Questions About Checked Baggage - Food, Meds

I feel like I am getting conflicting reports about what we are allowed to bring in our checked (airline) baggage in terms of food, medications, and the like. Also, do we declare these items? I've never checked baggage in any of my flights!
Any help in this would be greatly appreciated. We are flying from JFK to LHR.

Specific items we are hoping to put in checked baggage:
1) Over-the-counter melatonin
2) Prescription inhalers
3) Perfume
4) 6 or fewer bottles of wine from a local winery
5) 6 or fewer bottles of infused olive oil

All you ever wanted to know.   

https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/arrivals-from-outside-the-eu

Thanks for that! I'm still confused about something like melatonin though. Others on the boards talk about bringing it but it seems to be by prescription-only in the UK. I'm not sure which rules apply in this?

It is prescription-only in the UK.

I would imagine you'd be okay bringing it as long as you have a copy of your prescription/a doctor's note for it.


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It is prescription-only in the UK.

I would imagine you'd be okay bringing it as long as you have a copy of your prescription/a doctor's note for it.


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It's over the counter in the US.  Would be like needing to bring a prescription for Neosporin.

I'd just be sure that you only bring a quantity that would be allowed for personal use.  Just don't look like you are going to resell it and it'll be fine.  Promise!

It's over the counter in the US.  Would be like needing to bring a prescription for Neosporin.

I'd just be sure that you only bring a quantity that would be allowed for personal use.  Just don't look like you are going to resell it and it'll be fine.  Promise!

Good point! Oops - totally not thinking straight there


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A bit late, but neosporin would be prescription meds in the UK, I believe - it's not available over-the-counter.

We brought in several large bottles of Ubiquinol with absolutely no questions asked.
They did search my luggage however, and I had to explain the Truvia Baking Blend, which apparently looks like cocaine on an airport scanner. Thank God it was in the original sealed packaging!

Oh my gosh, Nan ! 

Really. Got a young guy who knew nothing about cooking....

I have brought in melatonin several times with no problems.  Also naproxen which is only over the counter for period pain here.  I guess if you were bringing in a LOT they might take notice.

I have also brought in prescription inhalers and perfume.  Basically I've never had a problem with prescription meds.  It might take a little while to get registered with a GP (or get an appointment once registered) and they'll know you'll want to have your meds until you can get a new prescription here. 

By the way , never take melotinin to Dubai.  You'll end up in jail.

I didn't have time when I moved here permanently (packed up my entire home and was on the plane in 3 days), but for my first visit to my wife I brought two gigantic bottles of ibuprofen plus two big bottles of melatonin. I'd planned to say I would be here for a few months (true) and didn't know how much I would need (sort of true). No one even asked when I entered.