I've always seen notices in the toilets that the water is non-potable so to me that would me it wouldn't be safe for any internal use.

I wonder if Robespierre wears contact lenses and if he really did soak them in vodka. Wouldn't that sting?

Vodka! Aha! Maybe I should test this out...

And yes, I would never use the "tap" water in the airplane, only bottled from the attendant. (I was referring to my hotel tap water behavior, which though not perfect, can't be nearly as bad as the crap (literally) on airplanes!)

Have you considered the 30 day lenses from Night and Day? They breathe and don't have to come out for 30 days. They don't get dried out while sleeping with them in your eyes, and I have found them to be much more sanitary since I am not handling them daily even with solution. I travel with a spare set in my checked luggage, but so far have never had to use them. I have used them for over 3 years with no infections or trouble to even need to wear my regular glasses. I had to look for my glasses to bring them to my regular eye exam! Check with your eye doctor to see if they will work for you at least on a temporary basis.

I am amused by the person who wrote that their contact lenses and solution are going where they go.

I think that person should reverse the sentence.

They may have to go where the lenses and solution go.
= = = = =
I think the best hope is that the airlines carry/sell solution/containers on board.

That may turn out to be a rather simple "solution". Had to write that.

According to Yahoo the new TSA rules (as of about an hour ago) WILL allow liquid OTC meds, so it appears that saline solution will be allowed BUT the maximum allowed will be 4 ozs.

Removal of shoes will now be mandatory.

Not to turn this into a makeup discussion, but I have recently switched from liquid foundation to mineral makeup (Jane Iredale). It will come in handy on the plane, both with regard to being in it overnite, as well as bringing it on board. Just a thought for any determined to wear makeup. annieladd

Good grief, I meant to post this for another question. My apologies. annieladd

I'm so glad I found this thread because I had all these questions myself. However, I have this question about a possible solution that I've thought of: can you bring a prescription written by your U.S. eye doctor for your contacts and have it filled in whatever country you'll be in?

>>According to Yahoo the new TSA rules (as of about an hour ago) WILL allow liquid OTC meds, so it appears that saline solution will be allowed BUT the maximum allowed will be 4 ozs.<<

Yeah! this will make my eyes sooo happy!!! :)

Is saline solution considered an OTC medicine though? I thought OTC meds. are like cough syrup, liquid Benadryl, etc.

I believe anything not requiring a prescription is considered "Over The Counter."

francophile,

As I re-read the new rules, I thought of that too... umm....remains to be seen.

Yes. I know what OTC means. But I am referring to the TSA notice saying that they will allow 'liquid OTC meds'. I have never thought of my saline solution to be medicinal before. But heck, if the TSA considers it a medicine then I've got nothing to worry about (I think).

Well, I've got another month plus and things may change once again.

We just arrived home from flying San Jose to Denver. There are new, more relaxed rules. Conventional lipstick tubes and chapstick are ok. Some small amounts of prescription meds ok. Some baby formula or breastmilk in bottles ok, if a baby is traveling. But, I'm not clear if these new rules apply for traveling internationally.

Are books allowed?

Recommend you contact your doctor to see if you can use daily disposable lenses or Nite and Day by Ciba. I always bring a backup pair of glasses anyway.

Do not use water to store your contact lens. There is a risk of infection inherent with contact len use and some infections can be extremely difficult to treat. Risk is small but why chance it? Water is not sterile and has nothing to stop the growth of bacteria or fungi.
Wearing glasses for the flight would be the best solution. Soft contact lens wearers who use disposable lenses should be just able to put another set of lenses in your pockets. If you use non disposable lenses and must use your contact lenses and store them in flight and cannot bring on your storage solutions I would substitute artificial tears. If the common bottles you find in stores are too large for carry on you could probably get some small sample bottles from your ophthalmologist or optometrist that you could put in your pockets with the storage container. Would probably use the tears with the least viscosity. Last option solution would be the preservative free drops which are at least sterile and come in small plastic tubes. If they are doing body searches these options may not work but otherwise I find it hard to believe anyone would find them or be concerned about a cc of liquid.

Though I've never had a problem sleeping for a few hours on a plan wearing contact lenses, I do always carry a tiny plastic bottle of my usual solution (no "re-wetting" solution), just in case. And, I also bring onboard a (sealed) spare pair, just in case.

I read somewhere today that even to/from the UK you can bring onboard contact lenses in a case in solution, though no bottle of solution.

For me, one of the HUGE advantages of wearing contact lenses, versus those awful trifocal glasses, is being able to negotiate the airport! I'm one who has great difficulty walking all about wearing glasses versus contact lenses.

Airline travel these days is dismal enough without not being able to have a bottle of water and your contact lens solutions along.

Just to emphasize a point...

It was written: "This is not a time when vanity takes precedence."

Vanity?! I (and quite a few other people I would imagine) wear contacts because at -11, even the lightest and thinnest of glasses material is VERY HEAVY ON MY FACE and CAUSES SEVERE HEADACHES. In addition, my VISION is far better with contacts than with glasses, and that is what is most important. Not ignorant people thinking I'm wearing contacts for the sake of vanity.

There. Rant over.

Nope. For me too wearing contact lenses are not for vanity. I see better with contact lenses than I do with glasses and someone mentioned how heavy glasses feel. I agree. If they are allowing you to bring a contact lens case filled with solution that'll help somewhat.