For the first time in many a long year, we are considering checking some bags into the hold on our flights from LHR into SFO and out of LAX. Having read and heard some horror stories of stuff going missing, bags arriving open etc. , I have never really been happy with the thought of someone opening TSA locks and searching through our stuff but not a lot we can do about that! Is it really an issue?

Also, I will be bringing prescription medications with me. Is it necessary to bring copy prescriptions with me? What about over the counter meds? Will the labels on the packs showing my name suffice?

Many thanks in advance.

The meds should be in their original containers showing the prescription. You should always carry any meds you take regularly in your carry-on. Most over the counter pills have identifying names or numbers on them and can be easily checked by TSA. However, if you want to avoid your luggage being held up, keep them in their original containers. I buy travel size bottles of things such as Advil and refill them from larger containers at home.

I always check one (small) bag for flights. So far (crossing fingers and touching wood) I have had no major problems - a couple of times I've had trouble with it getting rained on (I now line it with plastic), or arriving on a different carousel than the one I expected. I carry prescription meds in the original containers, but vitamins mixed together, and definitely in my carry-on. Never had any of them looked at. My carry-on also has a change of socks, underwear and top, all electronics and small containers of toiletries (larger ones in the checked bag). Since there will be two of you traveling you might want to cross pack in the checked bags.

In over thirty years of both International and Domestic travel (100's of flights with over 3 million flying miles) I have never, repeat, never carried my prescription meds in their original containers nor have I taken copies of my prescriptions with me. I just put my meds in those "7 day" pill holders on short trips and in small plastic baggies on longer trips when I need more than a 7 day supply. Customs officials in every country I have visited have never once questioned me about the meds nor even given them more than a perfunctory glance (on very rare occasions). I have ALWAYS put my meds in my carry-on bag.

Now, while I tried to only take carry-on bags whenever possible I'd estimate that, during those thirty years of travel, on 25% of my flights I've checked luggage. On those flights I have only had two items (in each case it was a leather belt) that have gone missing and the were on flights originating and ending in Africa. I have NEVER had a checked bag go missing. I have had a bag be delayed for a few hours but on those rare occasions it was delivered to me within 24 hours. So, based on my experience, while the chances of someone stealing something from your luggage is infinitesimal you should not put anything of substantial value or anything you can't afford to loose in your checked luggage.

In over thirty years of both International and Domestic travel (100's of flights with over 3 million flying miles) I have never, repeat, never carried my prescription meds in their original containers nor have I taken copies of my prescriptions with me. I just put my meds in those "7 day" pill holders on short trips and in small plastic baggies on longer trips when I need more than a 7 day supply. Customs officials in every country I have visited have never once questioned me about the meds nor even given them more than a perfunctory glance (on very rare occasions). I have ALWAYS put my meds in my carry-on bag.

Ditto. With the notable exception of the four times we were in the process of moving to new countries, and I had a year's worth of meds. I was a bit more careful with documentation then, but still didn't have any issues. And always, always packed in my cabin bag.

Traveling to/within the US there is really no reason at all to lug the original containers. That is a bit of an urban myth. Even the TSA website only recommends meds should be labeled. TSA agents have seen every legal/illicit/OTC pill, capsule, tablet, etc there is and will know what they are on sight. I usually use these type of teensy baggies for both the few prescriptions I have and for most OTC things. They take up virtually no space and can be reused for future trips: https://www.containerstore.com/s/tra...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

Or even those regular weekly/two weekly pill organizers are just fine - in my packing class I recommend folks type up a list of the contents and tape it to the bottom of the organizer.

Having a copy of the prescription can be handy in case one loses their meds during the trip.

Best belt and suspenders method for medications is to split the amount into two different bags (carry on, personal item) and carry either prescriptions or at least a list of the names (brand and generic) and dosages. If a bag is stolen or damaged or if there is an involuntary delay in getting home, you will still be covered.

Carry all meds - Rx and OTC - in your cabin baggage in quantities to cover your planned itinerary plus a couple days in case of unanticipated delays.
I have a couple pill organizers that I load before traveling and also pack a list of all meds with name, dose and schedule. Never had a problem with this system.

Thanks all for the information guys. Upon reflection I should perhaps have not conflated the two issues of prescriptions and checking bags. Having been travelling the world more or less continually since 2008 until you know what happened, I have developed my own packing regime which naturally includes packing any meds in my carryon. Indeed 99% of the time they are the only bags we take.

It is a long time since I have been in the US, perhaps even pre 9/11 but have heard a lot of what a pain it can be to get through immigration, customs , TSA etc. compared with many other countries (not a criticism, just a fact). I have heard stories of how bags, checked or carryon are searched either in front of passengers or behind the scenes. i just want to avoid any issues on arrival.

Drugs
My main concern was some pretty hefty painkillers I have for back pain but, fingers crossed, a spinal injection seems to have sorted that out so even those may not be necessary. Upon reflection, all prescriptions are on my NHS App which I can show to anyone who is interested. Paper prescriptions, I don’t have so I am reassured by your comments that this is a non issue.

Checked bags

I guess what I can’t get my head around is that if I put a lock on something I want it to keep people out, not let selective people in! We will still travel light with carryon only on the way out but, having finally given in and in the process of buying a permanent home, we thought we may but some stuff there that is difficult, or more expensive to buy in the U.K., to bring back. Just wouldn’t want find that any stuff had disappeared when we get back!

Thursdaysd "Since there will be two of you traveling you might want to cross pack in the checked bags." Good point! If a bag does go astray with all my stuff in it, then the only other option may be cross-dressing - in my case , something that no one would want to see 😜

Thanks all. We are beyond excited about our upcoming trip to California. With case numbers on the rise on both sides of the pond, fingers crossed that someone doesn’t decide to shut the doors once again!

Regarding locks - we use cable ties these days. At least that way we know if someone has cut them off to gain access. If TSA opens your bag they leave a note telling you. Not sure how you go about making a claim if something is damaged or missing though. I've had damage to a few items that were removed, unwrapped from their protective packaging then hastily and poorly re-wrapped, but that was a long time ago and I didn't pursue it as the items were low value, but impossible to replace.

The simple fact is you are not going to stop TSA (or any other country's equivalent agency) from opening and inspecting the contents of your checked bags. It can happen randomly to anyone during any trip. On those rare occasions when it has happened to my checked luggage the TSA has always put a notice inside the bag. Likewise, while it doesn't often happen when traveling internationally there's always the possibility (extremely rare) that you'll be singled out by a Customs official for a more detailed physical search of your bags. If that happens it is always done in your presence.

I wouldn't worry too much about items being taken from your checked luggage - just don't put money, jewelry, credit cards and other similar items in your checked luggage.

The painkiller could be a controlled type substance so keep in the original labeled container at a minimum. I have never had issues with OTC in any kind of packaging (often just a pill container).

More likely that luggage gets lost or damaged not something removed. And they do leave a note. Anything that is of value or fragile in cabin luggage.

I once thought that my camera charger had been taken out by TSA so had to go shopping for a new one in Lima. It was a miracle that I found a used one in that specialized electronics mall, as it was an old model Olympus. When I got home a month later I found it had fallen out and was behind a sofa cushion.

We do have ag type declaration and inspection so avoid any plants/wood/fruits/meat/dairy. I have seem them confiscate stuff. If it's food like chocolate or baked goods just declare it and it will go through.

you can as others have said put your medication and those little seven day pill organizer boxes. I always do and it’s never a problem.
that being said I would not take a chance on having your bag lost or delayed. I always take them with me on board.
I have never had anything stolen from our bags but ironically one time when we flew from Chicago to Tahiti and when I got in my bag there I noticed the lock was missing. It was a TSA approved lock and I found it mangled inside my bag. Nothing was missing but I had charging cords for Nokia, Sony, and Minolta products that were not mine. 😊. Clearly somebody was missing something. I imagine the TSA just got very confused when they were inspecting the bags.
good luck and I am glad the injection is working to relieve your back pain. Sometimes a good shot in the right spot is all it takes!

If the pain killer is an opioid or similar you might want to have the original container but just a label is probably sufficient. The one and only time I've ever had my medications scrutinized in any detail was when I had oxycodone (Wouldn't you just know ! LOL ) I had a torn ACL and I was coping mostly with Tylenol 3 (the equivalent of Paracetamol with codeine) but the doctor suggested I take the oxy just in case. I didn't have the original container - but did have my prescription. The TSA agent knew what is was and did mention it but didn't ask for any documentation -- I explained re the ACL and he commiserated and sent me on my way.

Just a quick minor warning on those seven day pill minders. Put it in a sealed plastic bag. It is no fun searching the contents of your baggage for the Tuesday pills that popped out when the cover's catch failed.

I would bring documentation for narcotics for sure (sounds like you will).

Good reminder about the day pill reminders potentially flipping open.

No narcotics, opiates, oxycodone etc, or cocaine, heroin, crack, spice or hash for that matter! Although I understand hash is readily available and legal in California - brownies here we come ;-) - The pain killers and anti inflammatories I have on the NHS App so I think I am good to go.
Thanks for all the help. If I happen to stop posting after the 11th January can someone come along to bail me out??

I will sneak a file into one of those space cakes.

Thanks JW. I knew I could rely on you 😉

We bring a list of our medications with their scientific not brand names. One time in France my spouse was very ill and the MD requested such a list which we didn’t have. He explained that it would have been easier for him to understand our prescriptions if they were written that way. Our prescriptions are listed on our accounts at our doctors’ websites so it is easy to print them out and ask for brand names to be replaced with scientific names if needed.