Sunglasses are critical for safeguarding your eyes with UV protection while exploring the world and staying cool, but can you bring sunglasses and eyeglasses on a plane? And can you wear your sunglasses during the security checkpoint?
Yes, you can absolutely wear and bring sunglasses through the security checkpoint and on a plane, both in carry-on and checked luggage, as confirmed by TSA guidelines. It is best to keep them in your carry-on bag, and in a hard case, to prevent damage or loss. Wearing them or storing them in an accessible pocket is also fine.
In this post I will cover everything you need to know about wearing and traveling with sunglasses, whether you are wearing prescription, fashion, or designer eyeglasses, and the right way to protect them on your next flight.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can bring and wear sunglasses on a plane and through the airport security.
- The TSA allows sunglasses, including prescription and designer sunglasses, in both carry-on and checked luggage.
- It is best to keep them in your carry-on bag or personal item as it is the safest place.
- The security officers may ask you to remove them for identification or screening.
- To avoid scratches or damage, place your sunglasses in a hard protective case, especially if traveling with expensive pairs like Ray-Bans or Gucci sunglasses
Can You Wear Sunglasses Through The Security Checkpoint?
The TSA didn’t specifically mention anything about taking or wearing sunglasses through the security checkpoint.
However; there are various opinions about wearing sunglasses through the security checkpoint.
For instance, you can wear prescription sunglasses without any issues, but occasionally the security officer may ask you to place them in a separate tray along with your other items.
I wanted to find some real answers from the TSA social media.
Many passengers have already asked the TSA on X if they can wear sunglasses at the security checkpoint.
The TSA answered Mr. Chicago for example that passengers can wear prescription sunglasses through the security checkpoint.
For other types of sunglasses that are not prescribed, it is better to remove them until you pass the security checkpoint or board the airplane.
If you remove them, ensure that you keep an eye on them, as they can be misplaced or lost.
That is probably what happened to Jeanie.
She lost her $200 Ray-Bans at the screening checkpoint, and the TSA told her to file a claim.
Wearing designer sunglasses inside the airport can draw some unnecessary attention from airport security.
Can You Take Sunglasses In Carry-on Baggage?
The TSA and most airlines do not have any restrictions on where to place your sunglasses, but I recommend placing them in your personal item.
Sunglasses block light, so you can wear them on board the airplane, which is a good idea if you sit in a window seat.
Sunglasses can also help you sleep comfortably if you don’t have a sleeping mask.
Can You Place Sunglasses In Checked Baggage?
I did it once.
I placed my sunglasses inside my checked bag.
And guess what happened!!
They got crushed.
I just tossed them in my checked bag, and the mistake I made was not using a protective case.
So I wouldn’t advise anyone to pack them in checked baggage unless you are not worried about them.
But if you are traveling with $200 Ray-Bans, you already know that is not a good idea. It makes more sense to place them in your carry-on bag along with any fragile items.
| Sunglasses | Allowed in carry-on bag | Allowed in checked bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviator sunglasses | Yes | Yes | Metal frames might sometimes cause extra screening |
| Wayfarer sunglasses | Yes | Yes | Travel friendly styles |
| Round sunglasses | Yes | Yes | Store them in a hard case to avoid damage |
| Cat-Eye sunglasses | Yes | Yes | Can scratch easily in checked luggage |
| Oversized sunglasses | Yes | Yes | Bulky frames should be protected from pressure damage. |
| Polarized sunglasses | Yes | Yes | Popular for reducing glare during flights |
| Prescription sunglasses | Yes | Yes | The TSA officers may ask you to remove them |
| Sports sunglasses | Yes | Yes | Lightweight and durable for travel |
| Designer sunglasses | Yes | Yes | It is best to place expensive sunglasses in carry-on |
| Mirrored sunglasses | Yes | Yes | No airline or TSA restrictions |
| Photochromic / transition sunglasses | Yes | Yes | Allowed like normal eyeglasses |
| Clip-on sunglasses | Yes | Yes | Small accessories are fine in both bags |
| Folding sunglasses | Yes | Yes | Compact and convenient for travel |
| Wooden frame sunglasses | Yes | Yes | Make sure to pack fragile frames carefully |
| Smart Sunglasses (bluetooth / camera) | Usually Yes | Usually Yes | Battery powered models may need to stay in carry-on if they contain lithium batteries |
| Kids’ sunglasses | Yes | Yes | No special restrictions apply |
| Reading sunglasses | Yes | Yes | Treated the same as regular eyewear |
| Safety sunglasses | Yes | Yes | Industrial or protective lenses are generally allowed |
| Ski or snow goggles | Yes | Yes | Best if packed in a protective pouch or case |
| Fashion costume sunglasses | Yes | Yes | Novelty designs are generally allowed unless they have prohibited features |
How To Protect Sunglasses When Traveling?
You will need to take some necessary preventive measures to make sure that your eyeglasses or sunglasses don’t get crushed, whether you are taking them inside your carry-on or checked baggage.
Protecting them properly will also help avoid scratches.
Getting a sturdy case that helps protect them from scratches and breaks is critical.
The protective case, together with the glasses, can be placed in your carry-on, personal item, or even in your pocket if you want to keep them handy.
Final Thoughts
You can even wear and bring your SpongeBob pink glasses on planes.
It doesn’t matter what type of sunglasses you are traveling with, but wearing them through the security checkpoint will depend on the security officer at the checkpoint.
If the security officer asks you to remove them, ensure that you don’t leave them back at the security checkpoint.
Also, do not forget your sunglasses inside your checked bag, since most airlines will not compensate for damaged or lost expensive items.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taking Sunglasses On A Planes
Can you wear sunglasses through TSA?
Yes, you can usually wear sunglasses through the TSA security checkpoint. However, The TSA folks may ask you to remove or lower them briefly so they can verify your identity. Prescription sunglasses are generally less likely to cause issues.
Can I put sunglasses in my carry-on?
Yes, sunglasses are allowed in carry-on baggage, personal items, and hand luggage. In fact, keeping them in your carry-on is the best choice because checked baggage can damage fragile sunglasses.
Can you put sunglasses in checked luggage?
You can place sunglasses in checked baggage, but it is not recommended to do so. Checked bags can get thrown around during handling, which may crush or scratch your sunglasses.
Can you wear sunglasses inside the airport?
Yes, there are no rules against wearing sunglasses inside the airport. However, airport security or airline staff may ask you to remove them temporarily for identification or screening purposes.
Will sunglasses set off a metal detector?
Most sunglasses will not set off airport metal detectors. However, some designer sunglasses with large metal frames or metal hinges can trigger additional screening.
How do you protect sunglasses while flying?
The best way to protect sunglasses during travel is to store them in their protective case. You can also wrap them in a microfiber cloth to prevent scratches and place them near the top of your carry-on bag to avoid pressure damage.
Can you bring prescription sunglasses on a plane?
Yes, prescription sunglasses are allowed on planes in both carry-on and checked luggage. You do not normally need to show a prescription or medical documentation when traveling with them.
Can you take designer sunglasses on a plane?
Yes, luxury and designer sunglasses such as Ray-Bans or Gucci sunglasses are allowed on planes. It is safer to keep expensive eyewear in your carry-on bag instead of checked luggage.
Can sunglasses get damaged in checked baggage?
Yes, sunglasses can easily get crushed, bent, or scratched inside checked luggage if they are not packed properly. Using a hard-shell case helps reduce the risk of damage.
Can you bring multiple pairs of sunglasses on a plane?
Yes, airlines and the TSA allow passengers to bring multiple pairs of sunglasses in both carry-on and checked baggage. Frequent travelers often pack an extra pair as a backup.
Can you wear sunglasses during takeoff and landing?
Yes, passengers can usually wear sunglasses during takeoff and landing. However, cabin crew may ask you to remove them briefly during safety instructions or emergency situations.
Are polarized sunglasses good for flying?
Polarized sunglasses are great for regular passengers because they reduce glare and improve comfort near airplane windows. However, pilots often prefer non-polarized lenses since polarized lenses can sometimes interfere with cockpit instrument displays.
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