The medications you need a prescription or doctor's letter to fly with

When it comes to going on holiday, it is important to make sure you have your essentials ready, such as your passport , boarding pass, phone, and travel money. However, for many people they also need to consider travelling with their prescribed medication.

While it is important to make sure you have enough of your medication before heading on your holidays, some travellers will need to make sure they also have their prescription or a doctor's letter with them to make getting through the airport easier. It is important that all passengers with a prescription check the rules at their airport surrounding flying with medication, as well as the airline carrier.

Additionally, travellers should also check what rules are in place in the country they are travelling to as some regions are stricter than others. While carrying a doctor's letter or prescription does not apply for all types of medication, having the documents on hand can help stop any frustrating delays while in the airport. As such, experts advise that travellers carry their medication and documents in their hand luggage. Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in exclusive offer to celebrate the World Cup This is because storing medication in checked luggage can hold up flights if the bag is pulled off due to the medication having to be pulled and checked.

By having the medication in your hand luggage, this can help reduce any disruptions for yourself and the other passengers. According to the GOV.UK website, you can carry the following items in your hand luggage for a flight: essential medicines of more than 100ml, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers medical equipment, if it’s essential for your journey However, the guidance states that you will need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you if it's in both liquid form and in a container larger than 100ml. Proof can be given through a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription.

Additionally, air carriers also suggest bringing a medical note for equipment such as oxygen cylinders and concentrators, as well as sharp objects such as needles. These are likely to be checked separately by airport security staff.

On the other hand, if your medication is in tablet form or is a liquid in a container that is 100ml or smaller, you do not need to show proof of prescription. It should be noted that airport staff may need to open containers to screen the liquids at the security point, which could apply to any size.

Additionally, any medical equipment will also need to be screened separately. However, if you are travelling with medication that contains a controlled drug , you must have proof that the medication is prescribed to you. If not, it may be taken away from you at the border. Controlled drugs are medications that are subject to high levels of regulation as a result of government decision, such as diazepam, lorazepam, codeine or tramadol.

As some countries have strict laws on these medications, it is crucial that travellers first check the embassy rules of the country they are travelling to, as well as the entry requirements before flying. It's also advised that travellers keep all their medication in its original pharmacy packaging, complete with labels and dosing information. Loose tablets or medicines can create confusion at border control and security checkpoints, which can result in delays.