Wether it is across Canada or internationally, Travelling with medications can spark many questions and worries, especially when it comes to bringing them on a plane.
If you suffer from dry eyes, allergies, glaucoma, or other eye conditions, you rely on eye drops, and knowing how to fly with eye drops is essential in order to stay safe and within the regulations. In this article, we answer all the most important questions about air travel with eye drops:
- Can you bring eye drops on an airplane?
- Are they considered liquids by Canadian airport security?
- Do you need a doctor’s note for eye drops?
- Can eye drops go in your carry-on?
- How to keep eye drops cool while flying?
- And more!
Related article: Is Flying with Glaucoma Safe?
Can I bring eye drops on a Plane?
Whether you rely on lubricating drops to ease dry eyes from the dry cabin atmosphere, medicated drops to manage conditions like glaucoma, or antibiotic drops to address infections, understanding how they’re handled during security screenings can make your journey smoother.
It can seem very overwhelming to pass liquids through the airport security check. Luckily the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has very sinmple and easy rules when it comes to liquid medications.
Eye Drops Airport Security: What to Expect
When preparing to travel with eye drops, you might wonder if they are treated as liquids under airport security rules. The simple answer is yes—eye drops are categorized as liquids by the CATSA and must adhere to the same regulations as other liquid items in your carry-on.
According to Canadian security guidelines, liquids must be stored in containers of 100 millilitres or less and placed inside a single, clear, resealable plastic bag. Luckily, most eye drop bottles are significantly smaller, typically under 50 millilitres, so they easily meet the requirements.
It's also important to note that prescription eye drops and over-the-counter products are handled differently during security checks. Understanding this distinction can help ensure a smoother experience at the screening point.
Related article: Does Latanoprost Need to Be Refrigerated?
Prescription Eye Drops vs. OTC Drops
Prescription eye drops required for medical conditions and over-the-counter drops are treated differently during security screening.
Prescription eye drops, such as those for glaucoma, dry eye, conjunctivitis, or macular degeneration, may be exempt from the 100-millilitre limit. It is very important to keep them in their original packaging and declare them separately at the security checkpoint. Additionally, ensure you have a medical prescription, and that the bottles are clearly labeled with your name to avoid any issues or delays with CATSA agents.
Over-the-counter drops, like those used for occasional dryness or redness, must adhere to the standard 100-millilitre liquid rule. Pack them in your clear resealable bag. If you need more than allowed in your carry-on, place the extras in your checked luggage or buy more at your destination.
Related article: Why Use Latanoprost at Night?
Do You Need a Prescription for Flying with Eye Drops?
For domestic flights within Canada, no prescription is typically required for bringing eye drops, whether they are prescribed or over the counter.
However, ensuring labels are visible helps avoid delays during security screening.
For international travel, it’s a good idea to carry a prescription or doctor’s note if you’re bringing larger quantities or prescription eye drops. This documentation can make the process easier in countries with different regulations.
Can I Bring Eye Drops in My Carry-On?
Absolutely! It’s even recommended to keep eye drops in your carry-on rather than checked luggage.
This ensures you can use them during the flight, especially on long trips where dry cabin air can affect your eyes. Just follow the CATSA 100-millilitre liquid rule to stay compliant.
There are several other reasons why bringing them, in your carry on luggage is a good idea:
- Temperature Control: Checked luggage areas may experience extreme temperatures, which could compromise the effectiveness of your eye drops.
- Loss or Delay: If your luggage is lost or delayed, you won’t have immediate access to your essential eye drops.
- Risk of Damage: The rough handling of checked luggage could lead to leaks or broken bottles.
Related article: Should You Keep Your Eye Drops in the Fridge?
How to Pack Your Eye Drops for Air Travel
Properly packing your eye drops is very important to keep them safe, sterile, and effective during your journey. It also helps a lot with the security screenings in Canada or airports in other countries. Here are some tips:
- Use Travel-Sized Bottles: If your eye drops come in a larger bottle, transfer some into a travel-sized container, not over 100 ml, that meets the CATSA regulations and ensures a quick security check.
- Keep Eye Drops Cool: If your eye drops need to be refrigerated, we recommend to use an insulated travel case for eye drops, like those available from 4AllFamily.
Related article: 4AllFamily Eye Drop Carrying Case: Keeping Eye Drops Cool When Traveling!
- Label Clearly: make sure that all bottles are properly labelled. This prevents any issues or misunderstanding, especially for the prescription ones.
- Pack a Backup: When you're traveling accidents can always happen. Always carry a spare bottle to cover potential spills or losses.
- Use a Zip-Lock Bag: Like any other liquids in your carry on luggage, store your eye drops in a small resealable bag to protect against leaks.
- Bring Documentation: Especially for the prescribed eye drops its very important to bring a doctors note. If you're flying domestically in Canada, there should be no problem. But as for the international flights its highly recommended, since regulations can vary between different countries.
- Check Airline Policies: Always check the specific airline rules concerning liquids and medications before you board a plane.
- Consider Your Destination: A thorough research of your destination and the availability of pharmacies and your eye drops is important. If you're not sure bring enough supplies if access to pharmacies at your destination is limited.
Following these tips will help ensure your eye drops remain safe and accessible during your trip. A little preparation goes a long way to keeping your eyes comfortable and healthy no matter where you go!
We’d Love to Hear From You!
Share your travel tips, questions, or stories in the comments below. How do you manage your eye drops when flying? Let us know!
