How Do You Travel With Medication and Medical Devices Through TSA Security at a US Hub Airport?

Summary

The steps

1. 1

   Know What TSA Permits: Medications and Medical Supplies

   TSA permits all prescription and over-the-counter medications through the security checkpoint, in carry-on and checked bags, in any form: pills, tablets, capsules, liquids, gels, or creams. This is established policy at tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/prescription-medications, last reviewed by Airport Online in October 2026.

   Liquid medications are exempt from the 3.4 oz limit when in quantities reasonable for the journey. You must declare them separately at the checkpoint. The following are also permitted:

   • Syringes and lancets when accompanied by the medication they are used with (such as insulin). Unused syringes without accompanying medication may be subject to additional screening.
   • Ice packs, gel packs, and freezer packs used to keep medications at temperature; they may be screened separately.
   • Sharps disposal containers in carry-on bags.

   TSA's 'What Can I Bring' tool at tsa.gov lets you search any specific item before travel. Policies are reviewed and updated by TSA periodically; check the tool within a week of your travel date for current guidance.

   Do this

   Use the TSA 'What Can I Bring' search tool at tsa.gov to verify any specific medication or supply before your travel date.,Pack liquid medications in a separate, easy-to-access pouch within your carry-on so you can remove them quickly at the checkpoint.,Carry enough medication for the full trip plus extra in your carry-on, not just in your checked bag; checked bags can be delayed or lost.

   Example

   A traveler carrying liquid antibiotic suspension packs it in a labeled bottle in a separate zip pouch at the top of her carry-on. At the checkpoint, she removes the pouch and tells the TSA officer it is a medically necessary liquid before placing it in the screening bin.

   Best practice

   Always carry essential medications in your carry-on, not your checked bag. If your checked bag is delayed, you will still have access to the medications you need for the first days of your trip.
2. 2

   Understand the Rules for Medical Devices at the Checkpoint

   Medical devices have specific screening procedures set out in TSA's Special Procedures policy at tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures, reviewed by Airport Online in October 2026. Knowing them before you arrive prevents delays at the checkpoint.

   CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP machines: Permitted through security. TSA may ask you to remove the device from its bag for separate X-ray screening. Remove it proactively to speed up the process. Under 14 CFR Part 382 (DOT Air Carrier Access Act regulations), airlines must accept CPAP machines as carry-on medical devices and may not count them against your carry-on allowance.

   Insulin pumps and CGMs: Worn devices should not go through the X-ray machine or AIT body scanner. Inform the TSA officer before screening. A pat-down is the standard alternative. Check your device manufacturer's guidance on specific screening equipment before travel.

   Implanted devices (pacemakers, cochlear implants, neurostimulators): Inform the TSA officer before screening. TSA officers can conduct a pat-down as an alternative to the walk-through metal detector or AIT scanner. A physician's letter or manufacturer's device card is helpful but not required by TSA.

   Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs): Permitted through security. On the aircraft, only FAA-approved POCs may be used in flight under 14 CFR Part 382, section 382.133. See Step 4 for details.

   Wheelchairs and mobility aids: Permitted through security. TSA officers will screen the device, which may include a physical inspection and swab test for explosive traces.

   Do this

   Inform the TSA officer of any worn or implanted medical device before the screening process begins; do not wait until you are already in the scanner.,Carry the manufacturer's device card or a brief physician's note for implanted devices; while not required by TSA, it helps officers understand the device quickly.,Remove your CPAP machine from its bag proactively when you reach the X-ray belt; this is the most common device TSA asks to screen separately.

   Example

   A traveler with an insulin pump informs the TSA officer before entering the screening lane that she is wearing a pump she cannot remove. The officer directs her to a pat-down screening area and completes the inspection without requiring her to disconnect the device.

   Best practice

   Check your medical device manufacturer's documentation for specific guidance on airport security screening equipment. Some devices have restrictions on exposure to X-ray or electromagnetic fields that are more specific than TSA's general rules.
3. 3

   Use TSA Cares and the TSA Notification Card

   TSA Cares (1-855-787-2227) is the single most effective preparation step for travelers with medical conditions. Call at least 72 hours before your flight. A TSA representative will explain what to expect at the checkpoint for your specific condition or device, and at participating airports can arrange a Passenger Support Specialist (PSS) to meet you at the checkpoint on travel day. The service is available to travelers at no charge.

   TSA Cares hours (as published at tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures, October 2026): Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET; weekends and holidays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

   TSA notification card: A small card you can show to the TSA officer at the checkpoint to communicate your condition or device without explaining it verbally. The card states that you have a disability, medical condition, or medical device that may affect screening. Cards are available to download and print from tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures. Showing the card does not exempt you from screening; it helps the officer select the appropriate method quickly.

   Do this

   Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight if you have a condition or device that may require special screening procedures.,Download and print a TSA notification card from tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures before your trip if you prefer not to verbally disclose your condition at the checkpoint.,When you call TSA Cares, ask specifically whether a Passenger Support Specialist is available at your departure airport; availability varies by location.

   Example

   A traveler with a neurostimulator calls TSA Cares three days before his flight, explains his device, and requests a Passenger Support Specialist. On travel day, a PSS meets him at the checkpoint, explains the pat-down process, and coordinates with the screening officer so the process is efficient and private.

   Best practice

   Save the TSA Cares number in your phone before your trip. If you encounter an unexpected issue at the checkpoint, you can call from the airport and speak with a TSA representative in real time.
4. 4

   Handle Portable Oxygen Concentrators and Respiratory Equipment on the Aircraft

   Only FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) may be used in flight on US commercial aircraft. The governing rule is 14 CFR Part 382, section 382.133. The FAA maintains a list of approved POC models at faa.gov/travelers/fly_disabilities/portable_oxygen; verify your device is on this list before travel.

   Key rules for POCs on US commercial flights:

   • Airline advance notice is required. Most US airlines require notification at least 48 hours before departure. Some require a physician's statement confirming the need for supplemental oxygen and the prescribed flow rate.
   • Battery requirements: Airlines require battery capacity sufficient to power the POC for 150% of the scheduled flight time, including potential ground delays. Carry extra batteries and confirm the airline's battery policy before travel.
   • Seat restrictions: POC users may not be seated in exit rows under 14 CFR 382.133(e). Confirm your seat assignment with the airline when you notify them.

   Airline-supplied oxygen is not available on US domestic flights. A personal FAA-approved POC is the only in-flight supplemental oxygen option on domestic routes.

   Do this

   Verify that your POC model appears on the FAA's approved list at faa.gov/travelers/fly_disabilities/portable_oxygen before your trip.,Notify your airline at least 48 hours before departure that you will be using a POC; check whether a physician's statement is required.,Calculate the battery capacity needed for 150% of your scheduled flight time and pack accordingly, including extra batteries for potential delays.

   Example

   A traveler who uses a POC checks the FAA's approved device list, confirms her model is listed, calls her airline 72 hours before departure to notify them, and packs battery capacity for four hours on a two-hour scheduled flight to meet the 150% requirement.

   Best practice

   Contact your airline's accessibility or special assistance desk rather than the general reservations line when notifying them of POC use; the accessibility desk has the specific procedures and can document your request correctly.
5. 5

   Pack and Label Medications for the Journey

   TSA does not require medications to be in their original prescription bottles. However, some US states and many countries require original labeling for prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances regulated under the Controlled Substances Act (21 USC 801 et seq.). Check the requirements for your destination before travel.

   Packing checklist for medications:

   • Pack all essential medications in your carry-on, not your checked bag. Checked bags can be delayed, misrouted, or lost.
   • Pack enough medication for the full trip plus a buffer of several days in case of delays or itinerary changes.
   • Keep medications that require temperature control (such as insulin) in an insulated pouch with an ice pack or gel pack, and declare the cooling pack at the checkpoint.
   • Carry a written list of your medications (generic name, dosage, prescribing physician) in your carry-on in case you need to replace a medication at your destination.

   Original prescription labels help TSA officers identify medications quickly and reduce the chance of additional screening, even when not legally required.

   Do this

   Check the prescription labeling requirements for your destination state or country before travel, especially for controlled substances regulated under the Controlled Substances Act (21 USC 801).,Pack a written list of your medications (generic name, dosage, prescribing physician) in your carry-on in case you need to replace a medication at your destination.,If you are traveling internationally, check whether your medications are legal in your destination country; some prescription drugs in the US are controlled or prohibited elsewhere.

   Example

   A traveler carrying injectable medication packs it in an insulated pouch with a gel pack, keeps it in her carry-on personal item, and carries a printed list of her medications with dosages in case she needs to seek medical care at her destination.

   Best practice

   For long international trips, ask your prescribing physician for a letter on official letterhead listing your medications, dosages, and the medical necessity. This is not required by TSA but is useful at international customs checkpoints and if you need medical care abroad.
6. 6

   Plan Ahead for the Full Journey: Airline Policies and Destination Considerations

   TSA covers the security checkpoint; the rest of the journey is governed by airline policies under 14 CFR Part 382 and, for international travel, destination country rules.

   • Airline policies on medical devices: Under 14 CFR Part 382 (the Air Carrier Access Act implementing regulations), US airlines must accommodate passengers with disabilities, including those using medical devices. Contact your airline's accessibility or special assistance desk before travel to confirm what is permitted, what documentation is required, and whether your device can be used during the flight.
   • Airport medical facilities: Large hub airports have medical facilities or first aid stations, typically staffed during operating hours. Locations vary by airport; check your airport's official website or app for the location nearest your gate before travel day.
   • Refrigeration for medications: If you need to refrigerate medications during a long layover, contact the airport's customer service or medical facility in advance; some hub airports can accommodate this request. Do not assume refrigeration is available at the gate.
   • International destination requirements: Many countries have specific rules about importing prescription medications, particularly controlled substances. Check the requirements of your destination country's embassy or consulate website well before travel.

   Editorial note: Airport Online publishes this guide as a reference for travelers navigating hub airports. All regulatory citations refer to rules current as of October 2026; verify at the cited source before travel. Airport Online has a commercial interest in helping travelers navigate hub airports effectively; this guide is editorially independent and does not promote any airline, medical device manufacturer, or third-party service.

   Do this

   Contact your airline's accessibility desk before travel to confirm policies on your specific medical device and any documentation required under 14 CFR Part 382.,Check your destination country's embassy website for rules on importing prescription medications if you are traveling internationally.,Locate the medical facility or first aid station on your hub airport's official map before travel day so you know where it is if you need it.

   Example

   A traveler planning a trip to Europe with a controlled substance prescription contacts the destination country's embassy website three weeks before travel, confirms the medication is permitted with documentation, and obtains a letter from her physician before departure.

   Best practice

   Build extra time into your airport arrival when traveling with medical devices or medications that require declaration or special screening. The TSA checkpoint process takes longer when devices need separate screening, and arriving early removes time pressure from the equation.

Why Preparation Matters for Travelers With Medical Needs at Hub Airports

What This Guide Does Not Cover

FAQ

Do I need to declare my medications to TSA at the security checkpoint?

TSA does not require you to declare medications, but declaring them voluntarily before screening begins reduces the chance of additional screening. If you are carrying liquid medications in quantities larger than 3.4 oz, you must inform the TSA officer that you have medically necessary liquids so they can be screened separately. Declaring upfront is especially helpful for items that may appear unusual on the X-ray, such as syringes, insulin pumps, or implanted devices.

Can I carry a CPAP machine through airport security and on the plane?

Yes. CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP machines are permitted through TSA security and on board the aircraft as a carry-on item. TSA may ask you to remove the device from its bag for separate X-ray screening. Under 14 CFR Part 382, airlines must allow a CPAP machine as a carry-on medical device and may not count it against your carry-on allowance, though individual airline policies vary; confirm with your airline before travel. Distilled water for the humidifier is subject to the 3.4 oz limit unless medically necessary, in which case declare it separately.

Are insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) safe to go through TSA screening equipment?

Insulin pumps and CGMs that are worn on the body should not go through the X-ray machine or the advanced imaging technology (AIT) body scanner. Inform the TSA officer before screening that you are wearing an insulin pump or CGM and cannot remove it. TSA officers are trained to conduct a pat-down inspection as an alternative. Check your device manufacturer's guidance on exposure to specific screening equipment before travel; manufacturers publish device-specific airport screening guidance in their product documentation.

What is a TSA notification card and how do I get one?

A TSA notification card is a small card you can show to a TSA officer at the checkpoint to communicate that you have a disability, medical condition, or medical device without needing to explain it verbally. The card states that you have a condition or device that may affect screening. TSA notification cards are available to download and print from tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures. Showing the card does not exempt you from screening but helps the officer select the appropriate screening method.

What is TSA Cares and how do I use it before my flight?

TSA Cares is a helpline for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other circumstances that may affect the screening process. Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight to speak with a TSA representative who can explain what to expect at the checkpoint and, at participating airports, arrange for a Passenger Support Specialist to meet you at the checkpoint. TSA Cares is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, and weekends and holidays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. The service is available to travelers at no charge.