Do Contacts Count As Liquid For TSA?

For individuals who wear contact lenses, traveling with them can be a concern, particularly when it comes to airport security. One common question that arises is whether contacts count as liquids for TSA purposes. 

This article will discuss whether contacts count as liquids for TSA purposes and provide information on how to comply with TSA regulations when traveling with contact lenses.

Do Contacts Count As Liquid For TSA?

The answer is no. Even though it’s wet, your contacts are technically not counted as a liquid item when going through security checkpoints at airports. However, any contact lens solution that you might have in your carry-on bag does count as a liquid and must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule.

If you want to reduce the amount of liquids that need to be checked or put in a clear plastic bag for screening, then wearing daily disposable lenses may be the best option for you. 

These lenses are typically discarded after each use and do not require any additional cleaning solution or alcohol solutions which would need to meet the 3-1-1 requirements. 

So, the next time you’re travelling and need to go through airport security checkpoints, know that your contact lenses do not count as a liquid for TSA purposes. 

However, any associated solution must meet the 3-1-1 requirements if it’s in your carry-on bag. 

Lastly, if you want to cut down on the amount of liquids to check or bring with you, considering daily disposable lenses is another great option. 

Do Daily Contacts Count As Liquid TSA?

Photo by Lensabl on Unsplash 

The answer is no. Daily contacts, also known as daily disposable contact lenses, are designed to be worn for a single day and then discarded. They are made of a thin, flexible material that conforms to the shape of the eye. 

Daily contacts come in individual, sterile packages that are filled with a saline solution. According to the TSA, these packages do not count as liquids and can be brought on board a plane without any restrictions. 

Contact lens solution is a necessary liquid for those who wear contact lenses. 

It is used to clean and disinfect the lenses, ensuring that they remain safe and comfortable to wear. 

The TSA considers contact lens solution to be a medical liquid, which means that it is exempt from the 3 oz. maximum allowance for most other liquids. 

This means that you can bring on as many solutions as you need, as long as you declare it to the TSA agent at the security checkpoint.

Do Contacts Need To Go In Liquid Bag?

The answer is no, they don’t. However, if you’re traveling with contact lens solutions, they need to be placed in a clear bag with other liquids, gels, and aerosols. This is to ensure that security personnel can easily see what you’re carrying.

This also helps them ensure that you’re not exceeding the allowed limit of liquids.

In addition to putting your contact lens solutions in the liquid bag, it’s a good idea to pack them in a way that minimizes the risk of them leaking or breaking. 

This means putting them in a plastic bag or container that’s sealed tightly and placing them in a separate, padded compartment of your carry-on luggage.

It’s also a good idea to bring along a copy of your contact lens prescription in case you need to replace your lenses while travelling. 

What Are The TSA Contact Lenses Rules And Regulations?

If you wear contact lenses and are planning to fly, it’s important to be aware of the TSA regulations around them. Here’s what you need to know before your next flight: Contact lenses themselves are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage. 

However, it’s important to keep them properly stored in the case while in transit.

Contact lens solution is considered a liquid, and as such, must be placed in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag if the container is larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). 

Each passenger is allowed only one bag, so be sure to consolidate all of your liquids into a single container if possible.

If you need to bring more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) of contact lens solution, you can pack it in your checked baggage. 

However, keep in mind that checked baggage is subject to additional screening, so it’s important to ensure that your solution is properly labelled and stored securely.

If you require saline solution or other sterile solutions for medical purposes, you are allowed to bring a reasonable amount through the TSA checkpoint. However, these items must be declared and may be subject to additional screening.

Here is a table on the TSA contact lenses rules and regulations

Can You Take Daily Contact Lenses On A Plane As Carry-On?

Photo by Adrian Gordon on Unsplash 

The answer is yes, but there are some guidelines to follow. Firstly, it’s important to note that the rules for travelling with contact lenses differ from country to country. It’s always a good idea to check with your airline or the relevant authorities before travelling, to avoid any unexpected problems.

As a general rule, you’re allowed to fly with sealed disposable contact lens blister packs in your hand luggage.

This means that if you’re only taking a short trip, you can bring enough lenses for the duration of your stay without worrying about cleaning or storage.

However, if you’re traveling for an extended period, it’s worth considering the space and weight limitations of your luggage. 

Daily contact lenses may take up more room than a traditional lens and solution combo, so you may need to plan accordingly.

When it comes to non-disposable lenses, things can get a little more complicated. 

You can pack non-disposable lenses in a small amount of solution (usually no more than 100ml) in a contact lens case within your hand luggage. 

It’s important to keep in mind that liquids in containers larger than 100ml are not allowed in hand luggage, so make sure you stick to this guideline.

Can You Carry Contact Lenses In Checked Baggage?

The answer is yes. First and foremost, it’s important to note that there are no restrictions on bringing contact lenses in checked baggage. This means you can pack them in your suitcase or other checked bags without worrying about any issues with transportation authorities.

However, just because you can pack your contact lenses in your checked baggage doesn’t mean you should. It’s always a good idea to keep your contact lenses with you in your carry-on luggage if possible.

This is because if your checked luggage is delayed or lost, you’ll still have access to your contact lenses. 

If you’re travelling to a place where you won’t be able to easily replace them, such as a remote area or foreign country, having them in your carry-on luggage could be a lifesaver.

If you do decide to pack your contact lenses in your checked baggage, make sure to keep them in their original packaging or a protective case.

This will help prevent them from getting damaged during transit.

It’s also a good idea to pack any other necessary items, such as a contact lens solution and a case, in your carry-on luggage as well. 

This way, you’ll have everything you need to take care of your contact lenses while on the go.

Will Contact Lenses Freeze On A Plane?

Photo by benjamin lehman on Unsplash 

The answer is no, as in most cases, your contact lenses will not freeze on a plane. This is because commercial aircraft cabins are pressurized and kept at a comfortable temperature range of 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 25 degrees Celsius). 

However, if you are travelling on a cargo plane or in a non-pressurized part of the aircraft, such as the cargo hold, the temperature could drop low enough to freeze your lenses or their solutions.

To prevent any potential damage to your contact lenses, it’s a good idea to keep them in your carry-on bag and out of the cargo hold. 

This way, you can keep them with you in the cabin where the temperature is regulated. 

Additionally, you can store them in a protective case or container to help insulate them from any temperature changes.

FAQs

Are Contact Lenses Considered A Liquid?

No, contact lenses themselves are not considered a liquid. However, the solution used to clean and store them is considered a liquid and must be packed in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag if it is more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) when travelling by air according to the TSA. 

Consider bringing small bottles of travel-size solution or buying larger containers after you arrive at your destination to stay within TSA regulations.

Do Contacts Need To Be In A Quart Bag?

In general, the answer is yes (contact liquid). Just like all other liquids and gels, your contact lens solutions also must follow TSA 3-1-1 rule. If they are over 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will need to be placed in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag for screening. 

If you only plan on bringing a small amount of solution with you while travelling, you can purchase travel-sized containers that are compliant with the TSA regulations and do not need to be put into a quart-sized bag. 

Additionally, if your contact lens solution container is larger than the required size limit, you can transfer the contents into smaller containers that meet the TSA regulations. 

It is always a good idea to check with your airline or the TSA website prior to travel, in order to make sure that you are compliant with their security protocols and regulations.

Can You Bring Contacts On A Plane?

The answer is yes, you can bring your contact lenses on a plane in your carry-on luggage or checked baggage. In general, it is always recommended to keep them in their original packaging or a protective case to prevent damage during transit. 

If you’re bringing contact lens solution with you, it must comply with TSA regulations for liquids.

This means that it must be in a container that is 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less and placed into a clear, plastic quart-sized bag if travelling with carry-on luggage. 

Are Daily Contacts Considered Liquid For Flying?

The good news is that daily contacts themselves are not considered liquids, but there are some regulations you should be aware of when carrying contact lens solutions. Firstly, it’s important to understand that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict regulations on liquids being carried onto planes. 

To comply with TSA regulations, all liquids must be placed in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag and be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

When it comes to contact lenses, daily contacts themselves are not considered liquids.

Hence, they do not need to be placed in a liquid bag when flying. This includes both opened and unopened packs of daily contacts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while contact lenses themselves are not considered liquids, the solutions used to clean and store them are. Therefore, if you’re travelling with contact lens solution in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres), they must be placed in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag when travelling by air.

It’s always a good idea to check with your airline or the TSA website for the most up-to-date information and regulations regarding contact lenses and other items you plan to bring on a plane. 

By following TSA regulations, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience with your contact lenses.