Last Updated: February 17, 2023
Can You Bring Advil On A Plane? Your Questions Answered
Preparing for a trip and you want to know whether you’re allowed to bring Advil on a plane? Then you’re definitely in the right place because this guide will tell you everything you need to know about flying with medication.
Over-the-counter meds are usually allowed on planes without any issues, and there’s not even a restriction on their quantity. But the rules are different for medically required liquids, especially if you’re packing them in your carry-on. So, keep reading to learn all you need to know about flying with medication.
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Can You Bring Advil or other Ibuprofen in your Carry-On Bag?
Yes, you can bring Advil, Ibuprofen, and most other over-the-counter meds in your carry-on bags. You don’t have to declare them to the TSA, and you’re allowed to keep them in your bag during the security screening.
You can even bring medically necessary liquids in your carry-on, as long as they’re packaged in a container that’s no bigger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml). Medically required liquids don’t have to be packed in resealable plastic bags with other liquids, but you must inform the security officer that you have them in your carry-on bags. These items need to be placed separately in the plastic bins at security because they must undergo additional screening.
The security officers reserve the right to open the container with the liquid medicine and inspect the contents, so make sure that the medicine is in resealable packaging, preferably the original one. The TSA doesn’t care too much about what legal medications you’re traveling with – they’re there to stop people from smuggling illegal drugs and other prohibited items!
Can You Bring Advil or other Ibuprofen in Your Checked Bag?
Yes, you can have Advil, Ibuprofen, and other OTC meds in both your carry-on and checked bags. Any over-the-counter medicine in pill form is fine, and it’s perfectly okay to pack any medicine in liquid form in packaging larger than 3.4 ounces in your checked luggage.
The TSA advises travelers to place their medications in carry-on luggage, just so they can access them easily in case of emergency. But you can always pack a few pills in your carry-on, and place the rest in your checked baggage.
Can You Take Advil or other Ibuprofen on an International Flight?
Yes, you can take Advil and Ibuprofen even on an international flight. However, be sure to check if your destination country has any rules and restrictions regarding the quantity of over-the-counter medication you are allowed to bring on a plane. While the TSA might be fine with you bringing an unlimited amount of Ibuprofen on a plane, that might not be the case with your destination country.
Also, check their rules for liquid medication. You don’t have to pack them with your other liquids in the US, but every country has its own rules, and it’s always better to be informed than to receive a nasty surprise at the security checkpoint.
How Much Advil Can You Take on a Plane?
The Transportation Security Administration states that you’re allowed to bring OTC medication in pill form in unlimited amounts. But it’s best to pack reasonable quantities of these meds in either your carry-on or checked luggage, simply because packing large amounts of medication might make you suspicious to the TSA agents.
Also, just because the TSA will let you board a plane with a suitcase full of Advill, doesn’t mean it will be smooth sailing while you land at your destination, even if you are flying domestically. So, always check the rules for quantities of medication you can enter the country (or state) with, to avoid any incidents once you land.
Does Advil Have to be in its Original Containers When Flying?
The TSA doesn’t make it a rule that your medication has to be in its original container when boarding a flight. However, different states have different rules for both prescription and OTC medications, so it ultimately depends on where you’re going. While you might pass through the security checkpoint just fine, issues can arise at your final destination.
This is especially the case if you are traveling internationally, and it’s best to just bring your medicine in its original packaging. A pill box might be fine for domestic travel, but I wouldn’t recommend it for international trips.
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About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
