WN · United States · updated 2026-06-01
Southwest Airlines medication liquid rules
Essential liquid medicines are exempt from the 100 ml rule on Southwest Airlines flights. You can carry more than 100 ml in hand luggage if you have supporting documentation — usually a prescription or a doctor's letter — and declare it at the security checkpoint.
Send these rules to whoever you're travelling with.
What to know before you pack
- Keep medicines in their original labelled packaging so the name matches your documentation.
- Insulin, inhalers, liquid painkillers, eye drops and gel cold packs used medically all count as essential medicines.
- Split your supply between hand luggage and hold luggage where possible in case of delays or lost bags.
- Baby formula, breast milk, juice and medical liquids are TSA-exempt.
Southwest Airlines cabin bag at a glance
Personal item: 45 × 35 × 20 cm
Overhead bag: 60 × 40 × 25 cm
Frequently asked
Do I need a prescription for liquid medicine on Southwest Airlines?
For quantities over 100 ml, bring a prescription or doctor's letter. Under 100 ml, medicine can simply go in your clear liquid bag with no paperwork.
Where should medication go on a Southwest Airlines flight?
In your cabin bag, within easy reach. Medicines you may need during the flight should never be checked into the hold.
More Southwest Airlines liquid topics
Sources
- Southwest carry-on bags — checked 2026-06-01