As the Easter holidays draw near and summer is on the horizon, many families and individuals are preparing for their trips abroad.

However, for those who depend on medication, deciding whether to pack them in hand luggage or a hold suitcase can be a source of worry.

Travel gurus recommend passengers to have enough medication for the flight and any potential delays in their cabin bag to avoid loss or damage.

While all airlines allow travellers to carry essential prescriptions, there are specific rules about quantities and types of medication that passengers need to know.

Airport staff may need to open containers to screen liquids at security checkpoints, and medical equipment is screened separately, reports Galway Beo.

It’s also advised to check the embassy guidelines for your destination to stay informed about their medication regulations, which can be done by visiting the embassy website.

But what exactly are the rules for each airline?

Ryanair

Ryanair has confirmed that passengers can bring their medical equipment on board at no extra charge, in addition to their small personal bag, subject to pre-clearance by their Special Assistance Team.

The airline permits passengers to carry as much liquid medicine as needed for the duration of their flight. This does not need to be placed in the transparent bag required for all other liquids but must be ready for inspection at airport security.

Ryanair has stated that passengers who need to bring or use special medical items on board must contact the airline for approval and authorisation.

easyJet

On the other hand, easyJet has advised that there is no need for a doctor’s letter if medication is packed in hold luggage. However, they recommend packing medication in hand luggage, especially if it may be needed during the flight.

The airline also advises passengers to consult their doctor or pharmacist if their prescription contains a controlled drug, due to strict laws in some countries. Controlled drugs are highly regulated medications such as Diazepam, Lorazepam, Codeine or Tramadol.

For those travelling with medicine containing a controlled drug, easyJet suggests checking the embassy rules of the destination country and its entry requirements before flying.

Proof of ownership of the medication, either through a prescription or a doctor’s letter, is required. A letter from a healthcare practitioner confirming that the medication is prescribed and necessary to bring on board is only required for certain items.

EasyJet has also advised that any medical equipment that could be deemed as dangerous goods in the aircraft cabin should be checked with them for a full list.

TUI

TUI meanwhile has stated that if passengers are carrying medication or medical equipment in the aircraft cabin, they will need to bring a doctor’s letter or prescription. This must confirm that the medication belongs to the passenger and that the equipment is necessary during the flight.

Liquid medication larger than 100ml can be taken through security if accompanied by a doctor’s letter.

If medicines are packed in hold luggage, TUI recommends packing them in a separate bag. This will not count towards the standard cabin baggage allowance, but the bag must not exceed the maximum dimensions of allowed cabin baggage.

TUI also allows passengers to carry insulin or a pen injection device in their hand baggage without a medical certificate, but this must be declared at check-in. Insulin should always be packed in cabin baggage rather than hold luggage as it can become inactive due to low temperatures in the hold.

Jet2

Jet2’s policy allows passengers to bring essential medications in their hand luggage. However, liquid medications over 100ml require a doctor’s letter and must be in the original container.

Needles, syringes, and insulin pens must also be declared to security and cabin crew.

Jet2 advises passengers to carry essential medications for the duration of their journey in their hand luggage. These must be clearly labelled with the passenger’s full name, the name of their health care provider, both the generic and brand names of the medication, and the exact dosage.