People travelling on the major UK airlines risk a lengthy delay or missing their flight under rules being questioned by GPs and charities.
As horror stories about travellers spending entire holidays without their luggage grow in number, alongside the mountains of bags at airports including Heathrow and Manchester, many will decide to opt only for hand luggage this summer.
For people who have a serious health condition, taking medication in the cabin is often crucial, in case they need it and to minimise the chances of it being lost.
Recently air travellers have reported being asked by security for a letter from their GP when they've brought medicine in their carry-on, despite only needing a prescription.
This has led to concern from organisations including BMA’s GP Committee, which said in a statement: "It has been brought to our attention that some airlines are advising that travellers bringing medication in their hand luggage should bring a letter from their medical practitioner confirming the type of medication and what it is for.
"We will raise this issue with the airline, but in the meantime, we would remind practices that patients can print off their medical record from the NHS app, or alternatively, practices are able to charge for travel-related requests for information."
Cheryl Gowar, senior policy and research manager at the National AIDS Trust - which campaigns for the rights of people living with HIV - also warned that the policy could lead to uncomfortable questions.
She said: “The airline’s guidelines could make someone feel forced to talk about their HIV status just to bring their medication onto a flight.
"At the very least this creates real anxiety for people, particularly those who may be travelling with friends or family who don’t know their HIV status.
"This is totally unnecessary and will exclude some people from flying.
“It’s also not practical. Not all medications are prescribed by GPs. HIV medication often won’t show up on GP records or on apps linked to them.
"We urge the airlines to rethink their guidelines and ensure they are inclusive for people living with HIV. Flying is stressful enough, and people living with HIV shouldn’t have to face these additional worries at the airport.”
The Mirror asked the major UK airlines for their policy on medicine in carry-on luggage, and heard back from Wizz Air, BA, TUI, Ryanair and Jet2.
While it did not reply, easyJet's website has the following guidance:
- We advise You to take Your medication in your hand baggage
- Please bring a letter from Your medical practitioner confirming the type of medication and what it is for
This is what the other airlines said:
Wizz Air
We recommend all passengers to bring their essentials into the cabin (such as personal hygiene items and medicines).
In case you did not purchase WIZZ Priority and checked-in your hand luggage you might take out personal items and bring them into the cabin.
When carrying medication in a liquid form, please check the safety regulations for carrying liquids on board. In cases where you need to carry essential medications, such as insulin, you will need to have a medical certificate with you confirming that you need the medication and present this document at the airport security if required.
Please note that our cabin crew cannot help you keep your medication refrigerated.
TUI
If you'll be carrying medication or medical equipment with you into the aircraft cabin, you'll need to bring a doctor's letter or prescription that shows all the items you need.
This is to make sure you can pass through check-in and security without any problems.
If the size or weight of your medication is more than your luggage allowance, we'll normally be able to carry it free of charge for you as hold luggage, but you'll need to call our Assisted Travel Team on 0203 451 2688 before you go to pre-book.
Calls from UK landlines cost the standard rate, but calls from mobiles may be higher. Check with your network provider
Medical equipment or machinery
We'll need to check any medical machinery is safe to carry or use onboard, so please give us a call with the following details before you travel.
We'll need to know:
Just so you know, some machinery can't be used during take-off and landing. If you'll need to use it during these parts of the flight, please let us know.
- Name of the equipment
- Manufacturer
- Make and model
- Battery type and wattage - if applicable
- Weight of the equipment
British Airways
Please carry any medication, including liquid medicines, or medical supplies, such as syringes, in your hand baggage (if possible in the original packaging) with a prescription or supporting letter from your doctor that confirms this medication is prescribed to you to avoid delays at security or customs.
Ryanair
Ryanair does not require customers to hold a doctor’s letter to carry medication in their hand luggage, however, this may be required by airport security.
Should a customer need to carry medical equipment in addition to their hand luggage, Ryanair will issue them with a medical baggage waiver letter.
All information regarding the carriage of medical equipment is available on Ryanair.com.
Jet2
All the essential medications you need for the duration of your journey should be carried in your hand luggage.
Essential liquid medication in quantities over 100ml must be certified as authentic by a doctor's letter and must be presented in their original containers.
Bottles and packaging may need to be opened by airport security during screening.
