Traveling with a cough or sore throat is never fun. Airplane cabins tend to be dry, and all these other passengers around you mean that you will need to keep your symptoms under control. It is exactly where cough drops are necessary. But before you pack them into your bag, you might wonder, can you bring cough drops on a plane? Or can you take cough drops on a plane without a hitch?
Yes, you can carry cough drops on a plane. The Transportation Security Administration permits solid and liquid drugs, which include over-the-counter drugs like cough drops or cough syrups, among others. But like most things in air travel, there are a few rules and guidelines you need to follow. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to avoid any mid-journey surprises.
Are cough drops allowed on a plane?
The answer is a reassuring yes! TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities. The cough drops you can carry are divided into two categories of solid and liquid cough drops. The necessary details about carrying them on a plane are listed below:
Solid Cough Drops
- Allowed in Carry-On Bags: You are allowed to carry as many solid cough drops as you want in your carry-on.
- Allowed in Checked Bags: They are also allowed in checked bags. You can pack them in your checked luggage without any restrictions.
- Original Packaging Recommended: There should never be any problem at security if cough drops are kept in their original packaging because loose loosened candies may call for unnecessary questions.
Liquid Cough Medicine
If liquid cough syrup is your go-to, that is on the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids list. This means:
- Size Limit: Any liquid has to be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.
- Quart-Sized Bag: All liquid containers need to fit into a single, clear, quart-sized zip-top bag.
- Medication Exemptions: Liquids for medicinal purposes, like cough syrup, are allowed in higher volumes. But you have to declare it to the TSA officer when passing through the checkpoint.
TSA Guidelines at a Glance
| Item | Carry-on | Checked Baggage | Special Instructions |
| Solid Cough Drops | Yes | Yes | Keep them in their original packaging to avoid delays during security screening. |
| Liquid Cough Medicine | Yes | Yes | ≤3.4 oz for regular liquids. Larger quantities are allowed if declared as medically necessary. |
How to Pack Your Cough Drops and Medicine
One must ensure he is packing correctly to save time and not get frustrated at the airport. A quick guide:
- Use Original Packaging: It lets security officers identify the products faster and avoids your luggage being searched at a second screening.
- Carry only what you need: Pack a few cough drops in a small container for short trips. For longer ones, use a resealable bag to keep things organized.
- Separate Your Medications: If you’re carrying liquid medication, place it in your liquids bag. For solid cough drops, keep them in an easily accessible part of your carry-on.
Why Airplane Travel Can Worsen a Cough
Air travel tends to aggravate respiratory conditions because of the special conditions that exist within an airplane cabin:
- Low Humidity: Cabin air typically has a humidity level of less than 20%, much lower than the 30-60% we’re used to on the ground. This dryness can irritate your throat and worsen coughing.
- Pressure Changes: Takeoff or landing can cause pressure differences that may irritate your sinuses, thereby causing an onset of postnasal drip and a scratchy throat.
- Extended Sitting: Long flights can be exhausting, and exhaustion often makes a lingering cough feel worse.
Having cough drops on hand is a convenient way to keep yourself feeling comfortable and prevent your symptoms from becoming disruptive.
How to Travel Comfortably with a Cough
Besides bringing cough drops, there are several steps you can take to help minimize the discomfort during your flight:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water before and during your journey so that your throat is always moist, thereby reducing irritation from the dry air of the cabin.
- Avoid Triggers: Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea, which tend to dehydrate you. Instead, drink water, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks.
- Wearing a Mask: If you are coughing often, the mask protects the other people that surround you; it moistens your throat and keeps it warm so you experience less irritation.
- Timing is Everything: Take a dose of cough medicine before boarding to manage symptoms during the flight. Having cough drops on hand will allow you to address any sudden irritation discreetly.
- Sit at the right seat: Sit on an aisle seat if possible. This will make standing and stretching easier, which reduces sinus pressure and coughs.
Why It’s Important to Plan Ahead
When you are traveling, especially by plane, a cough can become more than your problem very quickly. Airplanes are small, enclosed spaces, and frequent coughing can be a nuisance to your fellow passengers. Worse, it may make you a target for suspicious stares, especially in this post-pandemic world.
Carrying cough drops will help ease your throat, control your symptoms secretly, and avoid discomfort that is not needed. However, to be sure you do not face issues at security, you should know the rules that apply to these harmless lozenges.
Cough Drops and International Travel
Always remember that every country has its rules on medications. Cough drops are allowed everywhere, but some liquid medications may require more documentation or approval. Here are some general tips for traveling internationally:
- Research in Advance: Check the customs regulations of your destination to see if your cough medicine is allowed.
- Carrying Prescription: When bringing liquid medication in more quantity, it would help carry a prescription or a note from the doctor.
- Pack Extras: In case of delays or lost luggage, bring enough cough drops and medication to last a few extra days.
Cultural Considerations: Flying Post-Pandemic
Since the pandemic, airlines as well as passengers have been taking precautionary measures to protect against illnesses. Even though your cough may not be contagious, it is important to take precautions not to attract unwanted attention:
- Be Transparent: If your cough is due to allergies or a lingering cold, mention it to flight attendants so they’re aware.
- Bring a Doctor’s Note: With serious conditions requiring medication, it can avoid confusion sometimes.
Pro Tips for Stress-Free Travel
- Be Prepared: When TSA agents question you about your belongings, respond calmly with an explanation also having documentation for liquid medications can help.
- Pack smart: Carry all medications and essentials in a small organizer or pouch so they are readily available.
Do not wait until boarding and take care of your cold before flying to avoid coughing much up in the air.
Conclusion
So, can you bring cough drops on a plane? Answer: Absolutely! Solid cough drops are no issue at all, and liquid medications present no problem with a little preparation. You can travel with ease and grace, despite having a cough, by being knowledgeable about TSA rules and making some simple preparations.
Whether you’re going on a quick business trip or a long-awaited vacation, preparation makes a big difference. So grab those cough drops, pack smart, and fly with confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is better to pack them in their original package so that there is no confusion during security checks.
Unlikely. However, if they’re loose and scattered in your bag, they might cause delays during inspection.
In case, the TSA detects an undeclared liquid over 3.4 ounces, they will take it away from you. You should make the declaration before the screening.
Yes, the regular and sugar-free are both fine. The kind of cough drop does not matter as long as it is by the guidelines of TSA.
Sure. Just be aware of people around and dispose of the wrapping in proper trash.
