While not technically a sedative used for flying, melatonin is invaluable for reducing or even completely preventing jet lag, so you undoubtedly want to know what the rules and regulations are for bringing melatonin on your next flight.
According to TSA regulations, you can bring melatonin on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags.
But does the type of melatonin you want to bring matter (liquid vs. pills. vs. gummies)?
You can pack melatonin gummies in both your carry on and checked bags.
There are no quantity limits to how much you can bring.
For melatonin in any form, the TSA does not require the pills, liquid or gummies to be in their original packaging.
The TSA state that “for domestic travel within the U.S. we don’t require medications to be in their original bottles; a pill box or organizer is fine.”
Placing melatonin in a Ziploc bag is also fine.
Bringing Melatonin Pills
You can pack melatonin pills in both your carry on and checked bags.
There are no quantity limits to how much you can bring.
Bringing Liquid Melatonin
The TSA have a rule in place called the 3-1-1 Rule that prohibits passengers from bringing any liquid, gel, or aerosol in a container that is larger than 3.4oz/100ml.
However, the TSA makes exceptions for “medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols”, which includes melatonin.
So you can bring liquid melatonin on a plane in your carry on bags without any restrictions – i.e. in bottles larger than 3.4oz/100ml.
One thing to note is that you should inform the TSA officer if you are flying with any liquid medications, including liquid melatonin, as they must be screened separately.
There are also no quantity limits if liquid melatonin is packed in your checked bags.
Bringing Melatonin on International Flights
There are several countries around the world, including some of the most popular tourist destinations, where melatonin is not sold over the counter and is only available by prescription.
UK: In the UK, melatonin is only available by prescription.
Canada: In Canada, melatonin is available over the counter.
Mexico: In Mexico, melatonin is available over the counter.
European Union: In EU countries, melatonin is only available by prescription.
Australia :In Australia, melatonin is only available by prescription.
Japan: In Japan, melatonin is only available by prescription.
If flying to a country where melatonin is only available by prescription, including the UK, countries in the EU, Australia, and Japan, the truth is that you are unlikely to run into any issues, especially if you pack melatonin in your checked bags, and it is only for personal use.
After all, melatonin is not illegal in these countries – it is just not sold over the counter – which is an important distinction to make.
If flying to Mexico, Canada and other countries where melatonin is available over the counter, you have nothing at all to worry about.
Wait Until You’re on the Plane to Take Melatonin
You can take melatonin before and during the flight.
However, we recommend not taking any melatonin before you have boarded the plane and taken off.
If your flight is delayed, you don’t want to be in a groggy condition.
You Probably Won’t Be Able to Buy Melatonin At the Airport
In countries where melatonin is available over the counter, you may be able to find and buy some at the airport, though it is still unlikely.
The more major the airport, the better luck you may have.
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).
