Okay, THAT is infuriating. I'm thrilled that the officer got in trouble. I find that behavior appalling, but not surprising. :mad:

GG

Here's something that confuses and concerns me about this saline solution business:

From TSA.gov Q & A:
So if all this "you're allowed to take on 4 oz of saline" came from a different location on the TSA web site, what are we meant to believe? And further, how scary is the "evaluated case-by-case?" Yes, of course, let's give TSA screeners more to be subjective about. :mad:

GG

Well my experience with this is mixed. The case by case means that the allowance of any non-prescription medication is purely at the discretion of the screeners. What they are supposed to do is determine if the non-prescription medication is "essential" for the trip. The term "essential" is vauge to say the least and requires the agents to act as a Dr. In theory all the agent is supposed to ask is "What is this for?" If it deals with any part of you, and it is likely you would need the item during the flight, they should allow it. However, as we all know not all TSA agents follow this approach.

One of the problems, and particularly so with saline solution/lens cleaner is that the agents know that sizes smaller than 4oz are available. I think this is why many try to deny them through the checkpoint. In the end it is allowed, but is a hassle. The way I have combatted this is by having my OD/MD prescribe the cleaner and get a prescription label on the solution from the pharmacy. If it has a prescription label on it, TSA cannot question the purpose of the item, and can only screen the item.

Given what items they list in the TBD on case-by-case basis, I do not want to be there when that "What is this for?" question is asked. I mean...saline solution, contact lens solution...sure. But...KY Jelly? What would one need that for during the flight, with the exception of the Mile High Club? Sorry to be so...icky...but seriously, what's up with that?

GG

I think a simple answer such as "Lubrication" should be enough.

From what I understand, as long as your answer actually matches the stated use for the item you should be fine. Though for some reason I think I read somewhere that for the non-prescription meds you were supposed to have the smallest commercially available size.

How do you get a prescription for conditioning solution, saline solution, and wetting solution?

BTW, in my case the particular wetting solution that I needed to put in contact to drive only came in 4 oz. And it is hard enough to get saline solution in 4 oz much less longer. Where are you getting these contact solutions?

Just ask your OD or MD and most will write you a prescription for what ever you are using. In my case I just had the MD write it. They will write a prescription for anything that is OTC if it is in their computer. (When I was there I asked about toothpaste, which was in the computer, and so was kleenex tissues) Then take the prescription over to your local CVS, Walgreens, etc. find the product on the shelf take it to the pharmacy counter, where you hand your prescriptions off and hand them the written prescription and the OTC items. In my case it actually worked out to be cheaper than buying the products OTC as there is a different price for the items when prescribed versus when they are not prescribed.

My normally reasonable TSA crew at FAY stole my 4 oz sealed bottle of contact solution from my carry on this Saturday. My only mistake was not having a copy of the reg. with me. Tell me this, if you can...Who make contact solution in less than 4 oz. bottles.

I'm losing faith in TSA.

I had the TSA faq with me that turns out to be dated. First I did not expect them to keep a dated list on their web and secondly was confused that they went from 4 oz to 3 oz on contact solutions unless you prove a medical connection.

As you point out, the contact solutions that most of us need during a day of travel do not come in smaller amounts than 4 oz.

You know what, I just answered my own question. I now remember about a year ago when I got my new contacts getting a 'starter' pack from Opti-Free from the Optometrist that had 1 1/2 oz. bottles of Opti-free solution in them. I've not seen those for sale in the stores, though. I'd hate to have to go to an eye doctor just to have some flyable contact solution. Both of my final destinations this weekend (FCA and FAY) had reasonable fast checked baggage return, so I guess I should be thankful for that.

I've purchased 2 oz. bottles in the section that carries travel-size shampoo and toothpaste before. I think you normally have to go to a store that has a very large selection of these items though - large discount superstores rather than small grocery stores.

You...had faith? In TSA? :D :D :D

GG

Friday, 6 Oct, EWR, CO C-3
 

:mad: What a friggin joke...approached C-3 TSAers with my quart baggie of 4 oz contact lense solutions...I wear gas permeables, so I need "cleanser" and "soaking/wetting" solutions (I guess the lack of the word "saline" threw the system into a tizzy). I had to explain the difference between hard and soft contact lenses to the TSA drone & her supervisor :rolleyes: who had a MAJOR power trip going...I thought with my TSA printout from the night before showing the products were allowed would suffice. WRONG, Mr. TSA super said I had the throw it away or check it option. No way I'm throwing away $30 of solutions (espec when I'M correct).

Back through security and CO really shined on this one. Agent found me a nice strong box, wrapped it up, checked it and personally brought me through the crew lane. She even thought contact solution was 4 oz, and when asked for future reference was told NOTHING liquid over 3 oz by the all knowing and powerful TSA :confused: NOT FUN!

Please file complaints with the FSD and the TSA over this. It is ridiculous that the TSA screeners would insist "nothing over 3 oz" like that. :mad:

I would also suggest contacting your elected officials about this. People may say that such requests go into the bit bucket and do nothing, but if no one complains, they're not aware the problem even exists.

Your first mistake was putting it in the plastic bag -- clearly, the bag should have nothing over 3oz.

Secondly, get that PDF letter from TSA that is floating around here via a link. Thirdly, focus with them on what is prohibited via that list -- contact lens and saline solutions greater than 3oz are not prohibited... if declared.