There are many essential items to carry when traveling, but for some people, contact lenses are a non-negotiable whether they are prescription lenses or not. With contacts comes contact lenses solution, but are passengers allowed to take those on a plane?
Prescription and disposable contacts are allowed on planes. Contact solution is permitted on an airplane in checked luggage. The TSA allows more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml of contact solution in carry-on bags, but passengers must declare it to security at checkpoints before the screening process.
Can You Pack Prescription Contact Lenses In Checked Luggage?
Prescription, non-disposable contact lenses are permitted on planes in checked luggage and hand baggage. You can carry a pair of contacts in your carry-on and a couple of extra pairs in your checked luggage if necessary.
You are not limited to the number of contacts you can carry in checked luggage. It is recommended to pack a few extra pairs if you will be traveling for an extended period or going to a place that does not have great hygiene.
Can You Pack Prescription Contact Lenses In Hand Luggage?
Prescription lenses are not only allowed in checked luggage, but you can also place them in your carry-on bag. You can pack as many as needed for your journey if you are not carrying checked baggage.
You want to try and take at least one pair of prescription lenses with you in the cabin in case your checked luggage gets stolen or lost, and you’re left to struggle with unclear vision.
You can pack your contacts in their designated case with a solution. If the solution exceeds 3.4 oz/100 ml, let the security know before you pass it through screening. Prescription contacts solution counts as medicinal liquid and is not subject to the liquid rule.
Are Disposable Contact Lenses Allowed On A Plane?
Disposable contact lenses are allowed in checked luggage and hand baggage. If you do not have prescription lenses but enjoy using the disposable kind or want to take them for fun holiday photos, you will be permitted to travel with them on a plane.
Passengers can take as many disposable contacts in checked and hand luggage but pack them in the liquid quart-sized bag for carry-on baggage with other carry-on liquid items.
It is no issue if you want to take lenses that are your natural eye color or different lenses as an accessory item. Contact lenses are permitted regardless of prescription or color for traveling on a plane.
Is Contact Solution Allowed In Carry-on Baggage?
If you have non-disposable contact lenses, then without a doubt, you will require a contact lens solution. Packing contact solution can be confusing because it is a liquid item, and the TSA has specific rules regarding liquid products.
Contact solution is permitted in carry-on bags, and it is recommended to stick to the rule of 3.4 oz or 100 ml. You can pack larger sizes of contact solution in your checked bags without restriction.
The TSA does mention that contact solution is medicinal and if you need to carry more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml, divide them into travel-size bottles and place them in your quart-sized liquid bag.
If you do not divide the solution, you will still be permitted to take it on the plane in your carry-on, but you will need to let the security agents know before you pass through screening. They might ask you to remove it for separate and additional screening.
Should You Wear Your Contact Lenses On A Flight?
Many people who wear prescription glasses wear their contacts 99% of the time. They will most likely want to keep their lenses on when they fly. While you can keep your lenses on if you genuinely want or need to, it is not recommended.
Traveling by flight can cause dryness in your skin, hair, eyes, and body. That’s why it is recommended to drink sufficient water, use a lip balm, and moisturize well on a flight. Your eyes can dry out, especially if you sleep on the plane.
If you wear contact lenses on a plane, your eyes may start to itch or burn if they dry out too much, and you could cause infections by sleeping with them for many hours. It is preferable to wear your glasses and put your contacts in just before or after landing.
Can You Keep Your Contacts In Your Personal Bag?
The TSA permits passengers to keep a pair or two of contact lenses in their personal bags. If you want easy access to your contacts and don’t want to reach over to the overhead cabin for your carry-on, you can keep your contacts in your purse.
You can place disposable or prescription contacts in the case with a solution in your purse or backpack that you keep under the seat on the plane. That way, you can wear them before landing if needed.
Do Contact Lenses Need To Be Placed In The Liquid Bag?
Contact lenses in the case with solution and bottles of contact solution must be placed in the liquid bag for carry-on luggage. If you carry a solution that exceeds 3.4 oz or 100 ml, you must remove it from your bag at checkpoints for screening.
If you divide your contact solution into travel-sized bottles, all the bottles must go in the liquid bag, and only one quart-sized bag is allowed per person.
What Happens If You Lose Your Contacts On A Plane?
It is terrible to use your contact lenses, especially in places where it is more challenging to look for them, like airplanes. If you lose your contact lenses on a flight, you can try to look for them on the seat or the floor.
If you don’t find the contacts, it is best to let them go instead of disturbing passengers around you by shuffling around trying to find something next to impossible to see. Avoid trying to wear or remove your contacts on a plane.
If you need to remove or put in your contacts, do it at the airport before you fly or after you land, and especially do not attempt to fidget with your contacts if there is turbulence. It is best to wear glasses on a plane and carry your contacts in your bag.
Do You Need A Doctor’s Letter To Carry Prescription Lenses?
Passengers do not need a doctor’s letter to carry prescription contact lenses on a plane, but if you have a copy, it is best to take it with your other essential documents.
It is, however, recommended having your prescription when you travel anywhere in the world. If something happens to your glasses or contacts during your trip, and you don’t have a backup, you can quickly get sorted at an eye clinic with your prescription.
Can You Wear Colored Contact Lenses At The Airport?
You can wear colored contact lenses at the airport and on a plane, but it is not recommended, specifically if you are traveling to or through certain airports that scan your face and check your passport.
If you are found doing that, it may not be a big deal, but if they are suspicious, you could face unnecessary problems, delays, and questioning. It is best to wear your glasses or clear contact lenses when traveling.
