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The merry month of May, punctuated in the US by school holidays and Memorial Day (last Monday), means big-time travel throughout America – prompting one US airport to issue an official barbecue sauce alert.

At Memphis International Airport’s check-in gates, signs advising passengers not to bring more than 3.4 ounces (100ml) of liquid in their carry-on luggage warned specifically about barbecue sauce.

The sign directed passengers to put barbecue sauce in their checked bags, rather than in carry-ons, to make it easier for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) bag checkers.

“They (TSA) actually see about a 25% increase in the number of carry-on bags that they’re screening during May,” Glen Thomas, public information officer for the airport, told local News Channel 3.

“And barbecue sauce is something that’s frequently found. Of course, with all the activities going on in May here, it’s understandable. But it has been somewhat of an issue for them.”

Barbecue cook-outs are an important feature of summer in US Southern states, particularly Tennessee. “BBQ ribs” is a popular specialty.

BBQ ribs

Airport security alarms caused by people carrying barbecue sauce in their carry-on bags slows down the flow.

The signs worked and the airport handled the peak US travel flow smoothly, with almost 9500 people per day passing through and the last day of May falling today.

Written by Peter Needham