Practical Travel Safety Issues - OTC medication - what is allowed?

Yesterday, Mrs. nrgiii and our 2 kids flew home from spring break on US via PVR -> PHX -> PDX. We brought 2 bottles of OTC liquid kids cold medication with us from PDX because both kids were fighting colds.

Surprisingly, we had no trouble with TSA in either PDX or PHX, but I had a 15 minute argument with the Mexican screeners at the gate at PVR, who insisted all liquids must follow the 3-1-1 rule, INCLUDING medications. I politely disagreed and requested a supervisor be summoned. He repeated the same rule and of course, blamed TSA for the silly liquid rules. In the end, they let me take the meds on board, probably because we were the last to board and they wanted to close the flight.

My question is: who was right and how would you know? I'm not sure TSA rules apply to screening in PVR. If they do, then the TSA website clearly states:

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

2 x half-full 6 oz bottles of kids' cold meds seems "reasonable" to me.

Yesterday, Mrs. nrgiii and our 2 kids flew home from spring break on US via PVR -> PHX -> PDX. We brought 2 bottles of OTC liquid kids cold medication with us from PDX because both kids were fighting colds.

Surprisingly, we had no trouble with TSA in either PDX or PHX, but I had a 15 minute argument with the Mexican screeners at the gate at PVR, who insisted all liquids must follow the 3-1-1 rule, INCLUDING medications. I politely disagreed and requested a supervisor be summoned. He repeated the same rule and of course, blamed TSA for the silly liquid rules. In the end, they let me take the meds on board, probably because we were the last to board and they wanted to close the flight.

My question is: who was right and how would you know? I'm not sure TSA rules apply to screening in PVR. If they do, then the TSA website clearly states:

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

2 x half-full 6 oz bottles of kids' cold meds seems "reasonable" to me.

Yeah -- you're outside the U.S., so, anything goes. I'm actually surprised and pleased you didn't get any hassles from the domestic screeners. More often than not, you will find a screener who decides to practice medicine and determine the quantity of medicine you need.

I haven't flown from SJO in a few years, but they enforced crazy liquid regulations for flights to the US.

It originates from the TSA, but other countries enforce it differently. Last year in GIG they didn't say anything about liquids at screening or at the gate.

I haven't flown from SJO in a few years, but they enforced crazy liquid regulations for flights to the US.

It originates from the TSA, but other countries enforce it differently. Last year in GIG they didn't say anything about liquids at screening or at the gate.

Yeah I know, I had no problems flying with kid meds last summer either. I'm assuming this latest insanity is due to the underwear bomber.

Why use a liquid med when the same thing is available in pill form? No security has ever blocked any of my pills. I remember one female who seemed perplexed by my wife's hoard. But they all got through.

By the way, wasn't it in UK that the whole liquid thing started because the explosives used on subways were compounded from liquids?

Why use a liquid med when the same thing is available in pill form? No security has ever blocked any of my pills. I remember one female who seemed perplexed by my wife's hoard. But they all got through.

By the way, wasn't it in UK that the whole liquid thing started because the explosives used on subways were compounded from liquids?

Why be forced to make the decision? You should be able to take which ever you prefer.

As for the OP, if you are traveling domestically, OTC medications are allowed in bigger volumes than the 100ml.

Why use a liquid med when the same thing is available in pill form?Because you buy whatever's available at the moment. Because liquids are easier to swallow. Because lots of kids' meds don't come in pill form. (Take your pick.)

Pills can be dissolved in water. Liquid cold medicine pretty consistently tastes abominable. Actually when I was a kid, my parents gave me Aspergum which I found quite palateable.

Why use a liquid med when the same thing is available in pill form? No security has ever blocked any of my pills. I remember one female who seemed perplexed by my wife's hoard. But they all got through.

Thanks for the house call, doc.

By the way, wasn't it in UK that the whole liquid thing started because the explosives used on subways were compounded from liquids?

No, the supposed liquid plot to blow up planes, not subway bombings, caused the biggie circus.

Thanks for the house call, doc.



No, the supposed liquid plot to blow up planes, not subway bombings, caused the biggie circus.

But that, too, was in UK, right?

But that, too, was in UK, right?

That is where the plot originated, with targets in North America.

My recall is that the planes themselves were the targets. Just like that plot in the Philippines.

* United Airlines Flight 931 to San Francisco departing at 14:15
* Air Canada Flight 849 to Toronto departing at 15:00
* Air Canada Flight 865 to Montreal departing at 15:15
* United Airlines Flight 959 to Chicago departing at 15:40
* United Airlines Flight 925 to Washington departing at 16:20
* American Airlines Flight 131 to New York departing at 16:35
* American Airlines Flight 91 to Chicago departing at 16:50

Those were the targets. When I said targets in NA, I was referring to planes heading to NA.

but I had a 15 minute argument with the Mexican screeners at the gate at PVR, who insisted all liquids must follow the 3-1-1 rule, INCLUDING medications. I politely disagreed and requested a supervisor be summoned. He repeated the same rule and of course, blamed TSA for the silly liquid rules.

Mexico is of course a sovereign country and no American laws apply. TSA's silly rules only carry weight because theoretically we would turn back planes if they did not submit to US Government wishes. The Mexican security officer was correct to blame the TSA because Mexican law has no anti-terror baggie rule or anti bottled water rule. They only apply this rule at airports with many flight bound for the US because we force them to. As such what you experience is not Mexican law or rules, it is an interpretation by a foreign security service of what the think the US expects on flights bound for the US. Who knows what the TSA wants, so they give it their best guess.

For reference, Mexican law clearly defines what the Mexican government does not allow on aircraft not bound for the US. It is on-line here. http://www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx/assets/files/seguridad/4.PDF Scroll down and they have pictures and English descriptions. Notice, no Mexican ban on non-volatile liquids and no anti-terror baggies. They only do that on US bound flight to appease the TSA.

They do however ban pointy nail clippers and such whereas TSA relented on that ban some years back. This is another common point of contention with US passengers who foolishly think Mexico is bound by TSA rules.

* United Airlines Flight 931 to San Francisco departing at 14:15
* Air Canada Flight 849 to Toronto departing at 15:00
* Air Canada Flight 865 to Montreal departing at 15:15
* United Airlines Flight 959 to Chicago departing at 15:40
* United Airlines Flight 925 to Washington departing at 16:20
* American Airlines Flight 131 to New York departing at 16:35
* American Airlines Flight 91 to Chicago departing at 16:50

Those were the targets. When I said targets in NA, I was referring to planes heading to NA.

Not so much "targets in NA" as "NA targets" which those planes were.

I haven't flown from SJO in a few years, but they enforced crazy liquid regulations for flights to the US.

It originates from the TSA, but other countries enforce it differently. Last year in GIG they didn't say anything about liquids at screening or at the gate.

Still in full force at SJO. Main security checkpoint isn't such of a big deal, but they're doing the gate screening in full force.

They're doing the same at LIR and other airports in Central America. Main security checkpoint here was shoes on, laptop in bag. Nice and quick CP experience!

But that, too, was in UK, right?

Yes.

Should I expect any problems traveling with a 4 oz bottle of over the counter cough syrup? Would rather not have to buy another bottle of the stuff. I could probably just put it in my pocket and they would never know, but is there a legitimate way of getting it through security?

Should I expect any problems traveling with a 4 oz bottle of over the counter cough syrup? Would rather not have to buy another bottle of the stuff. I could probably just put it in my pocket and they would never know, but is there a legitimate way of getting it through security?

Based on my experience, you'll get hassled. OTOH, if you break into a fit of coughing all over the TSA screener that gets in your face, you may be able to justify keeping it (YMMV).

On my last flying trip, I found the travel section now has "kits" for the 3-3-1 rule. If anything that doesn't fit in the kit goes in checked luggage, a person should slip right through. I might try one flight in this new environment. Then I have to decide just how much flying means to me. Don't know if I can count on fellow Americans to recover from this fit of fear they've been in since 2001.

Most non-US airports are enforcing the liquid issue as a sop to the USA. Just push the point and you can probably carry on whatever you have. I've gone through full-on gate checks where every carry-on gets dumped and water bottles sail right through. Just. Say. No.

We flew CUN-DFW-SFO on 12/15 and as usual CUN had no problem with liquids. I've had to empty water bottles for them but they have always been very lenient with meds. I was carrying cough syurp and inhalers (for the 4 kids) and had to dose at least once en flight. I won't need to test going home (SFO-DFW-CUN) as we've exhausted our most excellent Mexican cough syrup (that you can't get in the US).

But as you know, in Mexico the rules are really just suggestions. :)

Why use a liquid med when the same thing is available in pill form? No security has ever blocked any of my pills. I remember one female who seemed perplexed by my wife's hoard. But they all got through.

By the way, wasn't it in UK that the whole liquid thing started because the explosives used on subways were compounded from liquids?

Why not use whatever medication is best for the individual? Explosives can be liquid, gas, or solid. Plasmas are problematic as carry-on substances.

Just say NO to security theater.

Yesterday, Mrs. nrgiii and our 2 kids flew home from spring break on US via PVR -> PHX -> PDX. We brought 2 bottles of OTC liquid kids cold medication with us from PDX because both kids were fighting colds.

Surprisingly, we had no trouble with TSA in either PDX or PHX, but I had a 15 minute argument with the Mexican screeners at the gate at PVR, who insisted all liquids must follow the 3-1-1 rule, INCLUDING medications. I politely disagreed and requested a supervisor be summoned. He repeated the same rule and of course, blamed TSA for the silly liquid rules. In the end, they let me take the meds on board, probably because we were the last to board and they wanted to close the flight.

My question is: who was right and how would you know? I'm not sure TSA rules apply to screening in PVR. If they do, then the TSA website clearly states:

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

2 x half-full 6 oz bottles of kids' cold meds seems "reasonable" to me.

TSA has no problem with OTC medication. Its best of course to put them in your checked baggage, but if you choose not to its not a problem. It is the reason why we have the medical liquid exemption.

Obviously I cant speak to what the authorities in Mexico require, it’s a whole ‘nother country, and TSA has no authority there.

Based on my experience, you'll get hassled. OTOH, if you break into a fit of coughing all over the TSA screener that gets in your face, you may be able to justify keeping it (YMMV).

That would likely be considered assault on a federal employee, punishable by up to 20 years at Club Fed.

OK, so someone answer me this: If I open a carryon and see a bottle labeled children's cough syrup, how do I know what the contents of the bottle really are?