A little known rule could stop holidaymakers from boarding their flight with popular airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI and Jet2 unless they have the correct documentation
Passengers jetting off with popular airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI, and Jet2 need to be clued up on a rule that could stop them in their tracks at airport security. There are specific rules about what can and can’t be taken in hand luggage, and some holidaymakers might not realise an extra document is needed for certain items.
Your prescription medication might not seem like it would cause any issues, but the airlines see things differently. If you try to take medication that’s over 100ml, security staff will halt you and may ask for a letter from a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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This letter needs to confirm that you need to have the medication with you on the flight. According to advice from Gov.uk, if your medication is in tablet form or is less than 100ml, you don’t need to provide this documentation.
Chronicle Live has rounded up advice from some of the top airlines to help outline the travel rules so you’re prepared and not caught out at the airport.
Ryanair
Ryanair doesn’t require customers to have a doctor’s letter to carry medication in their hand luggage, however, this might be required by airport security. If a passenger needs to take medical equipment in addition to their hand luggage, Ryanair will give them a medical baggage waiver letter.
TUI
A TUI spokesperson told the Liverpool Echo: “If a customer is carrying medication or medical equipment onto an aircraft, they will need to bring a doctor’s letter or a prescription, which will allow customers to pass through check-in and security easily.
“Travellers may also bring liquid medication larger than 100ml through security if they have a doctor’s letter.”
Jet2
Guidance on Jet2’s website states: “All the essential medications you need for the duration of your journey should be carried in your hand luggage.
“Essential liquid medication in quantities over 100ml must be verified as genuine by a doctor’s letter and must be presented in their original containers. Bottles and packaging may need to be opened by airport security during screening.”
EasyJet
easyJet said: “In line with government guidance passengers are able to bring essential medication on board and we only require a letter from a healthcare practitioner confirming that it is necessary to bring medication on board if they are liquids that exceed 100ml, are sharp objects such as needles or oxygen cylinders and concentrators, or any medical equipment that may be considered as dangerous goods in the aircraft cabin, a list of which can be found on our help pages on easyJet.com.”
UK Government The UK Government’s official guidelines stipulate that any medicine containing a controlled drug must be carried in your hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK. If you can’t prove it was prescribed for you, it may be confiscated at the border.
If you’re planning to take medicine out of the UK, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine if your medicine contains a controlled drug. If it does, verify the rules for your destination country with the embassy before travelling.
You’ll need to provide proof of ownership with either a prescription or a letter from your doctor.