A woman said she never bothers taking liquids out of her bag at airport security, sparking a heated debate

18.01.2024 - 11:49 / insider.com / Airlines

A woman has generated discussion about airport security after saying she never bothers taking liquids out of her carry-on because she never gets caught.

TikToker Emily Broxton told her followers she never removes liquids and gels from her hand luggage and thinks the whole thing is a "scam."

"One thing about me is I will never be taking my liquids out of my carry-on," she wrote as the caption of her video, which amassed 1.2 million views.

"I have never been bothered about this by TSA and am convinced the whole 'liquid' thing is a scam to inconvenience travelers."

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Broxton told the Daily Dot she was only referring to liquids and gels that are permitted in carry-on luggage in the US — 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container in one zip-lock bag per passenger, according to TSA guidelines.

A similar limit is in place at many other overseas airports, although it has proven to be controversial. It was first introduced in 2006 as a temporary measure to protect against explosives. However, countries such as the UK are looking to remove the restriction, thanks to the introduction of advanced airport scanning technology.

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"I have never had an issue at TSA with liquid containers of that size," she said.

Frozen water is also permitted, a former TSA agent previously told Business Insider.

In the comments, people were divided. Some said they don't worry about taking their liquids and gels out either because their bags have never been checked.

"I have never once taken my liquids out or even put them in a ziplock bag," one viewer wrote, saying they don't even make sure they are within the size allowance. "I just hope for the best."

But others said they constantly had items confiscated.

"I have had my bags searched every single time I accidentally left liquid in my backpack or carry-on," wrote fellow TikToker Elyse Myers. "Idk how you've managed to avoid this."

One viewer said she got "full on screamed at" when she forgot to remove a tube of toothpaste. Another said: "They tossed my favorite moisturizer once."

Several people said they usually didn't have trouble, but mentioned London's Heathrow Airport was particularly thorough with its searches.

"It's all fun and games until you do this at Heathrow accidentally," one comment reads.

The airport's CEO has previously stated that bag checks caused by people trying to take too much liquid on flights caused the most delays.