Whether you or your child are suffering from aches, pains or fever, Tylenol can be a godsend when traveling.
So you might be wondering if you can bring Tylenol on a plane for your next flight.
According to TSA regulations, you are allowed to bring Tylenol on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags.
But does the type of Tylenol you want to bring matter?
Do the regulations change when flying internationally?
Can you also bring other OTC medicine with you on your next flight?
Let’s find out.
Can You Bring Tylenol on a Plane?
Tylenol has many different types of products, both in liquid and pill form, designed for use by infants, children, and adults.
Can you bring all Tylenol products on a plane, or are there restrictions?
Liquid Tylenol vs Tylenol Pills/Gel Caps
- Infant’s and Children’s Tylenol: You can bring infant and children’s Tylenol in both your carry on and checked bags. This includes liquid Tylenol, chewables, and powder packs.
- Tylenol Pills/Gel Caps: You can bring Tylenol pills and gel caps in both your carry on and checked bags.
Tylenol Liquid with Acetaminophen : You can bring Tylenol liquid with acetaminophen in both your carry on and checked bags. - Tylenol Sinus/Cold/Flu Liquid: You can also bring Tylenol sinus/cold/flu liquid in both your carry on and checked bags.
Generally, 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.
Each container must also be placed in a single quart-sized bag as you pass airport security.
However, the TSA makes exceptions for “medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols.”
This includes Tylenol that generally comes in a 4 ounce or 8 ounce bottle.
Can You Bring Tylenol on International Flights?
The TSA only has authority in the USA, which means that what was stated above applies when flying from and within the USA.
However, other countries will also allow medically necessary liquids to be packed in both your carry on and checked bags.
When traveling outside the USA, it’s a good idea to have medicines in their original packaging, as Tylenol might not be as widely known outside the USA.
By Airline
All airline follow TSA regulations.
So this means that regardless if you’re flying with a regional or major air carrier, including Southwest, Delta, United, JetBlue, and American Airlines, you will be able to bring Tylenol on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags.
Does it Make a Difference if Tylenol is Opened or Unopened?
It makes no difference if the Tylenol you want to bring on a plane is opened or unopened.
Both opened and unopened pills and liquids of Tylenol are allowed to be packed in both your carry on and checked bags.
How Much Tylenol Can You Bring on a Plane?
The TSA state that “you can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.”
The TSA also state that “medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight.”
There are no limits if placed in your checked bags.
How to Pack Medication for Flying
Checked Bags
If you pack Tylenol or other medication in your checked bags, there are no specific instructions that you have to follow.
Just place any Tylenol products in your bag, check it in, and you will receive your bag at your destination without any issues.
Carry on Bags
If you want to pack Tylenol or other medication in your carry on bags, there are a few things you should be aware of.
The TSA state that:
- It is not necessary to present your medication to, or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form.
- Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight.
- You must tell the 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
Does Liquid Tylenol Need to Be Placed in a Single Quart-Sized Bag?
According to the TSA, “it is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag.”
You just need to inform the TSA officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process.
Can You Bring Advil, Ibuprofen, and Other OTC Medications on a Plane?
The above rules don’t just apply to Tylenol.
Whether you want to bring Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, or any other OTC medications, the TSA state that:
- 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 only applies to medications packed in your carry on bags.
If packed in your checked bags, there are no specific instructions you must follow.
Robert is an expert in commercial air travel with decades of experience in the travel industry, and has spent countless hours in airports and on planes for work.
Robert therefore has an unrivaled understanding of everything related to commercial air travel, and has been quoted or mentioned in major publications, such as Insider, Trip Savvy, ZDNet, and Bored Panda, showcasing his extensive knowledge and expertise in the field.
