Can You Bring Eye Drops on a Plane? Packing Tips for Air Travel!

Traveling with medications raises many questions and concerns, especially when it comes to bringing them aboard an aircraft.

For those who rely on eye drops—whether for dry eyes, allergies, glaucoma or other eye conditions—knowing the rules and best practices can fly with your eye drops safely and legally is essential. Here, we'll cover everything you need to know about flying with eye drops:

• Can you take eye drops on a plane?
• Are they considered liquid by the TSA?
• Do you need a medical prescription to fly with eye drops?
• Can you pack eye drops in your carry-on?
• How to keep your eye drops cool when flying?
• And more!

Related article: Is Flying with Glaucoma Safe?

Are Eye Drops Allowed on Planes?

Going through airport security checkpoints with liquids or medications can be quite stressful, but when it comes to eye drops, the Transport Security Administration (TSA) rules are pretty clear.

Whether you need lubricant eye drops to combat dry eyes from the plane cabin's recycled air, medicated eye drops for a specific eye condition like glaucoma, or antibiotic drops to treat an eye infection, understanding how eye drops are handled during airport security checks is quite helpful.

Do Eye Drops Count as Liquid for the TSA?

When packing your eye drops for a flight, the first question is whether the TSA considers eye drops as standard liquids.

And the answer is yes, it does. The TSA treats eye drops as liquids. This means they are subject to the TSA’s liquids rule, which allows you to carry liquids in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. These containers must be placed in a clear, quart-sized bag.

Fortunately, most eye drop brands and types come in bottles smaller than one ounce (generally 15 to 50 ml), so you can pack several bottles and still comply with TSA regulations.

But wait, there’s a difference between prescription eye drops and over-the-counter drops.

Related article: Does Latanoprost Need to Be Refrigerated?

Prescription eye drops vs. OTC drops

Prescription eye drops needed for medical reasons and over-the-counter drops are treated differently during security screenings at the airport.

Prescription eye drops, such as those for managing conditions like glaucoma, chronic dry eye, conjunctivitis, or age-related macular degeneration, are subject to more flexible TSA guidelines compared to over-the-counter options. Travelers are permitted to carry quantities exceeding the standard 3.4-ounce limit. However, you should declare it to the security officers at checkpoints to avoid any issues. Besides, to ensure a smooth process, always keep prescription drops in their original packaging, clearly labeled with your name and the prescribing doctor’s information. This helps verify their legitimacy quickly and can aid in a hassle-free security check.

For over-the-counter eye drops, such as those used to alleviate symptoms of dry eye syndrome, adherence to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids is required. This means each eye drop bottle must not exceed 3.4 ounces, and all containers must fit within a single quart-sized plastic bag. If your travel needs require more than what is permissible in your carry-on, consider placing additional supplies in your checked luggage or plan to purchase more OTC eye drops at your destination.

Related article: Why Use Latanoprost at Night?

Do You Need a Prescription for Flying with Eye Drops?

For domestic flights within the U.S., you generally do not need to show a prescription to carry eye drops, whether they are prescription drops or over the counter.

However, it’s a good practice to ensure the labels are clearly visible so the security officers can easily identify the liquid inside.

However, for international flights, regulations can vary by country, so it's always wiser to have a prescription or a doctor’s note, especially if you’re carrying large quantities or prescription drops. This documentation can help facilitate smooth passage through customs and security checkpoints.

Can I Bring Eye Drops in My Carry-On?

Absolutely! In fact, it's recommended to keep eye drops in your carry-on rather than in your checked luggage.

This way, you can access them during the flight, particularly important on long flights where dry cabin air might affect your eyes. Just remember the TSA's liquid rules, and you’ll be all set.

Moreover, packing eye drops in your checked luggage is not recommended for several reasons:

• Temperature Control: Checked luggage compartments often experience extreme temperature fluctuations, which can be too cold or too hot. Such conditions can compromise the effectiveness of your eye drops, especially if they are sensitive to temperature changes.

Related article: Should You Keep Your Eye Drops in the Fridge?

• Risk of Loss or Delay: Luggage can sometimes be lost or delayed at arrivals. If your eye drops are essential for your vision or eye health, packing them in your checked luggage could interrupt your treatment if you bag gets lost or delayed.

• Leakage and Damage: The rough handling of checked luggage could cause your eye drop bottles to break or leak. Keeping them in your carry-on reduces the risk of damage and ensures that your eye drops remain intact and ready to use whenever you need them. 

How to Pack Your Eye Drops for Air Travel

Packing your eye drops properly when traveling by plane not only helps with airport security procedures but can also ensure they remain sterile and effective throughout your journey. Here are some tips: 

• Use a Travel-Sized Eye Drop Bottle: If your eye drops come in a large bottle, you may have to transfer a smaller amount into a travel-sized container that complies with TSA requirements. 

• Keep your Eye Drops Cool: If your eye drops need to be kept cool or refrigerated, maintaining their temperature can be a challenge during flights. Make sure to pack them in an insulated carrying case, like the ones from 4AllFamily.

Related article: 4AllFamily Eye Drop Carrying Case: Keeping Eye Drops Cool When Traveling!

• Keep It Labeled: Ensure your eye drop bottles are clearly labeled, especially if it's prescription. This can prevent any issues or misunderstandings during the security process.

• Pack a Backup: Accidents happen—bottles can leak, or items might be misplaced. Carrying a backup set of eye drops can save you a lot of trouble when traveling!

• Use a Zip-Lock Bag: To prevent any leakage from affecting your other belongings, carrying your eye drops in a small zip-lock bag. 

• Carry Documentation: If your eye drops are prescription, carrying documentation from your doctor may be helpful when flying, particularly for international travel where regulations might be stricter.

• Check Airline Policies: Before you travel, check if your airline has specific policies about carrying liquids or eye drop medications that might affect how you pack your eye drops.

• Consider Your Final Destination: Think about where you are flying to. If you're going to a place with limited access to pharmacies, it's even more critical to ensure you have enough eye drops to last through your trip.

These simple tips should help you ensure that your eye drops remain safe, sterile, and readily available while on the plane! Preparing well for air travel with eye drops is important. Not only does it ease your journey, but it also keeps your eyes healthy and comfortable, no matter where your travels take you.

We’d Love to Hear From You!

Feel free to share your questions, travel tips, or personal stories in the comments below. We'd love to hear how you manage your eye drops when flying!