Tonnes of toiletries dumped at UK airport security - MSE News

MSE_Luke

Tonnes of standard-sized aerosols and perfumes had to be dumped at UK airports last year because passengers tried to take them through security, MoneySavingExpert.com can reveal. If you're going abroad this summer, make sure you know the rules to avoid wasting products and cash...

Read the full story:
'Tonnes of toiletries dumped at UK airport security – here's what you CAN take in your hand luggage'

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Pollycat

I'm always amazed by how many people seem unaware of the 100ml liquid rule.

Westin

I have also been behind someone at security when a set of three very sharp looking long kitchen knives where found in a passengers bag as they passed X-ray. The passenger argued they were professional kitchen knives, that he was not a terrorist and so therefore should be Ok. Security thought otherwise. I think he must of complied with the liquid rule though as it only seemed to be the foot long bladed knives that they argued over.

Pollycat

I'm also amazed at how many people leave some/all of their belongings behind in the plastic trays.


I was asked if a fairly expensive bottle of foundation was mine.
It wasn't.
The owner was nowhere to be seen.

keiran73

Rules for the plastic bag also vary by airport. All state 20x20cm however, this is only two dimensions. Some airports state the bag must hold no more than one litre, others that the individual containers must add up to no more that one litre. I have a clear, zipped, pvc bag measuring 20x20x5cm that I have had no issues with in the majority. Once at Bristol Airport I was told I could not use it as the bag had to be the flat polythene type. I was then forced to throw away the toiletries that did not fit!

Pollycat

keiran73 wrote: »

Rules for the plastic bag also vary by airport. All state 20x20cm however, this is only two dimensions. Some airports state the bag must hold no more than one litre, others that the individual containers must add up to no more that one litre. I have a clear, zipped, pvc bag measuring 20x20x5cm that I have had no issues with in the majority. Once at Bristol Airport I was told I could not use it as the bag had to be the flat polythene type. I was then forced to throw away the toiletries that did not fit!

Which airports allowed your bag through?

AFAIK, no airport gives a 3rd dimension for the liquids bag.


Neither does GOV.UK.

Sea_Shell

You'd hope that such items, where possible, could be redistributed to charities / homeless shelters or via "food banks", but what's the bet they end up in the bin...anyone know??

Westin

Sea_Shell wrote: »

You'd hope that such items, where possible, could be redistributed to charities / homeless shelters or via "food banks", but what's the bet they end up in the bin...anyone know??

Sadly I very much doubt that happens. I would imagine with half used toiletries and cosmetics that there is a hygiene and safety issue around re-distribution. Have to say I wouldn't be too enamoured to be given a half used tub of Vaseline or partly used tube of Immac hair removal cream at a food bank.

gettingtheresometime

I'm still surprised I could take metal knitting needles without anyone batting an eyelid

Sea_Shell

Westin wrote: »

Sadly I very much doubt that happens. I would imagine with half used toiletries and cosmetics that there is a hygiene and safety issue around re-distribution. Have to say I wouldn't be too enamoured to be given a half used tub of Vaseline or partly used tube of Immac hair removal cream at a food bank.

I did say "where possible". What's the harm in a partially used aerosol deodorant for example. I bet some items are not even opened/used...bought specifically for the holiday (doh!!)

I nearly fell for this once, and went to buy a small (but over 100ml) tube of Nivea soft... luckily DH reminded me we weren't airside yet. Wrong Boots!!!

glider3560

Why does the article use the word "confiscate"?

Airport security staff have no power to confiscate anything.

Anything given up at security is done voluntarily, and you have the option of taking the item away (e.g. putting it into your car for safe keeping, posting it to yourself or checking it into the hold).

A lot of people don't seem to realise this. I overheard someone at Stansted recently moaning their expensive perfume would be taken. I just told them to leave security, go back to their car and leave it there. Staff didn't seem too happy since they have to scan the boarding pass out of security, but it's perfectly fine to leave the security area mid-screening.