The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is confiscating popular gel-filled squishy toys that exceed the 3.4-ounce liquid limit, leading to distress for children and their parents at airports nationwide.
The current TSA regulations regarding liquids, gels, and aerosols apply to these toys, as their squishy texture is often due to a gel or liquid filling. This has resulted in numerous instances of children's prized toys being taken before flights.
One viral TikTok video captured a mother's experience at Charleston International Airport, where her 9-year-old daughter's butter-shaped squishy toy was flagged. The TSA agent explained that the toy's contents were considered a liquid and could potentially be tampered with, leading to its confiscation.
Facing a tight boarding schedule, the mother had to make a difficult decision: allow the toy to be discarded or find an alternative. She opted to mail the toy home through the airport's guest services, allowing her daughter to board the flight just in time.
This incident highlights a lack of awareness among parents about the TSA's policy. The mother expressed a desire for greater public knowledge of the rule to prevent similar emotional distress for other families.
Similar videos have emerged on social media platforms, showing children upset after their squishy toys were confiscated. Even adult travelers have expressed anxiety about whether their own squishy toys would be permitted.
According to a TSA announcement in August, gel-filled toys that contain less than 3.4 ounces of gel or liquid are permitted in carry-on bags, provided they comply with the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for liquids. This means they must fit in a single quart-sized resealable bag along with other liquids and gels.
For parents who wish to avoid potential meltdowns, placing these toys in checked luggage is an option. Some suggest packing them between soft clothing items to prevent damage. However, toy manufacturers caution against attempting to freeze the toys to comply with the rule, as this can degrade the internal material. Instead, some companies recommend purchasing smaller, travel-specific versions of their popular squishy toys, such as the "Needoh Teenies" or cornstarch-filled "Snowball Crunch" toys, which do not contain liquids and are under the 3.4-ounce limit.