🌨️ Snow globe

A screener will assess the snow globe visually — there is no way to precisely measure the liquid inside, so the officer uses judgment. If the globe is clearly larger than a tennis ball, the liquid is presumed to exceed 100ml and the item will be confiscated on the spot. Smaller globes may be waved through at the officer's discretion, but there is no guarantee.

Size is the only practical measure screeners have. Because the water inside a snow globe cannot be removed and poured into a measuring cup, officers estimate whether the liquid content looks like it exceeds 100ml. The TSA uses the tennis-ball comparison as a rough guide — anything clearly larger is very likely to be pulled. When in doubt, pack it in checked baggage.

You can politely explain that you believe the globe is small enough to comply with the liquid rule, but the final call rests entirely with the officer on duty. Unlike many other items where the rule is binary, snow globes sit in a grey zone that gives screeners wide discretion. If the globe has sentimental or monetary value, the safest approach is always to pack it in checked baggage before you ever reach the checkpoint.

Put the snow globe in checked baggage, wrapped in bubble wrap or clothing so the glass does not shatter under the weight of other items. Place it in the centre of your bag rather than at the edges where it is more vulnerable. If you must carry it on and it is small enough to attempt, keep it in your liquids bag and be ready to surrender it if the officer decides it is too large.