When traveling carry medications in original containers

by Tim Larison

If you travel with medications, it’s a good idea to carry them in their original prescription containers. Recently customs officers at the Palm Beach airport in Florida detained radio host Rush Limbaugh after they discovered medication in his luggage without his name on the bottle. (Apparently, Limbaugh’s doctor prescribed the pills in the doctor’s name for Limbaugh “for privacy purposes.”)

On domestic flights, it’s not required (though it’s highly encouraged) that names on prescription drug bottles match the name on the airline ticket. On flights into the country, U.S. customs regulations do require the name on the airline ticket match the name on a medication bottle. It’s recommended that you always carry your medications in the original prescription containers.

Thanks to OSSN’s travel agent newsletter for this tip. I read 3 or 4 travel agent publications each week and I will periodically pass along other good tips I find in future blog articles.