Travelling to Ibiza is exciting, but few travellers realise that one popular food can actually be mistaken for an explosive during airport security checks. Packing it in your suitcase could cause your luggage to be delayed, removed from the aircraft, or even lead to you being called off the plane. If you want your Ibiza holiday to start smoothly, it is important to know what not to pack.
Why suitcase details matter
During the busy summer months, airports across Spain and Europe see hundreds of passengers passing through each day. The sound of rolling suitcases fills the terminals, and everyone is eager to collect their luggage as quickly as possible once they arrive. Because so many suitcases look alike, many travellers use tricks to make theirs stand out. Bright ribbons, colourful straps, and distinctive scarves are common ways to identify luggage at a glance.
Although these may seem like helpful ideas, airport staff warn that such accessories can cause issues with the automatic scanning systems that classify luggage. If the system struggles to scan a bag properly, it may have to be processed manually. This creates delays and can even prevent the suitcase from boarding the plane. That means your luggage might not arrive in Ibiza when you do.
Another common mistake is leaving stickers from previous trips on your suitcase. These can confuse the scanning system and send your luggage to the wrong destination. If you want to avoid delays when flying to Ibiza, it is best to travel with a clean, simple suitcase without unnecessary decorations or leftover labels.
The food you should avoid: marzipan
Among the most surprising items that you should never pack in your suitcase when travelling to Ibiza (or wherever) is marzipan. This sweet, made from almonds and sugar, is popular in Spain and other European countries, particularly around Christmas. However, despite its innocent appearance, marzipan can cause major issues at airport security.
The reason is its density. Marzipan has a similar density to certain explosives. When your luggage passes through an airport scanner, the material can trigger alerts and raise suspicions. If this happens, security staff may need to remove your suitcase from the aircraft and inspect it in detail. In some cases, passengers are even called off the plane so their luggage can be opened in front of them.
Clearly, this is not how you want to start your holiday in Ibiza. What seems like a harmless souvenir or snack could end up delaying your trip and creating unnecessary stress. For this reason, airport staff strongly recommend that passengers never pack marzipan in their checked luggage.
General tips for travelling smoothly to Ibiza
If you want to ensure that your journey to Ibiza is as smooth as possible, here are some practical tips to follow:
1. Keep your suitcase simple
Avoid tying ribbons, scarves, or other colourful accessories to your bag. Although these may make it easier to identify on the luggage belt, they can interfere with scanning systems. Instead, consider using a brightly coloured suitcase or a unique luggage tag that does not obstruct the bag’s surface.
2. Remove old travel stickers
Before checking in your bag, take a moment to remove any stickers or tags from previous flights. These can confuse the scanning and sorting systems, increasing the risk of your luggage being sent to the wrong place.
3. Be careful with what you pack
As mentioned, marzipan should never be packed in your suitcase. It may look harmless, but it can be flagged as a potential explosive by airport scanners. Beyond marzipan, be mindful of other dense foods or unusual items that might raise suspicions. When in doubt, it is better to carry food items in your hand luggage so they can be inspected more easily if necessary.
4. Arrive at the airport early
Especially during the busy summer months, airports can be crowded and security checks take longer. Give yourself enough time to go through check-in and security without rushing. This will help reduce stress and ensure you catch your flight to Ibiza.
5. Know the rules for liquids and food
Do not forget that airports have strict rules regarding liquids in hand luggage. Any liquid you carry must be in containers of 100 millilitres or less, placed in a transparent plastic bag. For food, be cautious with items that are sticky, creamy, or dense. It is always safer to pack them in your checked luggage, unless the product is known to cause problems like marzipan.
Enjoying your arrival in Ibiza
By following these simple guidelines, you can avoid unnecessary complications and begin your Ibiza adventure without delays. After all, the last thing you want when arriving on the island is to spend time at the airport dealing with luggage problems.
Once you land smoothly, you will be free to enjoy everything Ibiza has to offer: its crystal-clear beaches, its famous nightlife, its traditional villages, and its Mediterranean cuisine. By making smart choices with your suitcase, you can focus entirely on the holiday experience you came for.
Travelling to Ibiza should be easy and enjoyable. A little preparation when packing your suitcase can save you from a great deal of stress. Remember: keep your luggage simple, remove old labels, and never pack marzipan in your checked baggage, as it can be confused with an explosive.
With these tips in mind, you can relax, knowing your suitcase will arrive with you, and start your holiday in Ibiza without interruptions.
