As travelers across the UK start packing their bags for summer holidays, many are caught off guard by the lesser known airport security rules. Despite years of warnings on scanners and countless discarded toiletries, the liquid rules continue to stumble even for the most experienced travelers.
Most passengers understand that bottled water and perfumes must comply with the 100ml rule, but many still unconsciously make simple and easy mistakes. From groceries to cosmetics, airports are confiscating everyday products simply because they fall into the lesser known category of “faked” liquids.
“Many travelers are caught by seizing items without realizing that they count as liquids such as lip gloss and liquid eyeliner, or foods such as sauces and jams,” said Cody Candee, CEO and founder of Luggage Storage Company Bounce.com.
“If you can spread, smear or squirt the item, it's usually a liquid. If you're not sure, pack it or leave it in your check-in luggage.”
These often overlooked items are intercepted in airport security trays, leading to unnecessary delays with checkpoints and wasted products.
Cody added: “To avoid last-minute stress in security, travelers can pre-pack clear bags at home using clear zip freezer bags.
This is an easy step, but it saves a lot of hassle with the airport queue. Also, if airport security does not allow freezer bags, then at least the products have already been sorted.
We hope that these restrictive rules will end as airports across the UK may gradually adopt new scanning technology and phase out liquid restrictions.
However, for the time being, many travelers may still find their favorite face cream or marmalade jars to find, so the best option is not to take risks.
Cody recommends: “To avoid liquid restrictions entirely, travelers can instead pack solid versions of toiletries, where available, such as toothpaste tablets, solid deodorizers, shampoos, conditioners, soap bars.
“These types of products not only save space, they are more environmentally friendly and security-approved.”
