Why the TSA Is Warning World Cup Fans About Ranch Dressing

The Transportation Security Administration issued a reminder this week that ranch dressing falls under the 3.4-ounce liquid limit for carry-on luggage, a rule that has caught some foreign World Cup travelers off guard.

World Cup fans visiting the U.S. have developed a taste for the creamy condiment, which is less common in many of the countries whose teams are playing in the tournament. The TSA's warning came after agents reported an uptick in confiscated bottles at security checkpoints, particularly from travelers who bought large containers of ranch dressing as souvenirs or for tailgating.

"We've seen everything from gallon jugs to family-size bottles," a TSA spokesperson said. "Ranch dressing is a liquid, and it needs to follow the same rules as shampoo or soda."

The rule applies to all liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags: each container must be 3.4 ounces or smaller, and all containers must fit in a single quart-sized bag. Larger bottles can go in checked luggage.

The ranch dressing issue is the latest in a series of cultural friction points between American customs and international visitors during the World Cup. Earlier this month, bars in several host cities reported running out of certain domestic beers as foreign fans ordered them in unexpected volume.

For travelers who want to bring ranch dressing home, the TSA recommends buying it after passing through security or packing it in checked bags. The agency also noted that dry seasoning packets are not subject to the liquid rule.

The tournament runs through mid-July, and the TSA expects checkpoint volumes to remain elevated through the final match.