Roberta Aguirre
Travelling with contact lenses can be stressful, especially when it comes to navigating airport security. The good news is that contact lenses are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, it's important to be aware of the regulations around contact lens solutions, which are considered medically necessary liquids. While you can bring larger amounts of contact lens solution, some solutions contain chemicals that may not meet TSA regulations and could trigger security alarms, so it's essential to declare them at the checkpoint for inspection. To ensure a smooth journey, pack your contact lenses and solutions in a separate, labelled bag, and always bring extra lenses and a spare pair of glasses, just in case.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you carry contact lenses on a plane? | Yes, contact lenses are allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. |
| Do contact lenses need to be declared? | No, but disposable contact lenses should be placed inside a transparent bag. |
| Can you carry contact lens solution on a plane? | Yes, but only in amounts larger than the standard 3.4 ounces allowed for liquids if it is medically necessary. |
| Do you need to declare contact lens solution? | Yes, contact lens solution needs to be declared at the security checkpoint. |
| Where should you pack contact lens solution? | Contact lens solution should be packed in checked baggage if it is over 3.4 ounces. Smaller travel-size versions can be placed in carry-on luggage. |
| Can you wear contact lenses on a plane? | Yes, but it is recommended to wear glasses as the dry air on the plane can irritate the eyes. |
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What You'll Learn
Contact lenses are allowed in carry-on and checked luggage
Contact lenses are classed as medical devices, so you can bring them with you when you fly. You can carry them on your person, or pack them in your carry-on luggage or checked luggage.
If you wear daily disposable lenses, make sure you bring enough for your whole trip, plus a few extra pairs in case of delays or damage. If you wear bi-weeklies or monthlies, bring an extra pair. If you wear reusable lenses, bring a clean case and enough solution for your trip, plus a little extra.
Contact lens solution is considered a medically necessary liquid, so you can bring more than the standard 3.4 ounces (100ml) allowed for liquids. However, you must declare it to the security officer at the checkpoint for inspection. It's recommended that you place any bottles over 3.4 ounces in your checked luggage. Some contact lens solutions contain chemicals that may trigger the security alarm, and oversized bottles that set off the alarm might not be allowed through security. Keep your contact lenses and solution in a separate, labelled bag so that they're easy to pull out for inspection.
It's a good idea to bring lubricating or rewetting drops in your carry-on bag to combat the effects of dry air in the cabin. You may also want to bring a spare pair of glasses in case your eyes become irritated, or you lose or damage a lens.
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Contact lens solution is considered a medically necessary liquid
Contact lenses are classified as medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and require a valid prescription. They are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. Contact lens solution is considered a medically necessary liquid by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This means that you may bring solution in amounts larger than the standard 3.4 ounces allowed for liquids. However, you must declare it to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection.
Contact solution is a chemical substance used to store and disinfect contact lenses. It removes bacteria, other germs, and dirt that may have collected on the lens throughout the day. It is a must for contact wearers as it is a key component of contact lens care and eye health. Without it, your eyes might get irritated or develop infections due to contaminants or germs sticking to your lenses.
Contact solutions usually have saline in their formulas, but the two aren't the same thing. Saline solution is pH-balanced saltwater used for rinsing lenses before putting them in your eyes. It doesn't disinfect like a multipurpose contact solution but is used to rinse the lenses after they've been in contact solution. Some hygiene regimens require you to rinse your lenses with saline after disinfection and before putting them into your eyes.
Some contact lens solutions contain chemicals that typically alarm during screening and may not be permitted through the checkpoint. The TSA suggests placing contact lens solutions over 3.4 ounces in your checked baggage.
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Declare liquids over 3.4 oz /100ml to security officers
Contact lenses can be brought with you in your carry-on bag or packed in checked luggage. However, contact lens solution is considered a medically necessary liquid, and you must follow specific guidelines when packing it.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip. This includes contact lens solutions. However, you must declare liquids over 3.4 oz/100ml to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection.
To declare liquids over 3.4 oz/100ml, separate them from other liquids in your bag. Place them in a labelled bag to easily pull them out for inspection. Some contact lens solutions contain chemicals that may trigger security alarms, and oversized bottles that set off the alarm might not be allowed through security. Therefore, it is recommended to place contact lens solutions over 3.4 ounces in your checked baggage.
Additionally, when travelling with contact lenses, it is recommended to bring a lens care kit, including a clean case and enough solution for your trip, plus a little extra. You may also want to bring lubricating or rewetting drops to keep your eyes moist during the flight. Consider packing a spare pair of glasses if the dry air on the plane irritates your eyes or if you lose a lens during the flight.
It is important to note that some airlines, such as Ryanair, do not allow contact lenses in checked baggage. They will not reimburse you in case of damage or theft if you place them in hold luggage.
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Some contact lens solutions may not meet TSA regulations
Contact lens solution is considered a medically necessary liquid by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This means that you are allowed to bring more than the standard 3.4 ounces (100ml) limit for liquids. However, you must declare any amounts over 3.4 ounces to the TSA officers at the security checkpoint for inspection.
It is important to note that some contact lens solutions may contain chemicals that do not meet TSA regulations. These solutions may alarm during screening and may not be permitted through the checkpoint. Therefore, it is recommended to double-check the solution you are carrying before packing. If you are bringing a large amount of contact lens solution, it is suggested to place it in your checked baggage or transfer it to a travel-sized container that fits comfortably in the quart-sized clear plastic bag for your carry-on luggage.
To ensure a smooth experience at airport security, it is advisable to separate the contact lens solution from other liquids in your bag. This makes it easier to declare and present for inspection. Additionally, always pack your contact lenses and solution in your carry-on bag to avoid damage or loss due to pressure and temperature changes in checked luggage.
While contact lenses and solutions can be brought on board, it is recommended to consider wearing glasses during the flight. Airplane cabins tend to have dry air, which can cause discomfort and dryness with contact lenses, especially on long-haul flights. Rewetting drops can help keep your eyes moist and prevent lenses from feeling tight or dry.
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Keep contacts in a separate, labelled bag for inspection
Contact lenses are a medical device, so you can bring them with you when you travel. However, contact lens solution is considered a medically necessary liquid, and some solutions contain chemicals that may not meet TSA regulations. Therefore, it is important to pack your contact lenses and their solution separately from other liquids and follow TSA guidelines.
Keeping your contacts and solution in a separate, labelled bag makes it easy to pull them out for inspection. This way, you can avoid holding up the line at airport security checkpoints. The bag should be quart-sized and clear, and each container inside should be no larger than 100ml. You must declare liquids over 100ml to the security officer at the checkpoint for inspection.
If you are bringing daily disposable lenses, be sure to pack enough for your whole trip, plus some extra in case a lens tears or you need to extend your stay. It is also a good idea to bring a spare pair of glasses, as the dry air on the plane may irritate your eyes or you may lose a lens mid-flight.
If you plan to wear your contacts on the flight, be prepared to take them out if necessary. The dry air in the cabin can cause your lenses to tighten in your eye, leading to microscopic tears in the cornea. Bring lubricating or rewetting drops in your carry-on bag to keep your eyes moist and prevent discomfort.
Overall, by understanding and following TSA guidelines for packing contact lenses and solutions, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, contact lenses are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.
Contact lenses are not considered liquids, so you do not need to declare them. However, contact lens solution is considered a medically necessary liquid, so you must declare any amounts over 3.4 ounces (100ml).
Keep your contact lenses in your carry-on bag to avoid damage from pressure and temperature changes in checked luggage. Pack your contact lens solution separately from other liquids in a clear, quart-sized bag.
Airplane cabins tend to have very dry air, which can cause discomfort if you're wearing contact lenses. Glasses may be more comfortable, especially on long flights.
