Will TSA look through my pills?


Will TSA look through my pills? Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.


What to expect when you go through TSA?

Standard and TSA PreCheck® Screening As you know, standard screening requires that you remove all items and place them on the X-ray belt for screening. With TSA PreCheck®, you are able to speed through security and don't need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets.


Will customs seize Viagra?

A 32-year veteran of the agency, John P. Leonard, tells AARP that the two top drugs it seizes at entry ports are Viagra and Cialis. “Those are the big ones,” says Leonard, the agency's No. 2 trade official.


Can you take unmarked pills through TSA?

The answer is yes, with some qualifiers. Here are a few tips that you might find helpful. It is not necessary to present your medication to, or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form (See next bullet).


Can you take pills in hand luggage?

You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.


Do pills need to go in plastic bag at airport?

TSA recommends packing medications, vitamins and any other pills you may need in your hand luggage for easy access. Pack your pills in your daily pill box; keep them in their original containers; or put them in baggies or any other convenient container.


Does TSA open pill bottles in checked luggage?

Medically required liquids will be subjected to additional screening. Extra screening often includes opening the container. Medication is allowed in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with prescription drugs or medication in both carry-on and checked baggage.


What happens if drugs are found in checked luggage?

When drugs are confiscated in airports, TSA officers usually refer to law enforcement to secure the confiscated substances and store them in a warehouse known as a crime laboratory. Here, the drugs will be tested, organized, and shelved for trials.


How does customs check for drugs?

Customs inspectors use specially trained dogs to sniff out drugs and other contraband. Additionally, agents may take the dogs onboard the plane after the passengers have departed. If a passenger is carrying drugs on his or her body, the dogs might pick up the scent lingering on the seat.


How do you pack pills for the airport?

How do I pack medication for a flight?
  1. Medications are allowed on a flight in either a carry-on or checked bag. ...
  2. Medications can be packed in a pill box. ...
  3. Refrigerated medications may be packed using freezer packs, insulated lunch boxes, or coolers within carry-on luggage.


Do pills have to be in original bottles when flying?

As mentioned, you don't need to have your pills in their original bottles under TSA guidelines. However, when traveling out of the country, having those pills in their original prescription bottles may make the customs process smoother and simpler.


How do you store pills for travel?

It is highly recommended that you keep all of your medications in their original container. It's helpful to keep them in something like a clear plastic bag, or small cosmetic container so that everything goes smoothly at the TSA check-in.


Can I carry medicines in international flight?

Include your prescription and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Pack medications in a carry on in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers.