It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag. Remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

Technically, the TSA does not require you to have your medication in its original prescription bottle for domestic travel within the US; you are allowed to use pill organizers or carry loose tablets. However, bringing unlabeled pills is generally discouraged because it can trigger a "red flag" during security screening, leading to a manual inspection and delays. If a TSA officer cannot identify a substance, they have the final authority to deny it entry. For international travel, the rules are much stricter: many countries (like India, Japan, and UAE) legally require all medications to be in their original pharmacy packaging with a label that matches your passport name. In 2026, customs authorities are increasingly using "Atithi" apps or digital declarations for meds. If you must carry unlabeled pills, always bring a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s note in English to prove they are for personal use. For controlled substances like Adderall or strong painkillers, unlabeled transport is a major legal risk that could lead to confiscation or even arrest in strict jurisdictions.