Do disposable contact lenses need to be declared as "liquids"?
I recently swapped over from glasses to using disposable contact lenses. I'm already planning on carrying "travel-size" contact lens solution bottles to stay under the limit for liquids.
What about the disposable contact lenses themselves though: they come packaged in small blister packs immersed in a saline solution (usually). Does this fall under the category of "liquids" and need to be screened separately / kept in ziplock bags for being processed as a liquid?
For what it's worth, I'm flying from the UK to Myanmar via Qatar.
Best Answer
I travel with a small number of these in my carry-on luggage within Canada and the US (usually 2 pairs as spares just-in-case).
I do not separate them out into the liquids-bag.
I have never had an issue, and they have never been separately searched.
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What is considered a disposable contact lens?
\u201cDisposable,\u201d as defined by the FDA, means used once and discarded. With a true daily wear disposable schedule, a brand new pair of lenses is used each day. Some soft contact lenses are referred to as \u201cdisposable\u201d by contact lens sellers, but actually, they are for frequent/planned replacement.Do contacts have to be FDA approved?
Anyone selling you contact lenses must get your prescription and verify it with your doctor. They should request not only the prescription, but the name of your doctor and their phone number. If they don't ask for this information they are breaking federal law and could be selling you illegal contact lenses.Do contacts count as a liquid when flying?
Contact solution falls under the TSA's definition of medical liquids, which means you can bring on more than the 3 oz. maximum allowance for most other liquids. You don't have to put your solutions in a baggie, just declare them at the checkpoint. Air expands but water doesn't with changes in pressure.Do contacts count as liquid Canada?
ONE BAG PER PERSON.Liquids, gels and aerosols include, but are not limited to, hand lotions, cleansers, moisturizers, suntan lotions, antibacterial gels, contact lens solution, shaving cream, perfume and cologne.LIQUIDS IN CARRY ON BAG ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW [HONEST AND REALISTIC]
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Answer 2
I think they do fall in to the liquid category and should be put in the plastic bag.
However I frequently forget that I have a pair in my handbag, so far that has never caused problems, not even in Heathrow or other UK airports. I think a few disposable lenses may simply be to small to register in the scan.
I would not recommend doing it on purpose, simply because additional security screening can take a long time. Some airports (including Heathrow) seem to have the policy that if you forget anything in your bag that you should have take out (like liquids or laptops), than your bag will be inspected more closely. Depending on how forgetful people in front of you were, you might have to wait a long time.
Answer 3
(this should be a comment, but i don't have enough reputation, sorry about that)
Also be aware that some companies, like Ryanair don't allow you to take contact lenses in your checked baggage:
You must not include in Checked Baggage money, jewellery, precious metals, keys, cameras, computers, medicines, spectacles, sunglasses, contact lenses, watches, mobile phones, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities, cigarettes, tobacco or tobacco products or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.
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