What the rules look like in practice
United Kingdom
Security permits essential medicines in containers larger than 100 ml in hand luggage, provided you carry proof that the medicine is prescribed to you when the container exceeds 100 ml.
European Union overview
The classic 100 ml liquid rule has been reintroduced at some airports while new scanners are standardised. The exemption for medication still applies across the bloc. Check your departure and connection airports before you fly.
Ireland
Dublin Airport allows liquids and gels in containers up to 2 litres. Rules at your return or connection airport may differ, so verify both directions.
Italy
Rome Fiumicino confirms liquids in containers up to 2 litres following the introduction of new scanners. If you connect elsewhere, confirm that the other airport accepts the same allowance.
Netherlands
Amsterdam Schiphol states that medication may be carried in hand baggage, including packages above 100 ml, when you can show it is needed during the journey.
Spain
Liquid medicines are exempt from the liquid restrictions when required for the trip. Present them separately at the checkpoint.
Switzerland
Zurich Airport applies the 100 ml rule to regular liquids and allows larger quantities of liquid medication that are needed for the journey.
Norway
The 100 ml rule does not apply to liquid medicine. You can bring a small cooling element when medication must be kept cold. A prescription or letter helps the process.
Sweden
Some checkpoints no longer require you to remove liquids or devices, while others still apply the 100 ml limit. Keep liquid medication easy to show and check your specific airport page.
Poland
Larger liquid containers can be permitted when the checkpoint has equipment to test them. Airports are adopting new scanners gradually, so verify the rule for your departure point.
Finland
Many airports still follow the 100 ml rule. Place larger containers in checked baggage unless they are permitted as medically necessary items at your specific checkpoint.
What airlines in Europe say
The common approach is simple. Medication and EpiPens belong in your cabin bag. Most airlines ask you to carry a short note or prescription when you travel with needles, syringes or liquid medication in a container larger than 100 ml.
British Airways
You may take EpiPens and hypodermic needles in your hand baggage with a doctor's note or a prescription.
easyJet
Needles and syringes for a medical condition are allowed. Bring a letter from your healthcare practitioner confirming the medication. Gel packs to keep medicine cool are allowed in the cabin.
Aer Lingus
You can take EpiPens and hypodermic needles in your carry on with a doctor's note or a prescription. Liquid medication that you need during the flight belongs in your carry on.
KLM
Pack medication in hand baggage and bring an English language prescription for medicines and any syringes so staff can check it if needed.
SWISS
An English medical certificate is recommended when you travel with medication and syringes in your hand baggage.
Lufthansa
If you carry medication and syringes in your hand baggage, a doctor's confirmation that the items are medically necessary is recommended.
Norwegian
Label medication and carry a prescription or medical certificate in your hand baggage. International certificates should be in English.
Finnair
Keep medication in your hand baggage and carry a prescription or a doctor's letter, especially when your treatment involves injections.
Iberia
A medical certificate may be requested for needles, syringes or liquid medication in a container larger than 100 ml.
Vueling
Medication for use on board is permitted. Security may ask for a certificate when you carry syringes or similar items.
Ryanair
Standard quantities of auto injectors in your cabin bag are permitted. If you need to carry additional medical equipment beyond your baggage allowance, obtain the airline's medical equipment waiver in advance.
The smart way to pack and pass security
- Place EpiPens and essential medicines in your cabin bag. Do not place them in checked baggage.
- Carry a short doctor's letter or a copy of your prescription in English. It is required in the United Kingdom for liquid medicine in containers larger than 100 ml and it speeds up screening across Europe.
- At the checkpoint declare medication calmly and present it separately if requested. Use the phrase medically necessary if asked.
- If your medicine needs to stay cold pack a small ice or gel pack and keep it with the medication.
- Check the exact rules for every airport on your route 48 to 72 hours before departure. Some airports already allow up to 2 litres while others still use the 100 ml rule.
Doctor letter template
Keep it factual and brief. Print it or save it as a PDF on your phone.
To whom it may concern
Patient name and date of birth
Diagnosis indicating risk of anaphylaxis
Medication required on person at all times including during the flight
Quantity for the trip for example two adrenaline auto injectors and an antihistamine syrup of 150 ml
Physician name licence contact details date and signature
Bottom line
Carry your EpiPens and any essential medication in your cabin bag. Declare them at security. Bring proof that the treatment is yours and medically necessary. Expect some variation between airports as new scanners come online. If you follow these steps you will move through security quickly and focus on your trip.
