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Medical

💉 Insulin

✋ Hand luggage

Yes

Exempt from liquid limits. Keep in original packaging with pharmacy label. Notify TSA officer if travelling with insulin and needles.

🧳 Hold luggage

Yes

Permitted, but carry-on is recommended to avoid temperature extremes in the hold.

Based on TSA guidance for United States. Official rules ↗

💡 Tip: Keep insulin in its original labelled packaging and carry a letter from your doctor; it is exempt from the 100ml liquid rule in all regions.

Insulin rules by country

How carry-on and checked-bag rules for insulin compare across the 14 countries we cover.

Country✋ Cabin🧳 Hold
🇺🇸United States
Yes
Yes
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Yes
Yes
🇪🇺Europe
Yes
Yes
🇦🇪UAE
Yes
Yes
🇦🇺Australia
Yes
Yes
🇧🇷Brazil
Yes
Yes
🇨🇦Canada
Yes
Yes
🇨🇳China
Yes
Yes
🇮🇳India
Yes
Yes
🇮🇱Israel
Yes
Yes
🇲🇽Mexico
Yes
Yes
🇳🇿New Zealand
Yes
Yes
🇷🇺Russia
Yes
Yes
🇿🇦South Africa
Yes
Yes

Airline-specific rules

🇺🇸American AirlinesInsulin and syringes permitted in cabin with proper labelling; notify crew at boarding.
🇬🇧British AirwaysInsulin allowed in cabin without quantity restriction; keep in original packaging.
🇮🇪RyanairExempt from liquids restriction; carry a doctor's letter for quantities over 100ml.
🇦🇪EmiratesPermitted in cabin; must carry supporting medical documentation for quantities above 100ml.

Common questions

Insulin is exempt from the standard 100ml liquid rule in the US and all major regions, so a larger container will not be confiscated solely because of its size. However, you should inform the TSA officer that you are carrying insulin before your bag goes through screening, as it helps the officer handle the item correctly and speeds up the process. Keep it separate and accessible.

The exemption is recognised across all regions we cover. Aviation and medical regulators in the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia all treat insulin as a necessary medication that is not subject to the 100ml carry-on limit. Keep insulin in its original labelled packaging with the pharmacy label intact, as this is the documentation officers use to confirm the item is prescription medication.

Calmly inform the officer that insulin is a medical liquid exempt from the 100ml restriction and that you have it in its original pharmacy packaging. Having a doctor's letter in your carry-on is not required in the US, but it provides a clear backup if an officer is unfamiliar with the exemption. You have the right to ask for a supervisor if you are incorrectly told the insulin must be confiscated.

Carry all insulin in your carry-on rather than checked baggage — the hold can reach temperatures that degrade or freeze insulin, rendering it ineffective. Keep it in its original packaging with the pharmacy label, and if you are also carrying needles or syringes, inform the TSA officer before screening so they are not surprised. An insulin travel wallet or insulated pouch helps maintain the correct temperature throughout the journey.

Based on official United States security guidelines. Rules vary by airline and route — always verify with your carrier before travel. · Rules last verified May 2026.

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