Whether you’re flying with Insulin, Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Humira, EpiPens, or any other Injectable Medications, it’s important to be aware of the relevant regulations. Understanding Canadian air travel rules for liquids and sharps such as needles and syringes, will help ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
We’ll discuss everything from CATSA regulations to practical packing tips, helping you travel smoothly and safely with your injectable medications.
- What are CATSA rules for injectable medications?
- Can you bring needles or syringes on a plane?
- How to pack preloaded syringes?
- Tips for carrying medications in your carry-on luggage.
- Flying with medications requiring refrigeration.
- What syringe travel cases meet Canadian air travel requirements?
- And much more!
CATSA Regulations for flying with injection medication
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) oversees air travel security in Canada, including the screening of passengers and baggage.
Understanding CATSA rules is crucial for anyone traveling with injectable medications. This section explains what you can carry onboard, including medication, needles, syringes, and other medical supplies.
How much liquid medication can you take on a plane
Injectable medications fall under the "liquids" category but are exempt from standard liquid restrictions. Unlike the typical 100 ml (3.4 oz) rule for other liquids, medically necessary liquids, including injections, can exceed this limit.
According to CATSA, you should inform security officers that you’re carrying medically necessary liquids and place them separately in the security bin for screening.
Although travelers can carry more than 100 ml of liquid medication, CATSA may ask for justification. Carrying a medical prescription, doctor’s letter, or itinerary to demonstrate your need can expedite the process. In many cases, passengers find they aren’t asked for documentation, but it’s best to have it ready to avoid delays.
Related article: Traveling with Zepbound (Tirzepatide): Storage & Regulations.
Documentation for Injectable Medications
There are two types of flights, that require different documentation for transporting injectable medication.
Domestic flights within Canada:
For travels within Canada, documentation is not mandatory, but these definitely help at the CATSA security check:
- A copy of your prescription
- Clearly labeled medications
International Flights:
If you're planing an international travel with injectable medication, there are a few more things you will need.
- Research specific rules of your destination country
- A detailed medical prescription specifying your medication and dosage.
- A letter from your doctor explaining why the medication is essential, especially for controlled substances.
- Prescription labels: Ensure they are intact and legible.
- Translation: If traveling to a non-English-speaking country, have your documents translated.
Related article: How To Travel With Medication Internationally?
Do Airport X-Rays Affect Medications?
Most medications, including injectable ones, are not affected by the low-power radiation emitted by airport X-ray machines or metal detectors. These machines are designed to screen luggage and passengers without causing harm, and the brief exposure during the process is generally harmless to medications.
If you are traveling within Canada or internationally and have concerns about the impact of X-rays on your liquid medications, CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) allows travelers to request a manual inspection. Just make sure you notify the CATSA agents at the security check, so your medication will be checked extra and doesn't This means your medications can be checked without going through the X-ray scanner. Be sure to inform the CATSA officers at the security checkpoint if you’d like to opt for this alternative.
For those traveling with electronic medical devices, such as insulin pumps, pacemakers, or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), it’s important to follow these steps:
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Consult the Manufacturer: Before traveling, check with the device manufacturer to ensure your device can safely pass through airport security equipment, including X-ray machines, metal detectors, or full-body scanners.
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Notify Security Officers: Upon arriving at the security checkpoint, let CATSA staff know about your medical device. This will help them provide the necessary accommodations and avoid any misunderstandings.
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Request a Pat-Down: If you are unsure or uncomfortable about your device passing through the scanners, you can always request a manual pat-down instead. CATSA staff are trained to handle such situations with care and professionalism.
Related article: Can insulin pumps go through X-ray & Metal detectors at the airport?
Can you fly with syringes and needles?
Needles, syringes, and injection pens are permitted onboard when packed safely and accompanied by their respective medications. Separate unused items from used ones, to facilitate easier screening.
Unused Needles
Unused needles and syringes should be securely packed and accompanied by the medication they are intended for. At security checkpoints, it’s important to remove them from your bag and place them visibly in a bin during screening. This allows CATSA agents to easily identify the items without the need for further questions
Related article: How to Travel with Mounjaro: Safety Tips & Travel Cases.
Used Needles
Remember, never dispose of used needles in household or public trash. They must be carried in a Health Canada-approved sharps container. If you don’t have an official container, it’s acceptable to use any hard-surfaced, closed container as an alternative. As with unused needles, you should place them in the bin during security screening to streamline the process.
More people than you might think travel with injectable medications, so CATSA officers are familiar with handling such items. However, it’s always a good idea to be prepared to explain your medical supplies if asked.
Flying with Preloaded Syringes
If you preload syringes with medication at home, make sure each one is clearly labeled. You can attach a label to the syringe itself or to a separate piece of packaging that travels with it, indicating the medication’s name and dosage. It’s also important to carry the vial of the medicine to help CATSA agents verify the contents if needed.
Syringes pre-filled by pharmaceutical manufacturers usually come with proper labeling on the syringe or its packaging. Double-check that these labels remain intact and easily visible during your journey.
For all preloaded syringes, it’s crucial that the medication inside can be easily identified. In addition to labeling, consider carrying the original prescription or a letter from your doctor that matches the label. This documentation can help avoid delays during security screening and ensures a smoother process.
By organizing your syringes and documentation carefully, you’ll make it easier for CATSA officers to quickly verify your medical supplies and allow you to proceed without unnecessary complications.
Prefer visual learning? Dive into the video below!
Related article: Traveling with Wegovy: Travel Cases and Flying Tips!
Packing Injectable Medications in Your Carry-On
It is highly recommended to always pack injectable medications in your carry-on luggage. The temperature fluctuations in the cargo hold can be harmful to most medications, potentially rendering them ineffective or unsafe. Additionally, checked luggage can easily be lost or delayed, leaving you without access to your medication when you need it
Packing Tips
- Protect your medication: Injectable medications often come in glass vials, which are fragile and can break easily if not handled with care. To prevent this, consider investing in silicone vial protectors designed to be shatterproof.
- Keep original packaging: Original packaging and labels not only help security officers identify the medication during checks but also make border crossings—especially on international trips—much smoother and more efficient.
- Bring spares: Always pack extra medication and supplies to prepare for unexpected situations, such as delays, theft, or lost items.
Related article: How to find travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions?
How to travel with medication that needs refrigeration
Many injectable medications, including insulin and biologics, require refrigeration to remain safe and effective. This means they must be kept at a consistent temperature at all times. Using medical-grade travel coolers is highly recommended to ensure your medication stays within the proper temperature range during your travels.
CATSA Guidelines for Cooling Cases
Although CATSA permits ice packs, gel packs, and similar accessories in various states to keep medications cool, most travelers prefer using a medical-grade travel cooler, such as those offered by 4AllFamily. These coolers are CATSA-approved for air travel, ensure consistent and safe cooling for all types of medications, and provide better monitoring throughout your journey.
CATSA-Approved Medication Coolers
Our travel coolers for syringes meet CATSA requirements and are specifically designed to keep your injectable medications safe and easily accessible during your journey.
We offer a wide range of cooling cases to meet various needs. Whether your medication needs to remain at room temperature or stay refrigerated, you can choose from compact cases or larger models for extended travel. Options include USB-powered cooling and biogel packs, ensuring flexibility and reliability no matter your travel plans.
We’d Love to Hear From You!
Have questions or stories about traveling with injectable medications? Share them in the comments—we’d love to help with any concerns!
