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?
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.
The Same Rules Apply for 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.
Airline Regulations
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.
Tylenol Can Be 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.
You Can Bring Plenty of Tylenol
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
Liquid Tylenol Doesn’t Need to Be Placed in Your Liquids 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.
Bringing Advil, Ibuprofen, and Other OTC Medications
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.
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).
