Jazmin Li
If you wear contact lenses, you may have wondered whether you can buy contact lens solution at the airport. The answer is yes, you can generally buy travel-size bottles of contact lens solution at drugstores or big-box stores in airports. However, it is essential to plan ahead and be aware of the security regulations regarding carrying contact lens solution on a plane. While contact lens solutions are considered medically necessary liquids, allowing you to bring larger amounts, certain solutions may contain chemicals that trigger security alarms, and you must declare them at the security checkpoint. To avoid any hassle, it is recommended to pack larger bottles in checked luggage and carry travel-size bottles in your carry-on luggage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you bring contact lens solution on a plane? | Yes, but follow the rules. |
| Where to buy contact lens solution? | At any drugstore or big box store. |
| What to do if you need a large bottle? | Place it in your checked luggage. |
| What to do if you need a small bottle? | Place it in your carry-on luggage. |
| How to avoid leaks? | Squeeze out excess air from the bottle. |
| How to avoid hassle at security checkpoints? | Pack according to TSA guidelines. |
| What if your contact lens solution contains certain chemicals? | Declare it to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection. |
| What if you lose your luggage? | Keep your contact lenses and solution in your carry-on luggage. |
| What else to pack? | Spare glasses, a case, rewetting eye drops, extra lenses, and contact lens cases. |
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What You'll Learn
Contact lens solution is considered a medically necessary liquid
Contact lens wearers need to take extra precautions when travelling, especially on flights longer than three hours, as the air inside the plane becomes drier over time. The American Optometric Association states that dry air, reduced oxygen availability, and reduced humidity and atmospheric pressure can cause discomfort for contact lens wearers. Therefore, it is important to take contact lens solution on board, as it is considered a medically necessary liquid.
Contact lens solution is essential for the maintenance of contact lenses. It is used for cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, and storing lenses. There are various types of solutions available on the market, including:
- Multipurpose contact lens solution, which is the most convenient option as it serves multiple purposes.
- Hydrogen peroxide solution, which is suitable for those sensitive to preservatives, but requires extra care to ensure the solution is neutralized before putting the lenses in the eyes.
- Daily cleaner, which is popular but does not disinfect lenses, requiring an additional product for rinsing.
- Saline solution, which is pH-balanced saltwater used for rinsing lenses before insertion.
- Packaging solutions, which are saline solutions buffered with borate or phosphate to maintain the normal pH range for tears.
When flying, it is recommended to follow the 3-1-1 rule and place contact lens solutions in carry-on luggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits liquids in carry-on luggage to 3.4 ounces, but allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids if declared at the checkpoint for inspection. However, some contact lens solutions may contain chemicals that alarm during screening and may not be permitted. Therefore, it is advisable to use travel-sized bottles of solution to avoid any issues.
Additionally, it is important to prioritize eye health and safety when wearing contact lenses. Proper contact lens care reduces the risk of infection and increases comfort. Decorative contact lenses, in particular, carry risks of allergic reactions or bacterial eye infections if purchased from unauthorized retailers. It is recommended to always use contact lenses prescribed by a licensed doctor and follow their instructions for proper care and maintenance.
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You can bring contact solution on a plane
Yes, you can bring contact lens solution on a plane, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, contact lens solution is considered a medically necessary liquid by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This means that you are allowed to carry on larger amounts than the standard 3.4-ounce liquid limit, but you must declare it to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection. It is recommended to place larger amounts of contact lens solution in your checked baggage, as some solutions contain chemicals that may not be permitted through the checkpoint.
When packing your contact lens solution, it is a good idea to put it in a sealed bag to prevent leaks. Buying travel-size bottles of solution can save you the trouble of having to declare it at the security checkpoint. It is also recommended to keep your contact lens solution, lenses, and accessories in a separate, labelled bag to make it easy to pull them out for inspection.
In addition to your contact lens solution, you may also want to pack rewetting drops to keep your contacts moist in your eyes during the flight, especially if you plan to sleep on the plane. The air inside the plane can become dry, leading to contact lens discomfort. It is also a good idea to pack a spare pair of glasses in case you need to remove your contacts.
Overall, travelling with contact lenses does not have to be complicated. By following the above tips and planning ahead, you can ensure a comfortable trip with clear vision.
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Rules for bringing contact lens solution vary across countries
Rules for bringing contact lens solution on a flight vary across countries, and it is always best to check with the airline and airport you are travelling through before your trip.
In general, contact lens solution is allowed on a plane, but there are rules to follow. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities. However, these must be declared to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection. Any liquids over 3.4 ounces (100ml) will need to be placed in checked baggage, and some contact lens solutions contain chemicals that may not be permitted through the checkpoint.
It is recommended that travellers buy travel-sized contact lens solution bottles to avoid this issue, and to keep the solution in carry-on luggage, as checked luggage can sometimes be lost or delayed. It is also a good idea to bring a pair of glasses, and perhaps a spare pair of contact lenses, in case of eye infections or injuries. Rewetting drops can also be useful to combat dry air on planes, and to keep contacts moist.
In some countries, it may be difficult to purchase contact lens solution, so it is advised to bring enough for the entire trip, plus some extra. It is also useful to bring an up-to-date prescription, in case you need to buy more solution or lenses while abroad.
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Keep contact lens solution in carry-on luggage
Keeping your contact lens solution in your carry-on luggage is a good idea for several reasons. Firstly, if your checked luggage is lost or delayed, you will still have access to your contact lenses and solution. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, in 2023, nearly six out of every 1,000 bags were mishandled, so keeping your contact lens solution with you can give you peace of mind.
Secondly, the air inside an aircraft cabin becomes drier as time goes on, and dry air, reduced oxygen availability, and reduced humidity and atmospheric pressure can cause contact lens discomfort, especially on flights lasting three hours or longer. By keeping your contact lens solution in your carry-on luggage, you can easily access it to rewet your lenses during the flight and avoid discomfort.
Now, when it comes to the specifics of keeping contact lens solution in your carry-on luggage, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers contact lens solution a medically necessary liquid, which means you are allowed to bring more than the standard 3.4-ounce limit for other liquids.
- However, you must declare any contact lens solution over 3.4 ounces to the TSA officer at the security checkpoint for inspection.
- Some contact lens solutions contain chemicals that may trigger an alarm during screening and may not be permitted through the checkpoint. Therefore, it is recommended to place larger bottles of contact lens solution in your checked baggage.
- To avoid leaks, squeeze out any excess air from the bottle before packing it. The pressure changes in the aircraft cabin can cause the air in the bottle to expand and lead to leaks.
- Keep your contact lens solution in a small bag that zips or closes securely, along with your lens cases, rewetting drops, and other contact lens supplies.
- Remember to also pack your glasses, spare contact lenses, and your contact lens prescription or doctor's information in your carry-on luggage.
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Buy travel-size contact lens solution bottles
If you wear contact lenses, it's important to plan ahead when travelling. It's recommended to keep your contact lenses and solution in your carry-on luggage, as checked luggage can sometimes be lost or delayed. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits liquids in carry-on luggage to 3.4 ounces (100 ml), so it's best to buy travel-sized bottles of contact lens solution before your trip.
TSA-approved bottles of contact lens solution can usually be found at home, but they may be harder to come by overseas, especially in your preferred brand. If you're travelling carry-on only, you may want to pack multiple bottles of 2 oz (or 100 ml) solution, or invest in solid toiletries to save space.
- Biotrue, 2 oz: available as a single or a pack of 4
- Opti-Free Puremoist, 2 oz: comes with a free lens case
- Renu MultiPlus, 2 oz: pack of 3
In addition to travel-sized bottles, it's a good idea to bring a contact lens case, rewetting eye drops, and a spare pair of glasses when travelling. The air inside a plane can become dry, so it's important to stay hydrated and consider using rewetting drops to avoid contact lens discomfort.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring contact lens solution on a plane, but it is considered a liquid, so you must follow the rules for liquids. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits liquids in carry-on luggage to 3.4 ounces, but doesn't set any limits for checked luggage.
No, you do not need to buy contact lens solution at the airport. You can bring your own as long as it is under 3.4 ounces or packed in checked luggage. However, if you do need to buy some, you can typically find it at any drugstore or big box store.
If your contact lens solution is over 3.4 ounces, you can still bring it, but you must declare it at the security checkpoint and it may be subject to additional screening. Some airports may require you to put it in your checked luggage.
Yes, one alternative is to use daily disposable contact lenses, which do not require cleaning solution. You can also use rewetting drops to keep your contacts moist during the flight.
