Brits warned common foods are banned on flights and could cause you delays

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Check the hand luggage rules before you set off for the airport (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Check the hand luggage rules before you set off for the airport (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Brits planning holidays in 2024 will want to take note of one popular food item that you may think is fine to have in your hand luggage - but it's actually banned.

Airlines such as TUI, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair and British Airways all have different hand luggage rules but there are some items that are banned across them all. That includes liquids over 100ml, which are banned under current UK rules. However, there are some foods that you may think aren't liquid, but they actually fall foul of the restrictions.

That includes Marmite. Yep, although it doesn't look like a liquid, the spread's texture means that it falls under the 100ml restriction. So if you're packing a jar of Marmite with you for breakfast, you'll need to stick it in your checked luggage.

Brits warned common foods are banned on flights and could cause you delays eiqehixuieuinvMost people don't realise that Marmite needs to meet the 100ml restrictions (PA)

It's not just Marmite either; other spreads such as marmalades, jams, chutneys, honey and Nutella all also need to be in containers under 100ml if you want to bring them onboard.

Airport security are often seen confiscating these items, which in turn can cause delays and lead to longer queues. After all, us Brits like to pack some home comforts. In fact, TUI recently updated its hand luggage rules after its research found that over half of Brits pack tea bags on holidays!

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The good news is that under the new travel rules coming into force in 2024, the 100ml liquids restriction is about to get scrapped across a number of UK airports.

Back in December 2022 the UK government announced that all airport security scanners would be upgraded by June 2024, meaning that they can do away with the 100ml liquid restrictions. London City Airport has already upgraded its scanners, although other airports have warned they may struggle to meet the summer deadline.

Once the scanners are in place, passengers will soon be able to take up to two litres of liquids onboard planes in their hand luggage. It's worth noting the rules will affect UK airports but not necessarily destinations abroad, so be sure to check the regulations at your destination for your return flight as the 100ml liquids rule might still apply when you fly back home.

Until airports confirm that the new scanners are fully operational, the existing rules remain. This means you can only carry liquids under 100ml in your hand luggage. These must be in a re-sealable plastic bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm and cannot exceed one litre.

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Julie Delahaye

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