How to bring an ice pack through airport security

If you take medication that must remain cool, you may be wondering how you can get an ice pack past the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). After all, aren’t all gels and liquids banned from carry-on bags?

Happily, you won’t have to sneak anything by TSA officers. The rules governing liquids and gels are relaxed in the case of medications and medical supplies. The TSA’s information page for travelers with disabilities specifically states, “gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions” are permitted, provided they are declared to a TSA officer as soon as you get in line.

For more information, see my recent Tip of the Day about the TSA’s regulations for traveling with prescription medication.

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