Liquids rules are changing around the world and many airports in the UK and overseas have introduced high tech CT scanners which allow you to take more liquids with you than before, however changes vary depending on your departure airport and not all countries have amended their liquids rules.
So whether you’re flying out of the UK for a holiday or returning from a trip abroad, it’s important to pay attention to the rules regarding liquids.
At the time of writing, the UK government website states: “If you are bringing liquids in your carry-on baggage, the container must be no larger than 100ml. It must be packed into a single transparent, resealable plastic bag, with a capacity of 1 litre or less and dimensions of approximately 20cm x 20cm, with the contents fitting loosely inside the bag and being able to be sealed.”
Brits returning from European countries need to be aware of restrictions on popular foods that could get them stopped at security checks.
Cheese is a popular delicacy in European countries, and the British government allows people to bring small amounts of cheese from the European Union for “personal use.” Food from other countries cannot be brought on connecting flights.
However, the type of cheese you bring home may be considered a liquid, even if it doesn’t look like a liquid.
Skyscanner lists Brie as one of the “unexpected items you should never pack in your carry-on luggage”. Their experts explain: “If you’re flying home from France and someone snatches your Brie from you, you’d probably be a bit annoyed, right?”
“Unfortunately, soft cheeses count as liquids, so don’t pack an entire wheel of cheese in your carry-on. A small amount in your liquids bag is fine (think baby bell-size). Make sure to check your gorgonzola in a tightly sealed bag.”
This rule also applies to all soft cheeses, as their consistency can fall into the gel category and they cannot be brought on board without complying with airport liquid security regulations.
Soft cheese isn’t the only food you can’t take in your hand luggage due to its hardness: hummus is another popular snack and, at the time of writing, can only be brought in hand luggage in containers no larger than 100ml, placed in a plastic bag.
Even though the new CT scanners have been introduced at all UK airports, travellers should be aware that rules vary overseas and that they should always check the security specifications of all connecting airports before packing their bags.
