Prescribed mediation, toiletries and travel

[listsandbudgets]

I'm travelling out of the country for the first time in literally years next month. I'll have hand luggage only

I'm so far behind I don't know what toiletries I can take. I'll be taking hand luggage only. I know I'm supposed to only have small bottles of no more than 50ml but there's something about a clear bag. Is it a specific bag? Can I buy one somewhere? am I supposed to have it out of my hand luggage so they can see it? I'm stupid and confused.

Also I have prescribed medication. Do I have to take copy of prescription in case its queried?

Can't believe I'm having to ask trhese questions actually feel stupid!!

Have a look at the airline or airport website - they have all the basic security details there.

Or here: www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions

If you can't find the clear plastic bag (you can order them cheaply off Amazon, for example) they do give them out at the airport, usually, too. Just before the security check area, although you might have to ask for one.

It won't hurt to have a copy of your prescriptions with you, especially if some of your meds might be a controlled substance either here or in your destination country. Keep them in their original pack, too, with the printed pharmacy label on it.

Good luck!

Oh, and yes you take the plastic bag with your liquids inside of it out of your luggage when you go to the security. You also need to take out any laptops, tablets or other electronics. I've forgotten things, and it's not the end of the world, just delays things, as they will then go through your bag.

You can usually get sandwich bags at the supermarket (and Ikea ones are great if you gave them) which will do - needs to be about 20cm by 20cm and resealable.
All liquids and gels need to be in it, no more than 100ml bottles. No more than 1 litre total, and the bag must do up. One bag per person.

Yes, take a copy of the script if you can - otherwise take them in the box with the pharmacy label still on.

The Ziplock sandwich bags you get in most supermarkets and Poundland shops are perfect for your general liquids.

I keep prescribed medication in one of the sandwich bags or an A5 clear zip file like this so it's easy to get out at security. I also use one for any electronics that need to come out at security.

Any spare is good for chargers and charging cables.

I keep the repeat prescription in the packet with the medicines so they are all together

Where are you travelling to, and is any of your medication a controlled substance in the relevant country?

If travelling within the EU I dispense my meds into a pill organiser. There's no need to take your prescription etc unless it's a controlled substance.

otherwise take them in the box with the pharmacy label still on.

For someone on multiple meds that could easily take up most of your bag!

Airports have a Boots after security. That's where you can buy items you need that you can't take through in your little plastic bag.
We usually pick up shower gel, toothpaste mouth wash etc.
Gives me enough space in little bag for make-up and cleanser.

I always carry my prescription. Because even though I carry my meds (and if I have a travelling companion, they carry some) I’m still convinced I might lose them, and having the full script might help a doctor at destination work out replacement

Depends where you go but for some countries it is better to have a doctors letter which states your diagnosis and medication. I don't take this to EU countries but I did have one for China.

Brilliant thank you. It's Italy so hopefully not too problematic!!

There are free bags available when you approach security. Items need to be under 100ml each including liquids and paste/gels ( ie, toothpaste). Don't be surprised if you aren't required to separate them on your return trip, other airports may not bother apart from drinks bottles and have different rules. Remove your coat and electronics like ipads/kindles. If you trigger the alarm as you walk through you may get patted down and asked to remove belt, keys, shoes and retry or get bodyscanned. Once through you can buy larger items from Boots etc and drinks to take on board but obviously you may encounter the same issues on your return.