Ibuprofen is invaluable to treat pain or inflammation and reduce fever, so it’s definitely something that you will want to take with you when you travel.
But can you bring Ibuprofen on a plane?
According to TSA regulations, you can bring Ibuprofen on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags.
But how much Ibuprofen can you bring on a plane?
Does it make a difference if Ibuprofen is opened or unopened?
What happens if you want to take Ibuprofen on an international flight?
While the TSA sets the rules when to it comes to air travel in the U.S., it’s good to know that you won’t run into any problems when bringing Ibuprofen on a plane in other countries.
While you can pack Ibuprofen in both your carry on and checked bags when flying from the U.S. to and between other countries, we recommend keeping Ibuprofen in its original packaging.
Airline Regulations
As all airlines follow TSA regulations, you will be able to bring Ibuprofen on American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, and all other major and regional air carrier flights.
Being as Much Ibuprofen as You Want
According to the TSA, “you can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.”
This includes Ibuprofen packed in both your carry on and checked bags.
How to Pack Ibuprofen for Flying
Checked Bags
If you pack Ibuprofen in your checked bags, there are no specific instructions you must follow.
Carry on Bags
According to the TSA, if you pack Ibuprofen (or any other medication) in your carry on bags:
You do not have to present your medication to, or notify, an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form.
Despite the 3-1-1 Rule, any medication in liquid form is still allowed in your carry on bags as long as it is packed in reasonable quantities.
You must inform a TSA officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process.
Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.
Note that Ibuprofen in gel capsule form does not count as a liquid.
It will make no difference if the Ibuprofen you want to bring on your next flight is opened or unopened.
This applies to both your carry on and checked bags.
Can You Bring Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, Aleve and Other OTC Medications Too?
You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight, though additional screening will be required.
This applies to medication packed in your carry on bags; there are no special instructions you must follow if packed in your checked bags.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
