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-   -   Carry-on Liquids (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/carry-on-liquids-661146/)

GaryCA Nov 28th, 2006 06:35 AM

Carry-on Liquids
 
Does anyone know if they make contact lens solution in 3 oz. bottles that can be taken in the plastic carry-on bags? Or can the larger bottles be "declared" like other liquids such as baby formula, etc., and allowed through?

Tiff Nov 28th, 2006 07:23 AM

I have not seen with any of the airlines I have flown on where large saline bottles are allowed.

I usually fill up my contact case with saline and that is enough to last me a flight.

You may also purchase small travel size bottles and fill them with saline.

So far from what I have seen it is the 3 - 1 - 1 rule per person:

3 oz. bottle (miximum size)

All bottles placed in 1 baggie.

That is 1 quart size.

Tiff Nov 28th, 2006 07:24 AM

I should have been more specific and stated that the plastic baggie itself may be no larger than a 1 quart size.

doug_stallings Nov 28th, 2006 07:34 AM

You can get 3 oz bottles of saline, though it's a bit more expensive per ounch than in the larger sizes. These are surprisingly difficult to find, but I've seen it in KMart and Wal-Mart. My friend who wears contacts usually just puts some extra saline in his container and puts the bottle in his checked bag.

GaryCA Nov 28th, 2006 07:49 AM

Thanks for the replies. I'm trying to get by without checking a bag. I asked at the drugstore about transferring solution to smaller bottles and they said it renders it no longer sterile. I'll check around for the smaller bottles. Another alternative is to buy it in Europe, but I'd have to know what to look for.

Tiff Nov 28th, 2006 07:55 AM

You know Gary, if you really don't want to check your bag but think you will need more saline than a 3 oz could provide, you could just get a few 3 oz. bottles of saline, that way you don't have to buy any in Europe.

As long as all your 3 oz bottles fit in a one quart size baggie you will be fine.

(BTW, I have been transferring saline to smaller bottles and contact cases for 25 years and have never had a problem once it leaves the original bottle.)

GaryCA Nov 28th, 2006 07:57 AM

Yes, that's what I'm trying to find out about. I would carry more than one. I will follow up on the Walmart/K-Mart suggestion.

sandykins Nov 28th, 2006 08:00 AM

I just bought two weeks ago a travel-size bottle of Renu No-Rub Multi-Purpose Contact Lens Solution at Target, for $0.99.

GaryCA Nov 28th, 2006 08:02 AM

That's good news!! Thanks.

scrb Nov 28th, 2006 08:04 AM

I went to Buenos Aires last week.

In my quart ziplock bag was a 4 oz. bottle of saline, unpreserved, from Longs Drugs.

However, I had like 1/2 oz left in the bottle (it's clear so they could see where the liquid level was).


Christina Nov 28th, 2006 08:39 AM

I transfer amounts to my smaller containers also, and have for years, without problems. Not that I don't admit not doing so would, no doubt, be more theoretically hygienic. But compared to what many people do with contacts and solutions, I think squirting from a larger bottle directly into my smaller one is not such a big deal. I know some people who do really gross things with contacts when putting them in their eyes.

Anyway, I have some smaller bottles (probably 2 oz) of solution that I think I got from my optician, they always have small sample-size products. Those are the ones I keep refilling from a bigger bottle, as they have the brand name and say they are saline or contacts all-purpose solution.

I actually think there may have been exceptions on the size for this item, although I've never tested it. The TSA website says there are no limits on size for saline solution and eye drops for medical purposes. I don't know if putting in contacts is considered a "medical purpose", though.


GaryCA Nov 28th, 2006 02:23 PM

That's interesting about the TSA website. I looked for information there and didn't find it.

Slow_Wanderer Nov 28th, 2006 02:50 PM

Here's a link to the TSA website:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...eds/index.shtm

I'm not sure whether contacts would be considered a medical purpose.

amyb Nov 28th, 2006 03:07 PM

If worse comes to worse, your opthalmologist/optometrist or your contact provider should have sample or starter kits that fit the bill. I got one for Complete solution with the 3 ounce bottle and a lens case last time I went for a check up and new contacts.

mimipam Nov 29th, 2006 07:25 AM

I find 2 oz and 4 oz bottles at places like Target. However, I agree with previous poster, your opthamologist will have samples. I would have no problem asking mine for samples. After all, he provides my contacts and eye exams.

wally34949 Nov 29th, 2006 07:46 AM

I found a hotel freebe in my bathroom. A 2-ounce bottle of conditioner and shampoo. I have washed them out and plan to make myself a little drink at the airport. Hum, should I have rum or vodka?

Tiff Nov 29th, 2006 07:49 AM

it might be a frothy drink if you use those bottles wally, lol, better make it rum.
:S-


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