Yes. Pills are allowed in unlimited amounts once screened, in carry-on or checked bags. Liquid prescriptions over 3.4 oz are allowed in carry-on in reasonable amounts if you declare them. TSA doesn't require original bottles, but state labeling laws apply.
Solid medication can be carried in any quantity after screening and need not be declared. Medically necessary liquids above 3.4 oz (100 ml) are allowed in reasonable quantities for your trip; tell the officer at the start of screening and expect extra checks, possibly including opening the container.
Medication is allowed in checked bags, but TSA recommends keeping it in your carry-on so you can reach it if needed. FAA caps medicinal and toiletry items at 18 oz (500 ml) per container and 70 oz (2 L) total per person.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Pills and solid medication: no TSA quantity limit, must be screened
- Liquid medication over 3.4 oz (100 ml): allowed in carry-on in reasonable quantities if declared; no quart bag needed
- Original prescription bottles: not required by TSA, but follow your state's labeling laws
- FAA medicinal/toiletry limit: 18 oz (0.5 kg / 500 ml) per container, 70 oz (2 kg / 2 L) total per person
Packing tips
- A pill organizer is fine for TSA, but your state may require prescription labeling, so a photo of the label or a pharmacy printout is worth carrying.
- You can ask for visual inspection instead of X-ray, as long as you ask before the medication goes into the X-ray tunnel.
- Keep medication in your carry-on, not your checked bag, in case your luggage is lost or delayed.
Outside the US
- UKLiquid medicine in containers over 100ml needs proof it's prescribed to you, such as a doctor's letter or prescription copy; tablets don't. Source
Flying somewhere else? See the rules for the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan.
Questions people ask
Do pills have to be in prescription bottles to fly?
Not for TSA. TSA doesn't require prescription bottles, but states have their own labeling laws you're expected to follow.
Can I bring liquid medicine over 3.4 oz on a plane?
Yes, in reasonable quantities for your trip. Declare it to the TSA officer at the start of screening; it will get extra screening.
Do I need to tell TSA about my medication?
Only for liquid medication. Pills and other solids don't need to be declared, though they still go through screening.