Updated July 22, 2025 – Traveling by air continues to be an exciting part of life in 2025, whether you’re jetting off on vacation or flying for business. For contact lens wearers, staying comfortable and protecting your eye health during flights is still a top concern. With so many people flying while wearing lenses, it’s helpful to know how to prepare properly for the trip.
Thanks to improvements in eye care, flying with contact lenses is much easier today. That said, it’s still important to manage potential issues like dry eyes, pressure changes, and keeping your lenses clean while in transit.
Here are the latest tips for contact lens users who want a smooth and stress-free flight experience in 2025.
1. Can I bring contact lenses on a plane?
Yes, contact lenses are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. The TSA has no restrictions on packing your lenses, so you can bring what you need.
If you use reusable lenses, you can also bring contact lens solution, but it must be packed according to TSA guidelines. Declare your liquids to security if needed.
2. Can I wear contacts on a plane?
You can wear your lenses during a flight, but airplane cabins tend to have very dry air. This can lead to discomfort, especially on long flights.
To stay comfortable, bring lubricating or rewetting drops in your carry-on. These drops can help keep your eyes moist and prevent your lenses from feeling too tight or dry mid-flight.
3. How should I pack contact lenses for travel?
Pack your lenses in your carry-on bag to avoid damage from pressure and temperature changes in checked luggage. For reusable lenses, bring a clean case and enough solution for your trip, plus a little extra.
If you wear dailies, it’s a good idea to pack extra pairs in case of delays. Many travelers choose to buy Dailies Total 1 because of their high moisture content and breathable design, which helps maintain comfort even on long flights. Don’t forget a backup pair of glasses for extra flexibility.
4. Do contacts need to be in a 3-1-1 bag?
Yes, if you’re carrying liquids like lens solution or packets with fluid, they need to go in a TSA-approved quart-sized clear bag. Each container should be no larger than 100 milliliters. Have your liquids ready for screening at the security checkpoint.
5. Should I wear glasses instead of contacts on a flight?
This depends on your comfort level. If you have rewetting drops with you, contacts can still be a good choice for shorter flights. But if your eyes are sensitive or you’re flying long-haul, switching to glasses might be more comfortable.
You can always wear glasses during the flight and switch to fresh contacts when you arrive at your destination.
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Tips for Flying With Contact Lenses
Here are some helpful tips for flying with contact lenses to ensure your trip goes smoothly:
- Take out your contact lenses if you want to nap or sleep. This is especially important if your contact lenses are not FDA-approved for overnight or extended wear.
- Wear a fresh pair of contact lenses when you reach your destination. The dry air of a plane cabin can make your contact lenses less comfortable than when they were new by the time you reach your destination.
- Consider switching to daily disposable contact lenses. Daily disposable contact lenses are single-use lenses that you discard after each use. They are typically more convenient for travel than reusable lenses because they require little to no upkeep.
- Consider UV-blocking contact lenses. If you are flying to a sunny destination, ask your eye doctor for UV-blocking contacts. Although they’re not substitutes for UV-absorbing eyewear, they help provide protection against harmful UV radiation.
- Drink plenty of water before your flight. This helps to keep your eyes hydrated during the flight.
- Bring an extra pair of contact lenses. You never know what can happen, so bring an extra pair or two of contact lenses.
- Bring a copy of your contact lens prescription. Having a copy of your prescription ensures you can easily purchase contact lenses when necessary.
- Follow good hygiene practices. Before handling your lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel.
- Carry your eyeglasses. It’s wise to carry a pair of eyeglasses as a backup in case you encounter any issues with your contact lenses during your flight.
- Pack a lens care kit. Before embarking on your journey, ensure that you have a complete lens care kit with you, including a travel-sized bottle of multipurpose solution, a contact lens case, and spare lenses if possible.
Make Flying with Contacts Easy and Comfortable
Flying with contact lenses can be a breeze with proper preparation. Stay hydrated, choose the right lenses, practice good hygiene, and be mindful of cabin pressure changes. For added comfort on travel days, consider using daily disposables. Order Dailies Total 1 to help keep your eyes feeling fresh throughout the flight. Pack a lens care kit and keep eyeglasses as a backup for a smooth journey. Safe travels!
Summary Graphic: FAQs & Tips for Flying With Contact Lenses
