How to pack contact lenses in hand luggage

Travelling with your contact lenses can be completely hassle-free, as long as you're organised in advance. The same applies to packing contact lenses, particularly in hand luggage for a flight. By following the liquid restrictions of the airline, the advice of your optometrist and packing your lenses, as well as your key eye care items safely and correctly, your air travel journey should go ahead without a hitch.

Can you pack disposable contact lenses in hand luggage?

You're allowed to fly with sealed disposable contact lens blister packs in both your hand luggage and checked bags. You can also pack non-disposable lenses in a small amount of solution (usually no more than 100ml) in a contact lens case within your hand luggage. Blister packs don't count as a liquid in your carry-on luggage when flying, but with regards to bottles of solution, you do need to check the restrictions. Plus, your carry-on liquids for most flights normally need to fit into one reusable, clear, plastic zip-lock bag (approximately 20cm x 20cm) per person, ready to show at the airport security point. It's important that the contents of your clear plastic bag fit comfortably, so it can be sealed and it mustn't be knotted or tied at the top.

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How do you pack contact lenses for flying on a plane?

Contact lens wearers can get prepared and packed for flying, starting with a Daily Contact Lens Essentials Kit or a Monthly Contact Lens Essentials Kit - each featuring a handy Travel Case for securely transporting extra pairs of dailies, monthlies or two-weekly lenses. To avoid issues with liquid restrictions and spillages, our portable contact lens solution travel packs are the perfect size for slipping into your hand luggage, without leaking or taking up space. Unlike toiletries like hair and beauty products, which can be squeezed into small containers, this is not advised for contact lens solution, as it can affect its sterility. It's also crucial that you never store your lenses in anything but good quality contact lens solution to avoid any nasty eye infections.

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Can you wear contact lenses on a plane?

Contact lenses, like in many situations, are a much better and more comfortable option than eyeglasses on a plane. The dry air within the cabin may dehydrate your eyes quicker than normal, but you can easily remedy this by keeping a travel-size bottle of eye drops or rewetting drops in your carry-on bag. If you want to take a nap on a flight, you must avoid sleeping with contact lenses, and take them out before nodding off. So either opt for dailies, which can be thrown away and replaced, with a spare pair, later on, bring a lens solution case if you wear two-weeklies or monthly contact lenses, or keep a pair of glasses on hand.

5 tips for packing contact lenses in hand luggage

1. Know the travel security rules: Nothing will spoil your trip like having your solution confiscated at airport security. By double-checking the restriction rules and the amount of liquids you're allowed on the airline you're flying, you can pack eye care items correctly in your hand luggage or hold luggage. If you need solution for your lenses, bring enough to last you the whole trip in your checked bags, so you don't run out.
2. Keep an up-to-date prescription: It can help to get an eye test with your optician before your trip to ensure your prescription is still valid and take a copy with you in case of an emergency. A backup pair of glasses is also a good idea, especially if you want to switch to them from your lenses while flying and travelling.
3. Switch to daily disposable contact lenses: Daily lenses are the most travel-friendly wearing pattern given that they’re incredibly breathable, hydrating and comfortable. Plus, they require no cleaning or storing routine, meaning you don’t have to worry about carrying solution or extra cases in your hand luggage.
4. Use a travel kit: Make packing so much easier by storing your lenses and eye care essentials like small bottles of solution and eye drops in one place, with the help of a travel kit. An LED Mirror to help with the application and removal process, as well as a pack of Soap Sheets (instead of eye-stinging hand sanitiser) to disinfect your hands on the plane or in the airport will also not go amiss.
5. Bring eye drops: In an air cabin, the lack of humidity can cause your eyes to dry out much quicker than normal, so having a bottle in your hand luggage guarantees swift relief from dryness on the go. everclear Eye Drops are highly recommended by our in-house eye care professionals with a gentle yet effective formula.