I can't believe I'm posting a question about freakin' contact lens solution, but I am. I need to know recent travellers experience bringing it. I know that previous to the freedom baggies you could bring the 4 oz. contact lens solution. But post-freedom baggies, can we still bring it? I read somewhere that some guy was told it had to be "declared." True or not? I'm flying international out of ATL on Thursday and would prefer to not check the solution, but it's more important for me to have the solution at my destination, so confiscation needs to be avoided! TIA

Your 4 oz bottle of solution is supposed to be "declared" to the screener separately from your Baggie 'o' Goods. Based upon other posts here, you might run across some who ignore that, and treat it as a "toiletry." They are wrong, but feel that it is up to them to decide that you don't need it for your PRESCRIPTION lenses.

The TSA web site states the following about eye drops and saline solutions (and a host of other items as well):

You should declare your contact lens solution to the TSO at the beginning of the screening process (unless it is 3 ounces or less and is in your Freedom Baggie).

The above is no guarantee that the particular screener you encounter will be familiar with what is and is not permitted.

- Alan

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ohibited Items

Maybe print out this page and carry it with you through the checkpoint. It may or not help.

I asked the TSO that was searching my carryon this very question in CRW on Wednesday. She stated that 4oz of contact lens solution are still considered under the medical need and are allowed. They do not have to be placed in the KIPZIP FREEDOM bag.

here's the link for declaration of any other liquids.

http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/liquids_declaration.pdf

And this is from another section of the TSA website

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...d-items.shtm#0


Can I Take It?

Effective Tuesday, September 26, TSA Is Adjusting The Ban On Liquids, Aerosols And Gels.

Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag.
After clearing security, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft.
At the checkpoint travelers will be asked to remove the zip-top bag of liquids and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

In addition, larger amounts of prescription liquid medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening.

In addition to the above changes, the following guidance is provided to ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers the following items are permitted.

Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling;
All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes;
Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and,
Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.

You are not limited in the amount or volume of these items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. BUT if the medically necessary items exceed 3 ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you MUST declare to one of our Security Officers at the checkpoint for further inspection.

I was flying out of SJC last night, and had a bottle of lens solution with me. I also brought a printout of the TSA website stating that they were OK as long as they were declared.

Stormtrooper-ette 55166 told me that they were not permitted, and I showed her the web printout. SHe said MEDICAL, and I asked if near sightedness was a medical condition. She said yes, but the contact lens solution for my contacts was not a medical necessity. I highlighted for her the parts of the website where it says quite clearly that there is no limit on the saline solution as long as it is declared, and that I was declaring it. She called over stormtrooper 49505 who agreed with her. I told them to check with their boss, which they said they did and came back with the same answer. They ended up stealing my solution.

Are you filing a complaint? Did you speak directly with the boss or just take their word for it?

Bart, what should Entropy do in this situation?

I flew BOS-BDA-BOS this week (returning today) - had my 4 oz bottle of contact solution in the same pouch as my prescription medications (separate from my zip loc baggie of liquids), and not one TSA employee batted an eyelash. No problems whatsoever on either end of my trip.

of course I'm filing a complaint. They stole $10 of perfectly good contact lens solution that the rules clearly state that I was allowed to carry. They produced a copy of the list that they told me was from that day (9/29) that was not the updated 9/26 modifications, clearly a lie.
I didn't get their badge numbers for the hell of it....

Bart....educate the "medical" necessity of contact lens solution during your training. PLEASE.

This is atrocious. The TSO's obviously don't know their own SOP and when confronted with the actual printouts from their websites they have the balls to disagree with it.

And please educate your new trainees as well as your direct reports what the TSA website has posted on it. I know what's on it and I will use it to report any inconsistency I face when I travel.

Sorry, didn't mean to insult you by asking if you're filing a complaint. I've read so many posts about people just rolling over and taking it.

so much for liquid insanity rules being "loosened" . now it seems more arbitrary and crazy than ever. some TSOs choose to confiscate mediically necessary contact lens solution while others don't. Its not just a shoe/water carnival anymore, now its akin to russian roulette.

Sorry you had to go through that. Its not just about $10, but its about the
haraSSSSment that we have to go through in the name of [false] security.

It might help to have some legal jargons handy.. and some phone
numbers for the press-reporters. And it might help to get some names
of the witnesses.

Was it 4 oz or less? If so it should have been found compliant with the old saline rule. Mine passed thru fine 2 weeks ago (did not even search bag) but then again TSA rules are enforced or not depending on the phase of the moon.

Personally I think your mistake (I say that tounge in cheek) was declaring it. Just pack it and take your chances or better yet bring it thru in one of your pockets. This may not be feasible if you have 12oz, but I would never travel with that amount as it often explodes in flight.

There was a funny sketch on Saturday Night Live last night about a training session with some TSAs about the new 3 oz. liquid/gels rules.

Obviously, it wasn't funny to anyone who has had to put up with these crazy rules lately.

Everytime I go to the airport, I feel like I'm going through some kind of fraternity initiation hazing ritual. It's a sad, mad travel world we live in.