Festive travellers hoping to add a little homespun cheer to their trip abroad this Christmas should think twice before packing Christmas crackers, according to new research from Airport Parking & Hotels (APH) available at www.aph.com/crackers. 

Far from being a case of simply popping the festive snappers into their hand luggage or suitcase, airports and airlines are imposing stringent rules on just how passengers can carry these Christmas party essentials with the likes of Ryanair, KLM and Air New Zealand all putting them on the 'bah humbug' banned list.

Even if the airline hasn't pulled crackers from its flights, there are plenty of rules and regulations that need to be complied with before the bearers of cheap hats and bad jokes are cleared to board. The research reveals anyone attempting to travel without the festive accessories sealed in their original packaging will be forced to leave them behind. This also applies if the passenger has exceeded the carrier's limit on how many can be taken – with many allowing no more than a single box of 12 crackers.

Passengers should also be careful when it comes to cracker-packing tips with US-based airlines such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, as both carriers refuse to allow passengers to travel with crackers in checked or cabin luggage. EasyJet, on the other hand, will allow them in both checked or cabin luggage however, all major UK airports won't permit them in carry-on bags, resulting in confiscation at the security desk.

Anyone heading abroad with Emirates this Christmas and hoping for cracker-packing success will need to be super-organised - while the airline is happy to take them in checked luggage, passengers are required to give at least three days' notice that they intend to take them.

For those passengers who have confirmed their airline will carry their crackers, they still need to inform check-in staff that they are carrying their festive faves in their bags. Otherwise, failure to do so could create problems as their bags progress through the airport system resulting in delays or even failure to load!

Passengers with a penchant for posh crackers should also be wary when returning home as some high-quality gifts such as scissors and screwdrivers, may need to be packed in checked luggage (dependent on their size). There's also a word for warning for craft fans following the craze of making their own crackers, as homemade versions of the festive faves are completely banned from the skies in both checked and hand luggage.

Will your Christmas packing pass airport security? From packing your turkey to stashing a last-minute snowglobe or jar of cranberry sauce in your bag, it's not just Christmas crackers that come under scrutiny at the airport security desk. To find if your Christmas packing is up to scratch take APH's interactive quiz at www.aph.com/crackers to see if you're facing the prospect of having presents and festive essentials confiscated at the airport.

For further information on Airport Parking and Hotels (APH),
Visit www.aph.com or call 01342 859515.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Airlines that will accept Christmas crackers

Christmas cracker no-fly list

Christmas crackers… essential information
Even if your airline accepts Christmas crackers onboard, you'll need to be aware of these additional packing tips and regulations.

• Airport security: While a few airlines accept crackers in cabin luggage, this is largely irrelevant because most UK airports won't allow them through security in hand luggage. Only pack in checked luggage.
• Packing: Crackers must be carried in their original, sealed packaging.
• Declare your crackers: You must tell check-in staff if you've packed crackers in your checked luggage.
• Banned in the USA? A complete ban is wide of the mark, according to a US Transportation Security Administration spokesman, but crackers must be packed in checked baggage and most US airlines won't let them on their craft.
• What's inside: Check the novelty gifts inside your crackers. Luxury versions may contain items such as scissors and screwdrivers, which are banned in hand luggage. 
• Party poppers: These are banned from all flights leaving the UK.
• Don't make your own: Craft fans will be disappointed, but homemade Christmas crackers are not permitted.
• Sparkle-free: Don't attempt to pack sparklers, they're on the naughty list.
• Know your limits: Make sure you know how many crackers your airline will allow you to carry.

About Airport Parking and Hotels (APH)
Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is an award winning airport parking operator and retailer, after winning the Best Airport Parking Company for a seventh year running at British Travel Awards 2016. This year APH also celebrated its 36th year as a retailer and operator of pre-booked airport parking and travel extras. APH offers parking at all major UK airports as well as airport hotels and airport lounges. As well as supporting the World Land Trust through the purchase of more than 1,000 acres of endangered rainforest, APH is also a proud corporate sponsor of the University of Southampton Centre for Cancer Immunology, where the world's most eminent experts come together in the quest to find new and innovative treatments.

Media Enquiries
Sarah Salord / Libby Hughes / McCluskey International / 020 8747 2170 /aph@mccluskey.co.uk