With the price of food items purchased at airports and transport hubs on the rise, it’s no surprise more people are taking their own snacks with them before jetting off. However, experts from Skyscanner say you may be “surprised” by one food item which could see your hand luggage being stopped at security. The reason: the liquids rule.
While there are plans to axe the 100ml liquid rule in the UK eventually, a series of technological hold-ups mean that, for now, many UK flight hubs are maintaining the restrictions.
Liquid rules also remain at many flight hubs both domestically and around the world.
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.”
While most people know water and drinks are included in the liquid ban, there are some foods you may not realise fall into the liquid category. And even if you don’t consider a certain food item to be a liquid, anything which falls into a jam, gel or spread category could be deemed a liquid by airport staff.
According to Skyscanner, peanut butter is one culprit. Skyscanner included the spread in its list of “surprising items” you might not realise are banned at airport security.
While small snack-size tubs of peanut butter, perfect for adding to crackers or dipping fruit into, are permitted onboard, anything larger than 100ml could be taken from you.
“It’s worth noting your nut butter usually counts as a liquid,” said Skyscanner’s experts. “This means you’ll need to make sure any nut butter you’re packing is under 100ml.”
Speaking previously, a travel expert from Ski Vertigo added: “Certain food items, especially those that are liquid or gel-like, such as peanut butter, jam, or yoghurt, are subject to the liquids rule.
“Solid foods generally pass through security without issues, but any food that can be spread, squirted, or poured may be confiscated if it exceeds the allowed liquid limits. Food items can also trigger additional screening if they appear suspicious on the X-ray.”
While some airports in the UK have introduced high-tech CT scanners, eliminating the need for the current liquid rule, the rollout has been slower at other flight hubs. Even if your departure airport in the UK has implemented the new CT scanners, it’s worth remembering that many international airports still have the liquid rule in place.
A Department of Transport spokesperson said: “Passengers should continue to check security requirements with their departure airport before travelling.”
This means it is better that travellers continue to follow the current liquid rules until advised otherwise. There is not yet a solid date for when all of the liquid rules will be removed.