Some airlines are advising travellers bringing medication in their hand luggage, should bring a letter from their medical practitioner confirming the type of medication and what it is for.

We have raised this issue with the airline, who advised that if a passenger packs their medication in their hold luggage, they do not require any of their medical information.

If a passenger seeks to carry their essential medication in their cabin luggage, and the form of the medication contravenes aviation regulations e.g., the use of sharps, liquids more than 100ml or oxygen cylinders, they require the passenger to produce confirmation from their healthcare practitioner that the medication is necessary to be carried as it may be required on board.

However, as the advice on their website is not clear on this point as it "advises passengers to take their medication in their hand luggage, and it does not specify which sort of medication requires a letter", we have written to the airline again asking for their webpage to be updated on this point.

Practices may choose to do this private work but are not obliged to do so; if they do, practices are able to charge for travel-related requests for information. Patients can also provide proof of medical conditions and medication by showing airlines their medical records on the NHS App, by accessing their online medical record, or by getting a copy of their medical summary from their practice.