[Mels]

When we fly to NZ we will have to take a bottle of liquid medicine on board with us (< 5.0 mls)

If I take a letter from my GP to specify the medicine and why, with me is that enough?

Thanks

Mels

[shakyle2906]

Would guess so, thats what my father in law does when he goes on holidays anyway, he is a diabetic

Sorry so vague, someone should be able to help you i am sure.

Sharon
x

[Mels]

Next question is - we will have ventolin inhalers and I have always put these in hand luggage, but can the spare go in the suitcases in the hold. As they must be pressurised containers(the ventolin) I didn't think this was safe?

Mels

[dusk]

I'm diabetic and fly with my medicine all the time, I've never taken a letter - all i do is pack the medicine/needles etc in a separate see through bag and point out what it is at check in - never had any trouble.

I'd take the inhalers in the hand luggae unless they're going to take up a lot of room, just to have them with me ;)

[CJ22]

Hold luggage is pressurised (otherwise any bottles or cans in your suitcases would explode, and everything would arrive frozen!).

[Mels]

Hold luggage is pressurised (otherwise any bottles or cans in your suitcases would explode, and everything would arrive frozen!).

Ok so I'm a girly and don't know nufin technical, :exit

I had kinda wondered what happened though.

Mels

[Croft]

A quick check on google gives us this at the UK Department for Transport site...

What are the rules about liquids and how much is too much?

Since the alleged plot last summer, tighter security measures for liquids have been in force at UK, European and international airports.

If you need to, you can take small quantities of liquids through security. But only if they are carried in a single, clear, re-sealable plastic bag and each item is placed in a separate container no greater than 100ml. A freezer bag – approximately 20cm x 20cm or smaller - is about the right size.

Liquids of any size can still be checked into the hold, so it’s best to put these in your main suitcase. You can always buy drinks or toiletries in the departure lounge if you need to, since the goods will have been security screened beforehand.

Containers larger than 100ml such as drinks bottles (including water), even though it might only contain 100ml, are NOT permitted.
What do I do with my medicine or my child’s inhaler?

Inhalers are allowed through, along with any other medicines in tablet or powder form.

Essential medicines that you will need during your trip must be checked through security. Again, they have to be in your clear, plastic, re-sealable bag and in containers of less than 100ml.

For essential medicines of more than 100ml, you will require supporting documentation from a relevant qualified medical professional and prior approval from the airline. This applies to everything from cough medicine through to insulin.

You can also be asked to verify medicines at security, which may involve tasting, or testing on the skin.

Remember, spare containers can always be packed in your hold baggage and you should always make sure you have enough medicine for the whole holiday.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/airtravel/airportsecurity/airportsecurityfaqs


As long as your medicine is under 100ml you are OK to take it onboard without a doctors certificate.

What you have to be careful about are their import into NZ.

Importing Medicines
Bringing medicines into New Zealand on your person or in your luggage

If you are arriving into New Zealand and carrying prescription medicines either on your person or in your luggage you must ensure:

* You declare the possession of those medicines on your incoming passenger arrival card which is lawfully required, and inspected, by the New Zealand Customs Service; and
* You have a copy of the prescription from your doctor or a letter from your doctor stating that you are being treated with the medicine(s), and
* You carry the medicine(s) in their original containers, and
* You have sufficient quantity not exceeding three months supply for prescription medicines (with the exception of oral contraceptives which can be supplied in six month quantities)

All other medicines including herbal medicines, dietary supplements and over-the-counter medicines may be imported without the above documentation. Over the counter medicines can be imported only if they are for individual use or for a member of your immediate family. Please note that anything in your possession that might be considered as a prescription medicine or controlled drug must be declared on your incoming passenger arrival card. If in doubt, declare it.

http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/MIET/MedintoNZ.asp

You may require a letter from your Doctor in this case,

[Mels]

thats great info - thanks Croft

Mels

[beekeeper]

Next question is - we will have ventolin inhalers and I have always put these in hand luggage, but can the spare go in the suitcases in the hold. As they must be pressurised containers(the ventolin) I didn't think this was safe?

Mels

I strongly recommend keeping all medications in your hand luggage. If your luggage gets searched, sometimes things mysteriously disappear (I'm still grumbling about some food being swiped from our baggage over Christmas). And, you do not want to be without asthma inhalers!

[Caroline and Dave]

I am Diabetic and do carry all my insulin in hand luggage. I have a doctors letter and twice I have been asked for it. I have flown about 20 times in the last 4 or 5 years and as I say have only been asked for my Doctors letter twice. Both of these times was to the U.S.A. However they are supposed to check.As regards putting medicines in the hold certainly liquids is a no no as temperature changes can effect the medicine.My G.P informed me of this. Also it was mentioned on this forum but my suitcase was broken into at LA airport and my BP tablets were taken so I now have my important medication with me at all times.I am covered by my Doctors letter. My G.P did not charge for this but G.P's do vary.

Hope this helps

Dave

[nippa&pippa]

From our nightmare experiences with UK's custom as our children's medications's label came off unknown to us, MAKE SURE your medications got your dr's label on it with your name on it........or otherwise you will have a battle with customs to ensure medications is coming with you which we did and VERY glad we did that because our son did had allergy reaction on aboard that night on way to NZ!