A specific keepsake has been listed under the restricted items by British Airways
British Airways has a long list of banned and restricted items(Image: Heather Shimmin via Getty Images)
British Airways holidaymakers could be stopped at security over a popular keepsake they may not realise is banned from cabin bags.
The item in question is snow globes, which are classified as liquids under airport security regulations and therefore subject to strict hand luggage restrictions. UK aviation security rules typically require liquids in cabin baggage to be in containers of 100ml or less, placed in a transparent resealable plastic bag when passing through screening, though this is now changing at certain airports.
The long-established restriction was introduced across Europe and the UK in 2006 following concerns about liquid explosives being transported onto aircraft, and it has remained one of the most widely enforced airport security measures ever since.
Nevertheless, the UK aviation system is currently in transition, with certain airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham and Edinburgh introducing new CT scanners that permit passengers to carry larger liquid volumes in hand luggage.
At these modernised airports, the 100ml rule has effectively been removed, with passengers able to keep liquids in bags without the same restrictions, though the changes have not yet been implemented nationwide.
Despite this, numerous UK airports still operate the traditional rules, meaning passengers may encounter different security requirements depending on where they travel from.
Snow globes fall foul of restrictions because they contain sealed liquid and glitter within a glass or plastic casing, almost invariably exceeding permitted cabin baggage limits.
The Civil Aviation Authority categorises them as restricted items in hand luggage, meaning security personnel are obliged to remove them during screening if discovered in cabin bags.
British Airways recommends that passengers pack such items in checked luggage to prevent delays or confiscation at security checkpoints.
Travel specialists say confusion is widespread during the Christmas period, as festive souvenirs are frequently purchased without any awareness of aviation liquid regulations.
Airports continue to encourage passengers to consult guidance prior to travelling, particularly as UK security systems remain in a phased rollout of new screening technology.
