GLP-1 Travel Checklist

Everything you need to travel safely with GLP-1 injectable medications. Check off each item as you pack. Print this and keep it in your travel bag.

Before You Leave

Medication supply (bring extra -- enough for trip + 1 week buffer)

Never bring just enough. Delays happen.

Needles and syringes (if applicable, plus extras)

Alcohol swabs

Sharps container (travel-sized or use a hard plastic container)

Insulated cooling case or bag with gel ice packs

Most GLP-1 medications must be refrigerated. Cooling cases maintain temp for 12-24 hours.

Prescription label or letter from prescriber

Must have your name matching your ID. Carry the original pharmacy label or a provider letter.

Copy of insurance card (front and back)

Emergency info card (filled out -- see our template)

Pharmacy phone number (home pharmacy + chain pharmacy at destination)

Provider's phone number for emergencies

Calculate injection day at destination (see time zone section below)

TSA & Airport Rules

Injectable medications ARE allowed through TSA security

FDA-approved injectable medications are exempt from the 3.4oz liquid rule.

Needles/syringes ARE allowed with accompanying medication

Declare medications to the TSA officer at the checkpoint

Tell them: "I have injectable medication." They may inspect but cannot confiscate prescribed medication.

Request hand inspection if you prefer (instead of X-ray)

Keep medication in original packaging with prescription label visible

Ice packs are allowed (frozen or partially frozen) for medical needs

In Transit

ALWAYS keep medication in carry-on, NEVER checked luggage

Cargo holds are not temperature-controlled and can freeze or overheat medication.

Keep cooling case closed as much as possible to maintain temperature

If driving, keep medication in the passenger area, not the trunk

Do not leave medication in a hot car (even briefly)

At Your Destination

Refrigerate medication immediately upon arrival

Most hotels have mini-fridges. If not, call ahead and request one for medical needs (they must accommodate).

Set fridge to 36-46F (2-8C) -- standard refrigerator temperature

Do not place medication in the freezer

Locate nearest pharmacy at your destination

Locate nearest urgent care or ER (just in case)

Set a reminder/alarm for your adjusted injection day

Returning Home

Pack medication in carry-on with cooling case for return trip

Dispose of sharps properly (do not leave in hotel trash)

Most pharmacies will accept sharps containers. Some airports have medical waste bins.

Return to normal injection schedule once home

Time Zone Adjustment for Weekly Injections

For weekly GLP-1 injections, you can adjust your injection day by up to 2 days in either direction without issue. Use this calculator:

Home injection day: _________________

Home time zone: _________________

Destination time zone: _________________

Time difference: _______ hours

Adjusted injection day: _________________

Rule: If traveling east (gaining hours), you may inject 1 day earlier. If traveling west (losing hours), you may inject 1 day later.

GLP-1 Travel Checklist

Time Zone Adjustment for Weekly Injections

Emergency Contacts for This Trip