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Your favorite sunglasses are essential for travel, but how can you be sure they'll arrive undamaged? And with the ever-changing TSA rules, you may be wondering whether sunglasses are even allowed on planes anymore. Here's what you need to know about air travel with sunglasses.
Yes, but you may need to remove them when going through security before boarding the plane so TSA can make sure you are who you say you are.
Yes—if they contain enough metal, your eyeglasses or sunglasses can set off the metal detector if you have them on your person when you pass through it.
While you can wear them, it’s probably better not to until you board your flight. Wearing sunglasses inside the terminal or concourse can draw unwanted attention to you from airport authorities, potentially interfering with your itinerary. Follow proper care instructions and place them in their protective case until you need them on the plane.
While there's no set rule against wearing sunglasses through TSA, you will most likely be asked to remove them at the security checkpoint. Any metal components inside the shades, including hinges and nose pads are likely to set off metal detectors or other screening devices. Unless sunglasses are a medical necessity, we recommend taking them off while you pass the checkpoint.
Yes, you're free to wear them in flight. Since sunglasses block light, wearing them is a good strategy for sitting in a window seat (or if the person in the window seat refuses to shut the blind).
And if you have trouble sleeping on airplanes because of bright light, a comfortable pair of sunglasses can do wonders in allowing you some shut-eye.
While wearing your sunglasses is the best way to travel with them, stow them in a rigid case—not a soft sleeve—when you’re not wearing them. According to the TSA website, you are allowed to bring sunglasses in your carry-on or checked baggage. If you elect to store them in a soft case, other items in your carry-on can easily crush them (especially true of bags stashed in a crowded overhead bin), or they could be lost or damaged in your checked luggage—a terrible fate to befall your favorite pair of Ray-Bans, Oakleys or Pradas. And good luck trying to get the airlines to reimburse you for your nice sunglasses.
Designer sunglasses from FramesDirect.com include a protective carrying case for keeping your favorite pair safe at home or on the go. And if your sunglasses didn’t come with a case, it’s a good idea to buy one to keep those shades in tip-top shape.
If you don't have a case for your sunglasses, we recommend placing them inside a part of your carry-on where they are least likely to get scratched or crushed. You can also place the frames inside a soft sock, or wrap them in a microfiber cloth to help protect the lenses. If you want to place the sunglasses in checked baggage, we recommend wrapping them in a soft material, preferably microfiber, and wedging them inside a shoe or food container. This does not guarantee the glasses or sunglasses will make it through the journey unharmed, but it will reduce the risk of damage throughout travel.
Yes! Eyeglasses are an approved carry-on item. In fact, we recommend placing glasses inside carry-ons instead of checked bags, as they are less likely to be damaged and are easily accessible if you need them once you board. Always place the frames in a carrying case to protect them from damage inside luggage of any kind.
According to the US Department of State, you are not allowed to wear any glasses in passport photos. This includes sunglasses and eyeglasses. But the US State Department website notes that if you need to wear glasses for a medical condition, you can do so with a note from your doctor. Save your favorite shades to wear in your sunny vacation photos.
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