International travel: Carry-on considerations

Before packing your carry-on, remember that TSA is USA only

A common mistake made by scleral lens users is, when planning what to take in a carry-on versus checked baggage, to rely on TSA rules even though they are traveling internationally.

TSA rules about liquid packaging in carry-on baggage apply only in the US. Outside the US, rules will vary from country to country.

International travelers who use scleral lenses sometimes have these items confiscated by security.

  • Purilens saline bottles, any size. (Alternative: Pack single-use vials only.)

  • Hydrogen peroxide solutions like Clear Care. (Alternative: travel size multi-purpose solution, subject to below.)

  • Any sized contact lens solution bottles and in some cases even vials, potentially. (You can travel with a couple of contact lens cases full of multi-purpose solution and keep bottles in checked baggage, if necessary.)

 

Transit only? Find out if any re-screening will apply

Another issue that can come up with international travel is to assume that only your home country and destination country rules matter. However, if you have a connecting flight in a 3rd country, there may be circumstances under which your carry-on baggage gets re-screened. You may want to check the rules in countries that you are transiting through.

 

Resources to help you plan

#1: Call the airline.

#2: Search the website of the airport you will be traveling through.

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Lens application and removal in airports and airplanes

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Carry-on vs checked baggage considerations