Whether you’re traveling by plane, car, or anything in between, the goal is the same: keep your medication safe and protected, without adding stress to your plans. Here’s what to know before you go, including packing tips, temperature guidance, air travel notes, and the documentation you may need.
Quick tips
Keep your medication in its original packaging with the prescription label
Pack it in your carry-on (never checked baggage)
Use an insulated pouch or cooler with an ice pack (if required)
Always store syringes safely
Have a plan for refrigeration at your destination
Have your Letter of Medical Necessity & prescription copy ready
How Dr. Green travels with a GLP-1
“I like to keep traveling with GLP-1s simple and low-stress. If my trip is 7 days or shorter, I usually leave my medication at home. If my dose is scheduled for a day I’ll be away from home, I will take it 1-2 days earlier or later so I don’t have to pack my medication.
When I do need to take my medication with me, I pack it in my carry-on at room temperature, then refrigerate it when I arrive. GLP-1s are stable at room temperature for up to 5 days, which makes travel days much easier. If traveling with an insulated bag or cooler makes you feel more at ease, that’s completely fine.
Depending on the trip, I may also take a break while traveling. If you’re not sure what makes the most sense for you, reach out to your Willow doctor to discuss.”
Dr. Michael Green
MD, OB/GYN, Family Medicine
What to bring and how to pack it
Packing list:
Medication
Syringes (pack extras just in case)
Alcohol wipes
A hard-sided case or pouch to protect supplies
An insulated bag or cooler and/or ice pack (if required)
Sharps disposal container
How to pack it:
Keep your medication in the original packaging with the prescription label.
Pack GLP-1s in your carry-on, not checked bags, to avoid extreme temperatures or lost luggage.
Use an insulated pouch, cooler, and/or ice pack if needed.
Keep syringes securely stored.
Taking oral dissolving tablets?
If you take oral dissolving tablets, travel can be especially simple! Pack them in your carry-on with the proper documentation, and avoid leaving them in the car or in direct sunlight.
Temperature safety
Temperature matters while you’re on the move. Here is how long GLP-1s can stay at room temperature, what to do once you arrive, and what to watch for.
While traveling:
Stable up to 5 days at room temperature (up to 86 °F / 30 °C).
Stable even at very high heat (up to 220 °F) for up to 75 hours.
When you arrive at your destination:
Store GLP-1s in a refrigerator between uses once you arrive.
General safety rules:
Avoid freezing, direct sunlight, or leaving your medication in a hot car.
If anything looks unusual, message your Willow doctor.
Air travel and TSA-friendly tips
GLP-1 medications are very common, so TSA and airport staff are used to seeing them. These tips can help the screening process go smoothly.
Keep your medication easy to reach in your carry-on.
Let TSA or airport staff know you have prescription medication.
Have the right documentation ready (see below).
Medically necessary liquids and supplies are usually exempt from standard liquid limits.
International travel
Rules can vary by country and airport, so here are some extra tips to ensure a worry-free experience:
Check your airline + departure/arrival airport guidance before you go.
Keep medications in original packaging and bring your Letter of Medical Necessity and prescription copy.
If you’re traveling across time zones, keep dosing consistent and message your provider if you’re unsure how to adjust.
Once you arrive: storing GLP-1s safely at your destination
Put your medication in the fridge as soon as you can.
Hotel mini-fridges can freeze items near the back, so store meds in the middle (not touching the freezer plate).
If you won’t reliably have a fridge, consider asking the hotel in advance about in-room refrigeration.
Syringe safety while traveling
Keep syringes securely stored.
Bring a sharps container or use a hard, puncture-resistant container if needed, and follow local disposal rules.
Never share supplies.
Documentation
To make travel easier, it helps to have the right documentation ready. You can download a Letter of Medical Necessity from the Patient Portal. It includes a copy of your latest prescription, which can be helpful to have on hand for airport screening or international travel.
More questions? If you have any questions about traveling with your GLP-1, reach out to your Willow doctor.