Will an Inhaler Explode on a Plane? TSA Medication Rules

If you have a respiratory condition, such as asthma, and have been prescribed an inhaler by your doctor to use when necessary then you will obviously want to know if you can bring an inhaler on a plane with you when you travel.

Many people also wonder will an inhaler explode on a plane.

You should take note of the following rules, in particular when taking the inhaler and other medication through the airport security checkpoint.

The Quick Answer: Can you bring an inhaler on a plane? Don’t worry, your inhaler will not explode. TSA medication travel rules permit passengers to take inhalers on a plane with them in either carry on bags or checked luggage. If there is any possibility that you may need to use the inhaler during the flight then you must keep it in your carry on with you.

Can you take an inhaler through airport security

Do inhalers count as liquids on planes?

Although they contain a liquid, inhalers and spare inhaler canisters are exempt from the TSA liquids rule as they are prescription medications. This means liquid medications can be larger than the usual liquid restricted size of 3.4 ounces (100 ml).

Normally inhalers are actually smaller than the 3.4 ounce liquid limit anyway but it is at least good news that they don’t need to use up valuable space in your one quart resealable liquids bag leaving more room for other liquids and aerosols.

Do inhalers need to go in liquid bag?

Inhalers do not need to go in a resealable liquids bag with your other liquids.

However, they do need to be removed from your carry on bag or pocket and be placed in a separate security tray for screening. You must also bring the fact that you have the inhaler, and any other medication, to the attention of a security agent at the checkpoint.

It is possible that the security agents may wish to conduct additional screening tests on the inhaler before you are allowed to continue into the departure lounge and board your flight.

You would be advised to take with you any documentation you may have such as an asthma attack card, a note from a doctor or asthma nurse, prescription label – just in case.

@AskTSA inhaler questions

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) offers a very good service on Twitter and Facebook where you can ask a specific question about whether you can take something through the security checkpoint and they will respond quickly.

This is an example response to a passenger’s question regarding carrying an inhaler on a plane through airport security:

This passenger asked how and where they should declare their inhaler:

Will an inhaler explode on a plane?

Can inhalers explode on a plane is a question that is frequently asked by users. The answer is absolutely not.

Your inhaler will be perfectly safe and will not explode on a plane, whether you pack it in your carry on (the best place to keep it in case you need it) or in your checked luggage in the aircraft’s hold.

Do you need a doctor’s note/prescription for an inhaler?

You do not need either a note from your doctor or a prescription to show that you are entitled to carry an inhaler with you when traveling, but to be sure I would make sure you took one anyway.

This is the TSA’s response to a passenger who asked if a note from their doctor was required on Twitter:

Can you take an inhaler in your carry on?

Since there are no restrictions on taking an inhaler through the security checkpoint at the airport, then of course asthma inhalers are allowed in the aircraft’s cabin with you in your carry on luggage.

In fact, as with all essential medication, you should make sure you do have it with you in case you have an asthma attack during the flight. It is of no use to you in your checked luggage.

Make sure that you can get to it easily in the unlikely event that you need to use it during the flight, perhaps due to the reduced air pressure or the air conditioning.

Can you put an inhaler in checked luggage?

Although you are permitted to pack an inhaler and spare inhaler canisters in your checked baggage you would be well advised to pack them in your carry on bag instead. If you had an attack during the flight the inhaler is of no use to you in the aircraft’s baggage hold.

The last thing the airline or the crew will want is to have to divert the aircraft en-route to another airport in order for you to be given medical attention. They will do that of course but will not be happy if the only reason is that you packed your medication in your checked luggage.

So be safe and at least pack the inhaler in your hand luggage, even if you leave spare inhaler canisters in your checked luggage to use while you are away.

However, I would not recommend packing even your spare inhaler canisters in checked bags.

This is because the bag could be lost or delayed and there have been instances of inhalers being removed by security when the checked bags are screened. This is incorrect of course but that is no consolation if you arrive at your destination and find this has happened to you.

You would then need to try and obtain replacements, which in a strange town or country might be an issue.

So keep them with you at all times.

How many inhalers can you take on a plane?

You can bring as many inhalers as you are likely to need on your trip with you in either carry on or checked baggage.

Although they may take up space in your carry on, it is a good idea to pack them there rather than put any spares in your checked bags. It is not unheard of for checked bags to be delayed or lost.

If that happens you would have the problem of getting some replacements, perhaps in a country where you don’t speak the language.

Can you use an inhaler on a plane?

Yes, absolutely you can. If you need to use any asthma inhalers or asthma equipment while in the air, whether you are having an asthma attack or not, then there will be no restrictions on its use at all.

So if you need to use your inhaler then you just go ahead and use it without worrying. Your health will be the most important thing, not only for you but for the airline and the aircraft’s crew too.

Can I bring Albuterol on a plane?

You can bring Albuterol (commonly used in inhalers for asthma and other respiratory conditions) on a plane. When traveling:

1. Carry-On: It’s advisable to keep your Albuterol inhaler in your carry-on baggage so it’s easily accessible if needed during the flight.
2. TSA and Security: In the U.S., the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows medical liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities exceeding the standard 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) liquid limit. However, you should inform the security officer at the checkpoint about your Albuterol inhaler before the screening process begins.
3. Documentation: While it’s generally not required, it’s a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s note, especially for international travel, in case there are questions or concerns from security or customs officials.
4. International Travel: If you’re traveling internationally, check the regulations of your destination country to ensure there are no specific restrictions on bringing in Albuterol.

Can I take a nebulizer through airport security?

You are permitted to take a nebulizer through airport security. It must be removed from your carry on bag to be screened separately. The TSA gives this advice on its website:

Nebulizers, CPAPs, BiPAPs, and APAPs

A nebulizer, CPAP, BiPAP and APAP must be removed from its carrying case and undergo X-ray screening. Facemasks and tubing may remain in the case.You may provide a clear plastic bag to place the device through the X-ray. A TSA officer may need to remove it from the bag to test it for traces of explosives. Liquids associated with the nebulizer are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

TSA Advice

TSA traveling with medication video

Conclusion

As with all prescribed medication, you will have no problems taking an inhaler and spare inhaler canisters through the airport security screening process and on a plane in your hand luggage with you when traveling. Have a good and stress-free flight.

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