Can you Bring Sunglasses on a Plane?

Published on September 9th, 2026

Yes, you can bring sunglasses on a plane. Sunglasses are generally allowed in both your carry-on and checked luggage. It is important to protect them by keeping them in their designated case to prevent them from bending or breaking. Try to avoid holding them in your hands, on top of your head or hanging on your shirt, as they may slip off, fall or be misplaced.

What are the Rules for Taking Sunglasses Through Airport Security?

There may not necessarily be any rules for taking sunglasses through airport security, as you are allowed to bring them through in both your carry-on and checked luggage. However, you cannot wear them while going through the checkpoint. Security officers and the scanners require passengers to remove their sunglasses along with hats and a hoodie so they can verify your identity against your passport or ID photo accurately.

Can you Take Sunglasses Through the Security Checkpoint?

Yes, you can take sunglasses through the security checkpoint as long as you are not wearing them. Security officers and the scanners cannot verify your identity with the sunglasses’ frames covering your face. Ensure you take them off or store them away in their case before this checkpoint at the airport.

Where Should You Keep Sunglasses During Air Travel?

You should keep your sunglasses in their designated case during air travel. It is always recommended to store your sunglasses in their case when you are not using them to prevent damage from occurring.

Can Sunglasses Go in Your Carry-On Bag?

Yes, sunglasses can go in your carry-on bag. Ensure your sunglasses are placed in their protective case when packing them in your carry-on to prevent scratches on your lenses or breaking the frame. It can be convenient to put your sunglasses in your carry-on for easier and faster access.

Can Sunglasses be Packed Safely in Checked Luggage?

Yes, sunglasses can be packed safely in checked luggage. The designated case that comes with your frames is the best option for keeping them safe when packed in your checked luggage. They offer protection from scratches, bending and breaking from the pressure of other objects on them.

How Should You Pack Sunglasses for Travel?

To pack sunglasses for travel, ensure they are kept in their original protective case whenever they are not in use. Place your sunglasses inside their case before putting them in either your checked luggage or carry-on. For multiple pairs of sunglasses, you may want to opt for placing them in small packing cubes for more separation from other potentially heavy items and for finding them more easily.

Sunglasses in their case in luggage carry-on

What Type of Sunglasses Case is Best for Travel?

The type of sunglasses case that may be best for travel may include hard cases. Hard cases provide optimal protection for sunglasses frames, as their rigid exterior can prevent bending, crushing and reduce impact-related damage.

How does a Sunglasses Case Protect Your Frames?

A sunglasses case can protect your frames by blocking external pressure and preventing scratches on the lenses. This can prevent potential mishaps such as sitting on them or other objects bending them. They’re especially important when travelling, as they are better secured when moving around or being packed with other large objects.

Is a Hard Sunglasses Case Better for Air Travel?

Yes, a hard sunglasses case may be better for air travel. Its solid exterior can protect the frames from being crushed, bending or the lenses from any scratches. Putting your sunglasses in your checked luggage or carry-on can mean them moving around or get pushed up against your other belongings, which is why a hard case can be best for air travel.

How Many Pairs of Sunglasses Can You Pack?

The number of pairs of sunglasses that you can pack is up to your choosing. You may want to bring different styles for different weather conditions and/or outfits.

What is the Best Way to Pack Multiple Pairs?

The best way to pack multiple pairs of sunglasses may be to use packing cubes in your checked luggage so they are secure and separated from your other belongings. You may want to carry one or two in your carry-on and then rest in your luggage.

Are Multiple Pairs Allowed in Carry-On Bags?

Yes, multiple pairs are allowed in carry-on bags as long as it does not exceed the weight limit, which can vary between different airlines. Be sure to check with the airline you are flying with, pack the number of frames you want in your carry-on and check that the weight aligns with the allowance.

What can Damage Sunglasses During Travel?

The damage that can occur to sunglasses during travel can include pressure, scratches, heat and impact. The types of damage that can happen to sunglasses during travel are listed below.

Pressure: Pressure from your luggage on your sunglasses can cause them to bend or break.
Scratches: Scratches on your lenses can also occur during travel. Putting your sunglasses in your pocket along with other items, such as keys, coins or cards or placing them anywhere with the lenses facing down can also cause scratches.
Heat: Heat may cause damage to sunglasses during travel if temperatures get too high, depending on the material of your frames. It is always safe to keep them away from direct sunlight or surfaces that can get excessively hot, like in a car or on the car’s dashboard.
Impact: Impact from accidental drops or accidentally placing a heavy item on top of the frames may cause the lenses to crack or the frame to break.

Can Checked Baggage Damage Sunglasses?

Yes, checked baggage can damage sunglasses. Checked baggage is often roughly handled, stacked with other baggage, or deeply compressed against each other. However, this can be prevented if you put your sunglasses in their hard case and positioned in between your clothes or in a packing cube.

Can Heat or Pressure Affect Sunglasses?

Yes, heat or pressure can affect sunglasses. They can cause the frames to bend or deform and may affect special coatings, such as polarisation on your lenses. Materials such as acetate may be affected at high temperatures, so it is important to keep your sunglasses out of direct sunlight or out of the car.

What Type of Sunglasses are Best to Bring on a Plane?

The types of sunglasses that are best to bring on a plane may include UV400 sunglasses, polarised sunglasses and photochromic sunglasses. The types of sunglasses that may be best to bring on a plane are listed below.

UV400 Sunglasses: UV400 sunglasses offer the highest level of UV protection for the eyes up to 400 nanometres (nm). Wearing sunglasses with UV400 protection is important, as UV light can be harmful to the eyes if they are exposed to it for prolonged periods.
Polarised Sunglasses: Polarised sunglasses may be one of the best sunglasses to bring on a plane, especially if you’re travelling to a country with sunny and bright conditions. They will help reduce glare and excessive brightness for clear and protected vision outdoors.
Photochromic Sunglasses: Photochromic sunglasses are an ideal type of sunglasses to bring on a plane and when travelling, as they can adapt to your changing environment.

1. UV400 Sunglasses

UV400 sunglasses can be one of the best sunglasses to bring on a plane as they can provide complete protection from UV light rays up to 400 nanometres. While you may not require UV400 sunglasses onboard, they are a great option for travel for both fashion and function, with UV being present all year round.

2. Polarised Sunglasses

Polarised sunglasses are one of the best sunglasses to bring on a plane as they can help reduce glare and excessive brightness. Polarised sunglasses can help increase the contrast of images and improve overall visual clarity during bright conditions.

3. Mirror Sunglasses

Mirror sunglasses may be a good option to bring on a plane as they can help provide an extra layer of protection against glare. The anti-reflective coating comprises many thin layers of materials with an alternating refractive index. These materials even out the refraction of light, reducing reflection and glare. Mirrored sunglasses may be able to help reduce glare from the sun.

4. Photochromic Sunglasses

Photochromic sunglasses are another great option to bring on a plane as they darken according to your environment’s lighting conditions. Photochromic sunglasses make a great accessory when travelling, especially as they eliminate the need to bring multiple pairs of sunglasses and optical glasses altogether.

What Features Make Sunglasses Easier to Pack for Air Travel?

The features that make sunglasses easier to pack for air travel may include that they’re easy to put away and store in a protective case. Their spray and cloth are also sized optimally for keeping in your bag for easy cleaning of your frames.

How can you Protect Sunglasses Throughout Your Trip?

To protect sunglasses throughout your trip, always store the frames in their case when you’re not using them. Take your sunglasses off your face with two hands and place them in their protective case. Ensure they are neatly and properly placed between your clothes or in a packing cube in your luggage. If you are keeping them in your carry-on, put them in a smaller zip compartment or internal pocket.

What Is the Best Way to Carry Sunglasses Between Flights?

The best way to carry sunglasses between flights is to keep them in their case. Since you would need to take them off a few times when going through airport security, it may be best to avoid using them and store them. This can prevent misplacing them, dropping them without you noticing or leaving them behind somewhere.

Should You Keep Sunglasses in Your Carry-On?

Yes, you should keep your sunglasses in your carry-on, as you can easily access them if you need them.