TSA Doesn't Allow This Popular Toy In Carry-On Bags, Leaving Children In Tears

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Flying with children isn't always a cakewalk. Airports can be a hassle, between loud noises, crowds, and security lines, and that's before you even get on a plane. Many parents bring along toys to keep kids calm and entertained, which can really help. However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn't allow one popular toy in carry-on bags, and it's leaving children in tears. If you have little ones at home, you probably know about NeeDoh, the sensory squishable toys from Schylling, or similar squishy toys. If you don't, they're gel-filled stress toys that come in many forms and feel really great to squeeze. However, they aren't allowed in your carry-on bags if they're above 3.4 ounces, just like any other liquids, gels, and toiletries that TSA says you can't bring. 

These toys have been taken away by TSA agents because they don't comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule — not because anyone is trying to be mean. In fact, one mom told Today, "The TSA guy felt so bad. ... He said, 'I'm so sorry. We have to take it. You can't take it on the plane.'" The TSA social media accounts have been posting about this, including one message on the official Facebook page that says, "It's not Needoh for us to see any kid cry. If your child's toys are filled with more than 3.4oz of gel, put them in a checked bag." While there are tricks to taking some liquids through TSA by freezing them, that is unlikely to work here, as it may damage the toy.

According to the TSA website listing for gel-filled toys, you can bring any of these toys, up to 3.4 ounces each, in a quart-sized, resealable bag, though the final decision rests with the TSA officer on duty. The problem is that many of these toys have more gel than that. The president of Schylling told Parade, "Most NeeDoh contain a gel or liquid and exceed 3.4 oz, except our NeeDoh Teenies, which are all under the limit. Also, our Snowball Crunch is filled with cornstarch and not a liquid, so that's acceptable."

While the 3.4-ounce rule hasn't changed, this isn't something that parents may have thought about, whether their kids have a bunch of squishy toys as collectibles or because they're comforting. However, the recent press about the topic comes in addition to some kids getting their weighted stuffed animals taken away because they get flagged by security scanners. Both weighted stuffies and squishable toys are often used to help with sensory issues and anxiety. The writer of this article, too, has a NeeDoh Nice Cube in their carry-on bag right now for just that reason and has to take it out before flying.

You may want to look into other sensory toys without gel, like the Pushpeel Sensory Activity Board on Amazon. Additionally, many airports have joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which gives you a lanyard with a sunflower tag, indicating that you may need extra help, care, or sensitivity while flying. If you have questions about what you can and can't bring, text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872). Finally, if you're doing a lot of travel with your kids, you may want to take a look at the latest trend, "kid-fluencing," which lets your children plan your vacation.