Airports across the UK are urging families not to pack one popular children's toy in their hand luggage this summer. Squishy toys, including NeeDoh cubes and Squishy Dumplings, are causing problems during security checks, according to officials.
Luton Airport explained that 'the quantity of gel contained within these items cannot be accurately verified during the screening process.' Gel-filled toys can appear unusual on scanners, often triggering manual inspections and delaying other travellers.
Popularity of Squishy Toys
Travel content creator Kate Donnelly highlighted the issue in a recent video, noting that 'all kids are obsessed with squishies these days.' Over the past few years, these toys have surged in popularity among both children and adults. RMS, the creator of the viral 'Squishy Dumplings,' has seen particular success. On TikTok, collectors regularly film themselves hunting for rare designs, with ultra-rare glitter dumplings being among the most sought-after.
Most squishy toys are filled with gel, meaning they must adhere to liquid rules—either 100ml or two litres, depending on the airport. 'From my own personal experience,' Donnelly said, 'these do come under a lot of scrutiny when you're passing through airport security.'
Advice for Travellers
Donnelly advises parents to pack gel-filled toys in hold luggage to avoid delays and reduce the risk of confiscation. 'There is a high chance that if you put these in your hand luggage they will get confiscated,' she warned. Many squishy toys have 'absolutely no markings' to indicate how much liquid they contain, making them difficult to verify.
If confiscated, already-stressed parents could face upset children and the added expense of replacing the toys at their destination. Luton Airport echoes this advice, recommending that squishies be packed in hold luggage.
Airports with Relaxed Liquid Rules
Some airports have less stringent liquid rules due to advanced screening procedures. These include London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Edinburgh Airport, Birmingham Airport, Bristol Airport, Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport, and Bournemouth Airport. However, it is still recommended to pack squishies in hold luggage.
