An increasing number of parents have reported having the toys confiscated from hand luggage
With weeks of the summer holidays still to go, families who are yet to jet off for their annual trip abroad are being warned to double-check what children are packing in their hand luggage. A toy that is particularly popular with children is increasingly being confiscated by security at UK airports.
Sensory fidget toys can be a lifesaver for kids and parents while travelling, as they help to keep young ones calm through the stress of long drives, airports and flights. However, certain fidget toys run the risk of being confiscated by security, as they do not meet rules on transporting liquids.
The toys in question are slime-filled ‘squishy’ toys, including wildly popular ‘squishy dumplings’ and slime-filled sensory cubes. Described as one of the most popular toy trends of the year by the BBC, it’s no surprise that the slime-filled sensory toys have found their way into many families’ hand luggage.
However, many airports classify these toys within the same set of rules that apply to liquids and gels, meaning taking them onto an aircraft in hand luggage is banned in most cases – which can leave children disappointed when their toys are confiscated at airport security.
While not every airport will handle items in the exact same way, as a general rule, certain materials will require additional checks by security officers – and if an item cannot be safely verified, it may not be permitted to pass through the search point. These rules apply to all items, not just toys.
London Luton Airport confirmed that squishy toys are subject to strict rules. A spokesperson said: “Any squishy toys that contain a gel or liquid must comply with the strict liquid rule when packed in hand luggage. Under current UK regulations, liquids, aerosols and gels over 100ml are not permitted in cabin baggage, and as the quantity of gel contained within these items cannot be accurately verified during the screening process, they are not permitted through security in hand luggage.”
The spokesperson added: “Our security teams are required to apply these regulations consistently to help ensure the safety and security of all passengers.”
The Department for Transport confirmed to the BBC that parents should check the rules at individual airports before travelling with a squishy toy. They said: “No matter how adorable your squishy dumpling is, airport security rules still apply.” They added that the safest way to ensure your child can take their toy on holiday is to bring it ‘in hold luggage’, which is not subject to all of the same strict rules as hand luggage.
Other toys that could see your child’s bag checked at security include toy weapons such as plastic guns and water pistols. Airlines including Ryanair, TUI and EasyJet all confirm on their websites that toy or replica guns are not permitted on board.
Ryanair’s website clarifies that “toy guns (including recreational guns such as paintball guns), replicas and imitation firearms capable of being mistaken for real weapons”, are not permitted inside any aircraft.
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