UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi there
Does anyone have thoughts on whether I will be allowed to take my contact lens case (with solution in them) on board an aircraft in my carry on luggage? Hopefully i can get solutions airside although I would not be able to take them on board when going to USA.
Should I get a note from my GP?
Any comments welcome.
Thanks
Roger

Hi Roger,

So far as far as I can find out only prescription medicines are still allowed so unless your solutions are on prescription, they will have to go in the hold. You can carry your lens case on with lenses in, but they will have to travel dry.

A letter from you GP may help, but I know some airlines will not accept this either.

Best is to contact the airline and airport concerned and ask as it appears the level security is dependant on the airport you are travelling from.

Hope this helps.

Gareth

Sure Gareth is right about this. It might ease up but at the moment things are pretty black and white. The only way to find out for sure is to talk to the airline. Maybe the stewards can hold the solution for you? If its in a see-through container that might help but I don't hold out much hope!
Good luck anyway

I got back from Hungary yesterday and i found that coming home it doesnt matter what you have in your hanbd luggage as the airport there had next to no security. However when i left Manchester a week ago my contact lens solution was taken off me before i even spoken to the airline. It is passport control that take it not the airline. I even had to remove my shoes.

I think some people's feet actually are classed as weapons and I'm not talking karate either!!

I heard from a pilot that not even flight crew were being allowed to carry lens fluid on board aircraft.

I'd notify the airline that you have a "special need:, tell them the lens fluids you need, you may even have to produce medical evidence, and see if they are prepared to procure and ensure that the necessary fluids are available to you from their staff during the flight.

Andrew

Yes, I've had to write a letter for one of my Keratoconus patients who works at Birmingham airport. They have to go through security every day, and he says that at the moment the rules are changing all the time!

i was in germany for a week or so recently, and, contact lens fluids and the like were not allowed in your handluggage, and must be in your suitcase or whatever is used. its probably best not to wear your contacts before and during the flight and to put them in when you reach your destination.

If this link worls it should show the official list from the BAA website

http://www.baa.com/assets/B2CPortal/Sta ... _21Aug.pdf

It is interesting to note that even though smoking is not allowed on planes you are still able to take cigarettes and safety matches in your hand luggage! You could start a fire but not take the means to put it out!!

Lesley.

If anyone is still interested in this. I work for an airline and the directive is that you can take sealed daily disposable contact lenses on board for use during the flight (only 1 or 2 sets). If you have longer wear lenses or hard lenses, you can take your lens case filled with solution, but no additional bottles of solution or eye drops. Hope this is useful

Emma