"Trying to Play with a $2 Squishy Toy Ends Up Costing $75... U.S. Airport Refuses Malrang-i as Carry-On"

Toys Exceeding 100 mL Gel Limit Restricted
Must Be Checked In as Baggage for an Additional Fee

"Squishy" toys, which are hugely popular among both children and adults, have been repeatedly denied permission for carry-on at U.S. airport security checkpoints. This is because the gel or liquid inside these toys falls under the strict airline security regulations.

An AI-generated image to assist in understanding the article. ChatGPT

According to the New York Post on September 15 (local time), there has been a sharp increase in cases where travelers in the U.S. are prevented from bringing squishy toys aboard aircraft. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) strictly applies the 100 mL rule for items containing gel or liquid.

Violation of Carry-on Security Regulations: "Dispose or Check In"

With regard to toys containing gel, the TSA has stated that if the content is 100 mL or less, it can be brought on board in a transparent, 1-quart-sized zipper bag—palm-sized—like other liquids.

1-quart size zipper bag, palm-sized. Getty Images

However, the reality at checkpoints can vary. Because many products only display total weight, it is difficult to accurately estimate the amount of liquid inside. Therefore, the final decision on whether an item is allowed as a carry-on depends entirely on the judgement of security officers on site.

If restricted at the checkpoint, you must either dispose of the toy or pay an additional fee to check it in as luggage. In this case, it is important to wrap the squishy toy carefully with soft clothes inside your suitcase to prevent it from bursting under pressure.

Of course, not all squishy toys are confiscated. There are reports of travelers clearing the checkpoint safely with multiple toys. However, the TSA has advised, "Given the popularity of these toys, families planning to travel to the U.S. should prepare in advance so as not to be caught off guard at security checkpoints."

If Frozen and Burst, It's an Even Greater Issue: Watch Out for "Harmful Substances" in Direct Purchases

A child's parent is checking in a toy that was prohibited from being carried on board right before the plane's departure. TikTok capture @celinetrang

For example, a 9-year-old preparing for a trip to Puerto Rico packed a large butter-shaped squishy for use on the plane, only to have her bag set aside for additional screening. The internal content was considered a liquid, so the toy could not be brought on board. Ultimately, the family had to run outside the airport and send the toy via courier, with just 20 minutes left before boarding.

A woman is having TSA officers take out squishy toys she brought, filling her bag. TikTok capture @Laura

In another instance, a traveler carrying the high-priced squishy toy "Nee Doh" was stopped by the TSA and had to pay an extra $75 (about 103,000 won) to urgently check it in as luggage.

Toy manufacturers have cautioned against attempting to freeze the squishy toy in its entirety in order to bypass liquid rules, as this can damage the internal materials and cause the toy to burst. They also recommend, for travel, purchasing small-sized toys under 100 mL or those filled with safer materials like corn starch.

TSA agents at Miami International Airport are inspecting luggage using a CT scanner. Photo by CNN

Meanwhile, safety issues regarding squishy toys continue to arise aside from the carry-on issue. On August 27, the Seoul Metropolitan Government conducted safety tests on tactile products sold via overseas direct purchase platforms and domestic stationery stores. Some products were found to contain phthalate plasticizers, which can cause infertility or premature birth, and carcinogenic substances.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.