Mexico City airport security

Travelers flying out of the Benito Juárez International Airport near México, D.F. (Mexico City), Mexico, should be aware that airport security agents may confiscate their contact lens solution and certain other liquids from their carry-on baggage. That’s what happened to me on Dec. 22, 2012, in Terminal 1.

For many years, the policy of the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regarding “medically required” liquids has been to allow “reasonably” sized containers greater than 100ml (3.4 ounces) to be carried in carry-ons separately from the other liquids restricted to the one-quart bag. Before screening begins, you should inform an officer if a liquid or gel is medically necessary and will be carried separately.

This information can be found on the website www.tsa.gov.*

In my experience, most countries either align with TSA rules or use slightly less rigorous policies (e.g., they allow travelers to leave their shoes on).

In the Mexico City airport, I was carrying my usual 120-milliliter (4-ounce) bottle of contact lens solution outside of my quart-sized bag of liquids. The solution I need to use is a difficult-to-find type and rarely available in a smaller size. I’ve carried the same-sized bottle of this liquid through airport security into more than 20 countries, including Israel, Germany and China, without incident.

In this case, however, a security agent seized my contact lens solution on the basis that it was in a container larger than 100ml. His behavior was professional, but he appeared unaware of any exceptions to the 100ml rule.

After my trip, I checked the airport’s website (www.aicm.com.mx [in Spanish]), which has an easy-to-find section addressing the airport’s security measures. There is a provision for carrying liquids separately from the quart-sized bag, but it’s not clear if contact lens solution would qualify; the term “medication” is used instead of “medically required.” There are references to “saline solutions for eye care” but no clear exception for larger sizes. 

So it appears that the security staff was acting in alignment with their stated policies. 

I did stumble upon another difference in rules. While the TSA allows alcoholic beverages if they are in containers of 100ml or less and fit inside your quart-sized bag, the Mexican authorities prohibit this practice. Note that the FAA and your specific airline might have other thoughts about this.

STEPHEN O. ADDISON, Jr.

Charlotte, NC

* On the www.tsa.gov homepage, click on “Traveler Information,” then “Prohibited Items.” See the words “When I Fly, Can I Bring My…?” and in the Search box type “contact lens solution.” For a term that is in the system, up will come the “Special Instructions” pertaining to it.