Airport snacks are becoming an expensive luxury, with new research revealing that food and drink at UK transport hubs can cost up to 48% more than on the high street. With many airlines, including British Airways, charging for food on short-haul routes, it’s no wonder more travellers are packing their own snacks to save money.
But a surprising twist at airport security could leave some passengers both snacking less and confused. Hummus, the beloved Middle Eastern chickpea dip, has been flagged as a banned item in carry-on luggage despite technically not being a liquid.
And it’s not alone. Other spreadable items like guacamole, salsa, peanut butter, jam, and yoghurt are also commonly confiscated.
Though creamy and spreadable, these items fall under the UK’s strict liquid, gel and paste restrictions for air travel. According to the UK Government’s official guidance, if you do take liquids in your hand luggage, containers must hold no more than 100ml and be stored in a single, resealable plastic bag.
The issue has caught many travellers off guard.
“People often assume that because hummus is a food, and not a drink, it’s fine to bring,” explained a travel expert at Ski Vertigo.
“But if it can be spread, squirted or poured, it’s subject to the 100ml rule. It might even prompt a bag search or additional screening.”
The situation remains complicated by the rollout of new CT scanners at select UK airports. These scanners are designed to lift the 100ml liquid restriction entirely, but implementation has been slow and uneven, and many international airports have yet to adopt the technology.
A Department for Transport spokesperson urged caution: “Passengers should continue to check security requirements with their departure airport before travelling.”
Until the high-tech scanners become standard at all UK and global airports, it’s safer to stick to solid snacks. So, if you’re craving hummus on your holiday, best to wait until after security — or buy it at your destination.
