Quick Answer: Non-medicated eye drops must adhere to the standard 100ml liquid limit for hand luggage. However, prescription eye drops may be carried in larger quantity but should be accompanied by a medical prescription if more than 100ml.
Travelling with medications can feel daunting, especially when planning to take them on a flight.
If you need to travel with your eye drops—whether prescription eye drops or not, for dry eyes, allergies, glaucoma, or other eye conditions—it’s important to understand the guidelines for carrying them safely, legally, and securely while flying.
This guide explains everything you need to know about bringing eye drops on a plane:
- Are eye drops allowed on flights?
- Are they considered as a liquid under UK and international airport security rules?
- Is a prescription necessary for travelling with eye drops?
- Should eye drops go in your hand luggage?
- How can you keep eye drops when flying?
- And more helpful tips!
Are Eye Drops Allowed on Planes?
Travelling through airport security with medications, especially liquids, can be a source of stress. Fortunately, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has clear rules for carrying medications and eye drops on planes.
Whether you use lubricating eye drops to combat the dry air on planes, medicated eye drops for a specific condition, or antibiotic drops to treat an infection, it’s essential to know how to pack and declare them correctly at airport security checks.
Are Eye Drops Considered Liquids for Airport Security?
Yes, eye drops are classified as liquids under the UK’s aviation security guidelines. This means that you must follow the rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage. Specifically:
- Containers must not exceed 100ml.
- All liquids, including eye drops, should fit within a single, resealable 1-litre plastic bag.
Fortunately, most eye drop bottles are well under 100ml, so you can carry multiple bottles if needed. Over-the-counter eye drops must adhere to the standard 100ml limit. If you need larger quantities, consider placing extras in your checked baggage or buying more at your destination.
However, the rules are different for prescription eye drops.
Related article: Does Latanoprost Need to Be Refrigerated?
Prescription Eye Drops
Prescription eye drops used for chronic conditions, such as glaucoma or severe dry eye, can exceed the usual 100ml limit if required.
According to the CAA and the UK Government:
- You’re allowed to carry essential medicines of more than 100ml in your hand luggage, including prescription eye drops.
- "You’ll need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you (for example a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription) if it’s both in liquid form and in a container larger than 100ml"
- You do not need to show proof if the medication is liquid in a container that’s 100ml or smaller.
Airport staff might need to open the containers to screen the liquids at the security point. These should be in their original packaging with your name and prescription details clearly visible. Make sure to declare them at security for smooth processing.
Do You Need a Prescription for Flying with Eye Drops?
For domestic flights in the UK, a prescription is typically unnecessary to bring eye drops on a plane. It's only necessary in the case that you're flying with more than 100ml of eye drops. However, it’s always helpful to ensure labels are visible to avoid any questions and delays at security.
For international travel, it’s a good idea to carry a prescription or doctor’s note, particularly for larger quantities or prescription-only drops. This can save time at customs or security in your destination country.
Can I Pack Eye Drops in My Hand Luggage?
Yes! Keeping eye drops in your hand luggage is highly recommended. This ensures you can use them during the flight, particularly on long journeys when dry cabin air may cause irritation.
Here’s why you should avoid packing eye drops in your checked luggage:
- Temperature Fluctuations: Checked luggage is often exposed to extreme temperatures, which could compromise the effectiveness of certain medications.
- Lost Luggage: If your suitcase is delayed or lost, you won’t have immediate access to your eye drops.
- Damage Risk: Checked bags can be handled roughly, increasing the risk of leaks or breaks.
However, if you're flying with more than 100ml of non-prescription drops, you'll need to pack them in your checked luggage anyways as these are not exempt from the 100ml liquid rule. Only prescription drops can be carried in larger quantity.
Related article: Should You Keep Your Eye Drops in the Fridge?
How to Pack Your Eye Drops for Air Travel
Packing your eye drops properly ensures they remain safe and effective throughout your journey. Follow these simple tips:
- Opt for Travel-Sized Bottles: Most eye drops come in small containers that meet hand luggage requirements.
- Keep Them Cool: If your drops need to stay refrigerated or protected from heat, invest in a specialised eye drops cooling case like those from 4AllFamily.
- Label Clearly: Ensure all bottles are labelled, particularly for prescription eye drops.
- Carry Extras: Pack a backup bottle in case of spills or misplacement.
- Use a Plastic Bag: Place eye drops in a resealable bag to prevent leaks.
- Bring Documentation: A doctor’s note can be useful, especially for international travel or larger quantities of prescription drops.
- Prepare for Your Destination: Make sure you have enough supplies, particularly if pharmacies are hard to access where you’re going.
By following these steps, you can ensure your eye drops are carried safely, legally, and securely when flying. Planning ahead keeps your eyes comfortable and your travels worry-free!
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Have any helpful advice or personal stories about travelling with eye drops or bringing them on a plane? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
