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Pharma Packaging Expert Warns Against TikTok Tic Tac Travel Hack

Pharmaceutical packaging firm Origin urges travelers not to adopt travel hack as popularized on social media platform.

Repackaging medicines for travel can result in serious holdups.
Repackaging medicines for travel can result in serious holdups.

As airline travel approaches and exceeds pre-pandemic levels, travelers are seeking space-saving strategies for lighter bags. However, following travel advice from one TikTok video could lead to misunderstandings, warns Steve Brownett-Gale from pharmaceutical packaging company Origin.

“With the summer holidays in full swing, holidaymakers are naturally on the hunt for tricks and tips to make traveling abroad as easy as possible,” says Brownett-Gale. “However, one TikToker’s recommendation to swap your medication packaging for a Tic Tac box could see you banned from your flight.”

Empty Tic Tac containers might appear ideal for storing a small amount of medication for short trips, being compact and durable. However, using these containers in place of the original pharmaceutical packaging can lead to complications that go beyond flight bans.

Many countries require medication to be in original packaging when traveling abroad, Brownett-Gale explains. "If medication isn't in its original packaging or the label is unclear, airport security might struggle to identify it."

He emphasizes that using candy boxes for medicine can cause unanticipated issues such as delays or even prevent boarding.

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