every summer for 3 or 4 weeks, prescription pills in their original bottles with labels (fortunately those 3 are in small bottles) and over the counter stuff in small bottles with home-made labels. Never had a problem in Europe or when returning to the US. I do take a letter from my GP/MD which identifies the 3 prescription meds since one of them is a narcotic. I have never had to show that letter. I hope that I am the typical case and not the exception.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
For whatever one man's experience is worth, I always carry my meds in 7-day pill dispensers. I rarely if ever bring the original bottles. I've flown Swiss Air and numerous other European airlines. I've never had any gate agent or security screener bat an eye about it, either in the US or abroad. As far as I know, no one on this forum has ever reported having their medicines confiscated or being denied boarding because their pills weren't in their original bottles.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
It's not an airline issue, it's a Customs issue. The chance of your bags being searched by Swiss Customs after you land in Switzerland is almost zero. But reentering the US you have a higher chance of having your bags inspected by US Customs. If the meds aren't in their original containers you'll have some explaining to do, and could be delayed. But if you're bringing just enough pills to last your trip it's all academic anyways:)
Posted by
Rochelle, IL
263 posts
I make an annual trip to Switzerland and have never been asked about medications. Generally, I have my pill divider full plus enough medications to last through my trip in prescription containers. None of the pills in the pill divider are labeled. I like the pills in prescription containers because that way I know which pill is what. It helps me keep everything straight. You could ask your friendly pharmacist to make up prescription labels and smaller containers to take along. I take all my meds and vitamins in my carry on. I also carry a list of medications and vitamins, just to help me remember. That being said, next time I go I'll probably get stopped. Like other posters, the air line does not check. It will be customs, and I doubt if it will be a problem.