Travelling with Wegovy: Real Tips from Patients Who’ve Done It
For anyone starting Wegovy (semaglutide), one of the most common questions is: How do I travel with it?
Unlike tablets, Wegovy comes as a weekly injection in pre-filled pens that need to be stored carefully. They are sensitive to heat, freezing, and must be transported safely - often across airports, borders, and long-haul flights. That can make travelling feel complicated, especially the first time you try.
The good news is that thousands of people travel with Wegovy every month, and most report that it’s surprisingly straightforward once you know the basics. We’ve gathered real tips from users who’ve been there, alongside professional guidance, to help you plan your next trip with confidence.
Airport Security and TSA Experiences
One of the biggest worries for new travellers on Wegovy is airport security. Will TSA or customs agents question the pens? Do you need to declare them?
In practice, most users report no issues at all.
"No issues going through TSA. Kept the pens in the fridge once I arrived." -u/some_cherylisms
"I just put it in a ziplock bag and let TSA know… it’s no big deal at all." -u/Frosty_Invite2428
"They don’t even look at it. They see thousands of injectable meds daily." -u/TropicalBlueWater
Some people choose to mention it upfront, while others don’t say anything. Either way, Wegovy is a prescribed medication, and injectable pens are allowed through security checkpoints.
Carry-On vs Checked Luggage
If there’s one universal piece of advice, it’s this: never put Wegovy pens in your checked baggage.
"Always carry on prescription medication. Checked baggage gets lost all the time." -u/Emotional_Print8706
"From what I've read, do NOT store your medicine in checked baggage. It may freeze or get too hot." -u/kevink4
"Do NOT put it in your checked luggage. It'll freeze and get ruined." -u/LetterheadFew8948
The cargo hold of a plane isn’t climate controlled in the same way as the cabin. Temperatures can swing from freezing to very hot, either of which can damage the medication. Keeping Wegovy in your carry-on bag - whether a backpack, purse, or laptop case - ensures it stays safe and accessible.
Keeping Wegovy Cool While Travelling
Another major concern is temperature control. Wegovy pens are usually stored in the fridge, but when you’re on the move, you may not always have access to refrigeration.
Luckily, Wegovy can remain at room temperature (up to 30°C / 86°F) for 28 days. This means most short holidays and flights are well within safe limits. Still, many users like to take extra precautions.
"I use a FRIO wallet for going to hot places where I’m worried it’ll go above room temp." -u/dramamime123
"Get a FRIO cooling wallet. All you need is cool water to keep it cool for up to 45 hours." -u/ClinTrial-Throwaway
"I’d definitely bring a cooler bag. I love Medactiv bags." -u/Other-Albatross1904
Specialised cooling pouches (like FRIO or Medactiv) are TSA-approved and designed for insulin, so they work just as well for Wegovy. They’re reusable, don’t require ice packs, and keep pens safe in hot climates.
International Travel and Customs
Travelling across borders adds another layer of anxiety: will customs agents question Wegovy pens?
Most people who’ve travelled internationally report smooth experiences, especially if they kept the medication in its original box.
"The prescription sticker was on the box… I put it in a pouch with wipes and pen, then fridge at the hotel." -u/amused-bush
"Keep it in the box with the prescription sticker and have it in your carry-on." -u/PashasMom
"Probably best to keep a prescription with you if possible if going to a country with strict drug laws." -u/blackwolf1564
For peace of mind, bring your prescription or a doctor’s note, especially if you’re visiting countries with stricter import rules around medication. Avoid travelling with unlabelled or compounded vials, which can draw unnecessary scrutiny.
Long Trips and Storage Abroad
For longer holidays, the main issue is storage at your destination. Wegovy pens can last up to 28 days at room temperature, but many travellers prefer refrigeration when available.
"It can stay unrefrigerated for 28 days. Bring it with you on the plane and keep refrigerated when you can." -u/Lolo_Belle
"The cabin is more consistent. The medication can be kept at room temperature for nearly a month." -u/scsbutler
"I travelled from the UK to Japan… just put it in the fridge as soon as we got to the hotel." -u/amused-bush
Hotel fridges can sometimes be unreliable (and may even freeze medication), so check carefully. If in doubt, use a cooling wallet or insulated pouch instead.
Should You Skip Doses While Travelling?
Travel often disrupts routines, and some people consider skipping doses while away. The consensus from users is mixed: some skipped without issue, while others regretted it.
"For one holiday I chose to skip a dose… it was also totally fine although I was only on 1mg at the time." -u/[deleted]
"You’ll be fine taking it 3 days late. If you’ve been at your current dose for a while you can probably just skip one." -u/ryguy4136
"The manufacturer recommends that you take missed doses within 5 days." -u/valkyriion
While flexibility exists, regular dosing is recommended whenever possible. Skipping can mean the return of cravings ("food noise"), and restarting after a gap may increase side effects. For longer trips, talk to your doctor about dose planning and supply.
Pharmacist Insight
To provide professional reassurance, we asked Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist at Medino, for his advice:
"Travelling with Wegovy is very manageable with the right preparation. Always keep your pens in your carry-on, never checked luggage. They can remain at room temperature for up to 28 days, but cooling wallets are a smart option for hot climates. When travelling internationally, carry them in the original packaging with a prescription label or doctor’s note to avoid complications at customs."
Conclusion: Plan Ahead, Travel Smoothly
Travelling with Wegovy may feel daunting the first time, but real-world experiences show it’s straightforward with a little preparation.
- Keep Wegovy pens in your carry-on.
- Use cooling wallets or insulated bags if you’re worried about heat.
- Store in original packaging with prescription labels for customs.
- Avoid skipping doses where possible - and if you do, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
With these simple steps, holidays and work trips don’t need to interrupt your progress. Wegovy is meant to fit into your life, not the other way around. Thousands of patients travel safely with it every month - and with a plan in place, you can too.
