British Airways passengers warned over packing ‘harmless’ item

British Airways is advising passengers to pack this souvenir in checked luggage

British Airways passengers could find themselves flagged at security over a popular keepsake that many might not realise is banned from cabin baggage.

The unexpected offender is the humble snow globe, which falls under the category of liquids according to airport security regulations and is therefore subject to stringent hand luggage rules. UK aviation security guidelines generally require liquids in cabin baggage to be carried in containers of 100ml or less, stored in a clear resealable plastic bag when passing through screening — although this is beginning to change at select airports.

The long-established restriction was introduced across the UK and Europe in 2006 following fears over liquid explosives being concealed on aircraft, and has since remained one of the most strictly enforced security measures at airports across the country.

That said, the UK aviation system is currently going through a period of change, with major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham and Edinburgh installing new CT scanners that allow travellers to carry greater volumes of liquid in their hand luggage.

At those airports where the upgraded technology has been introduced, the 100ml rule has effectively been scrapped, permitting passengers to keep liquids in their bags without the previous restrictions applying – though the rollout has yet to reach every airport across the nation.

Despite this, the vast majority of UK airports still operate under the traditional rules, meaning passengers may face different security requirements depending on where they’re flying from. Snow globes fall foul of the restrictions because of the sealed liquid and glitter contained within their glass or plastic casing, which nearly always exceeds permitted hand luggage limits.

The Civil Aviation Authority classes them as restricted items in hand luggage, meaning security staff are required to confiscate them during screening if they’re found in cabin bags.

British Airways advises passengers to pack such items in hold luggage to avoid delays or confiscation at security checkpoints.

Travel experts say confusion is rife during the festive season, as Christmas souvenirs are often bought without any knowledge of aviation liquid regulations. Airports continue to urge travellers to check guidance before heading off, particularly as UK security systems remain in a phased rollout of new screening technology.