Can You Bring An Inhaler On A Plane?

Packing bags for a vacation or even business travel requires you to consider a compiled list of all the necessary items that you regularly use. For instance, you can’t go ahead without your personal care products or something prescribed to you by a doctor or a medical expert.

Inhalers or any other medicines are necessary items that you have to carry with you. However, it is advised to stay aware of the TSA regulations for packing inhalers. We have got you covered with answers to all your queries related to, can you bring an inhaler on a plane?

Yes or No: Can You Bring an Inhaler on a Plane?

The TSA acknowledges the fact that you need to carry essential items with them on a flight. Nevertheless, stringent measures are necessary to be taken to ensure the safety and security of passengers and crew on board.

But if you wish to carry inhalers on a plane, you can pack them in your hand luggage and/or checked baggage without any hassle.

Read on for detailed guidelines.

TSA Rules for Inhalers (Medically Necessary Liquids)

As you may already be aware that liquid items need to be taken as per the TSA liquid limit or the 3-1-1 rule. You can pack a liquid or gel-based item in containers whose total capacity is not more than 3.4 ounces or 100 ml. Containers need to be placed in a transparent, quart-size bag, which can go in your carry-on bag.

Hence, this puts a limitation on the quantity of carrying liquids such as some of the makeup products in carry-ons or cabin baggage, while unlimited quantities are allowed in checked baggage.

Here are two scenarios under which such liquid items need not go as per the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule.

1) First Exemption to Liquid Medication Rule

The TSA understands the situation of travelers. Therefore, it considers inhalers as “medically necessary liquids”, which are allowed to be packed in cabin baggage in quantities of more than 3.4 ounces. Also, they are not to be placed in a quart-size bag.

However, you need to declare these items at the TSA security checkpoint. You are also advised to keep the prescription with you. Similarly, sometimes, you may also have to bring ibuprofen in your carry-on bag. If it is in liquid form, you need not comply with the 3.4 ounces limit.

Well, in the case of checked baggage, as it usually goes, unlimited quantities of inhalers, reasonably though, can be packed.

2) Second Exemption to Liquid Medication Rule

If you know that the liquid medication will be required during your flight, or maybe in fact, after you reach your destination, then also you will be exempted from the liquids rule.

Furthermore, if you cannot find the medication in the airport’s sterile area, or you are even aware of the fact that it will not be getting sold at your destination, you need not adhere to the liquid rule.

Can I Bring an Inhaler on a Plane in my Cabin Baggage?

As per the usual TSA liquid rule, passengers need to abide by the 3-1-1 guidelines.

Nevertheless, inhalers are considered “medically necessary liquids” by the TSA. Hence, they are allowed to be brought in more quantities in your carry-on bag or hand luggage. You may not pack them in a quart-size bag.

But, make sure to declare inhalers at the security checkpoint. The TSA officer may also conduct additional verification if they find any doubt. You are also recommended to keep the prescription with you.

Usually, prescriptions are not asked to be shown when you are heading on a domestic flight. They are necessary to be kept in the case of an international flight.

However, you never know, if you encounter a complicated situation. So, if possible, you may keep the prescription with you even while going on a domestic flight as well.

Can You Bring an Asthma Inhaler on a Plane?

Absolutely! You can bring an asthma inhaler on a plane. Although liquid products need to go as per the TSA’s 3-1-1 guidelines, an asthma inhaler is considered a medically necessary liquid item by the TSA.

Therefore, you can bring it in more quantities than 3.4 ounces, while maintaining reasonable limits, if you pack it in your carry-on bag or hand luggage. You are recommended to carry the prescription with you. Also, you must inform the TSA officer at the security checkpoint about the inhaler packed in your carry-on bag.

Can I Bring Inhaler on Plane? Checked Luggage Rules

You can surely bring an inhaler in your checked luggage. There are no restrictions on the quantity. Still, you must keep in mind to pack it within reasonable limits.

Also, you are recommended to pack inhalers properly so as to avoid any damage to your much-needed items. You never know, if your bag is being handled by a careless person on duty. The items inside must remain intact.

If you think you need to pack any medicine also such as Advil in checked luggage, you can bring it in unlimited quantities.

Conclusion

We tried covering all the major aspects based on your query, can you bring an inhaler on a plane? So, you can bring inhalers in more quantities than 3.4 ounces or 100 ml in the case of a carry-on bag. This is so because these are considered medically necessary liquids by the TSA.

You must inform the TSA officer that you have an inhaler in your cabin baggage, take it out, and keep it in a separate bin for screening. Your checked baggage can also have them in more quantities. However, make sure to carry them within reasonable limits. Also, do carry the prescription with you.

Can I Bring My Inhaler On A Plane (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions on Can You Bring an Inhaler on a Plane for your ready reference.