Liquid rules are changing around the world with many airports both in the UK and abroad having installed high-tech CT scanners which mean you can take more liquids than before. However, changes vary depending on which airport you are flying from, and not every country has made amendments to their liquid rules.
Therefore, whether you’re jetting off on holiday from the UK or returning from a jaunt overseas, it’s important to pay attention to liquid rules.
At the time of writing, the UK Government website explains: “If you do take liquids in your hand luggage containers must hold no more than 100ml. Containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm and contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed.”
Britons travelling back from European countries should be aware of restrictions around popular food items which could see them stopped at security.
Cheese is a popular delicacy in countries around Europe, and the UK Government allows people to bring in small amounts of cheese from the European Union for “personal use”. You cannot bring in food from other countries on a connecting flight.
However, the type of cheese you are bringing back could be considered a liquid – even if it doesn’t seem like a liquid to you.
Skyscanner lists brie as one of these “surprising items not allowed in your hand luggage”. The experts from Skyscanner explained: “You’d be a little cheesed off if someone took your brie off you, on your way back from France – right?
“Unfortunately, soft cheese counts as a liquid, so try not to pack the whole cheese wheel into your carry-on. A small portion in your liquids bag should be fine (think Babybel size). Pop that gorgonzola into a tightly sealed bag in check.”
The rules also apply to all soft cheeses as their consistency can fall into the category of a gel, which can not be carried unless in accordance with airport security liquid rules.
Soft cheeses aren’t the only food item banned from hand luggage due to their consistency. Hummus is another popular snack item which can only be brought in hand luggage if it is in a container of 100ml or less and in a plastic bag, at the time of writing.
Even once the new CT scanners are rolled out across all UK airports, holidaymakers should be aware that rules will vary overseas, so you should always check the security specifications of all transit airports before packing your hand luggage.