Controlled medications are those that carry a risk of abuse and/or dependency (like opioid pain medications). As such, they're regulated more strictly. You can take controlled prescription medications on the plane.

Yes, standard over-the-counter pain medications like Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen (Tylenol), and Aspirin are absolutely allowed on planes in both carry-on and checked luggage. For domestic and most international flights, there is no limit on the amount of solid pills you can carry. If the pain medication is in liquid or gel form (such as Advil Liquid Gels or liquid Tylenol), it must comply with the 3-1-1 rule if in your carry-on—meaning the container must be 3.4 oz (100ml) or less. If you have a prescription painkiller, especially those classified as "controlled substances" (like opioids), it is highly recommended to keep the medication in its original pharmacy-labeled bottle and carry a copy of your prescription. This is particularly important for international travel, as some countries have very strict laws regarding specific ingredients (for example, medications containing codeine are strictly prohibited in some Middle Eastern countries). Always carry essential medications in your carry-on rather than checked luggage to ensure you have access to them during the flight and in case your checked bag is delayed or lost.