Travel

Flying with vials and cold packs: what the rules actually say

Every VialHaus order includes this as a printable card. Download the travel card (PDF) and the label sheet (PDF).

United States (TSA)

Medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols are allowed in carry-on in reasonable quantities above 3.4 oz / 100 ml. Declare them to the officer at the checkpoint and separate them from other items for screening.

TSA, verbatim: "Ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs and other accessories may be presented at the screening checkpoint in a frozen or partially-frozen state to keep medically necessary items cool." If they are slushy they may get extra screening. Source: tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures.

TSA does not approve products. Any case sold as "TSA approved" is using a phrase TSA itself does not use.

European Union, EEA and UK

Under EU Regulation 2015/1998, medicines needed during the trip are exempt from the 100 ml liquids limit. The exemption names medicines; gel packs are not named, so acceptance is at the screener's discretion. Keep vials in the sealed case, keep cold packs frozen solid, carry a short note or prescription if you have one, and ask for a manual inspection if you want to avoid the X-ray.

The night before

• Freeze the cold packs flat.
• Vials in the case, case in an insulated bag, packs on both sides of the case, never touching glass.
• Carry-on only. Hold temperatures swing.
• On arrival: hotel fridge, and a phone alarm for checkout titled VIALS IN FRIDGE.

Storage accessories only. Not medical advice. Rules change; check tsa.gov and your airport before flying.