With the Christmas prep well underway and over 4m travellers expecting to fly out of UK airports this Christmas period₁, global search engine Skyscanner is warning travellers to be mindful of the gifts they pack and carry onboard.  Whether it's visiting family or friends this Christmas or escaping the cold to venture somewhere warmer, the travel search engine is reminding travellers to remember luggage restrictions when choosing and packing gifts to avoid bidding them farewell at security.

While the majority may be aware of the basic rules relating to liquid and sharp objects in hand luggage, there are some festive items that travellers aren't clear on.  A recent Skyscanner poll showed that out 6 out of 10 travellers₂ did not know which festive items are and are not allowed through security. 

The following items could cause an issue if placed in hand luggage this festive period:

Party Poppers -These are banned from flights entirely and can't be placed in hand luggage or hold luggage as they contain explosives.  Admittedly low level, they still pose a security threat and may make New Year's Eve plans fizzle rather than go off with a bang if luggage is ceased.

Christmas Crackers – Like Party Poppers they both contain explosives and can still pose a security threat. However, the rules are different depending on the airline you chose and the airport you fly from.  For example, easyJet allows Christmas crackers in hand luggage but certain UK airports don't allow them and they would need to go in your hold luggage.  It is also worth remembering that some Christmas crackers contain novelty items like corkscrews, scissors and nail files, which are banned from hand luggage so always check the contents of the crackers before flying.

Cranberry Sauce – Whilst you are free to take your Christmas turkey onto a plane, Cranberry sauce is a no go.   This is classed as a liquid and therefore can't be carried in hand luggage.  It would need to be 100ml or under to get through security.

Camembert –  This is a food type which starts the flight as a solid but can turn into a liquid and is therefore recommended that you place this in hold luggage. Brandy butter is another soft substance which turns to liquid and would be limited to 100ml.

Children's Gifts -   certain children's toys such as toy guns, bats and any other imitation weapons would also be banned from hand luggage.  Consider packing your gifts in your hold luggage rather than in your hand luggage.  If you do have to carry presents via your hand luggage, then considering using Christmas gift bags and avoid wrapping them until you arrive at your destination as you might find your wrapping efforts will be wasted if you are requested to open them at the security gate

Cat McGloin, Skyscanner's Travel Editor has this advice: “To save the hassle of excess baggage charges or confiscated items, consider using Amazon as your Father Christmas this year and get your gifts flown on ahead of you.  If flying with gifts and festive treats is a must then it is always best to check your airport and airline before you pack as the rules can vary.”

Skyscanner has compiled their top tips to help ensure luggage rules and regulations don't trip travellers up this yule tide, check out the Skyscanner guide here to save time and money.

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For more information: Emma Wiseman, 07747 343233, emma.wiseman@skyscanner.net 

₁Based on 2015 ABTA data

₂ Skyscanner Twitter poll of 222 people. Only 40% were aware that cranberry sauce, Christmas crackers and camembert are items that are not allowed in hand luggage

About Skyscanner:

• Skyscanner is a leading global travel search company, providing free search of flights, hotels and car hire around the world
• Founded in 2003, Skyscanner helps over 50 million people each month to find their travel options
• Skyscanner is available in 30 languages
• Skyscanner's highly-rated free mobile apps have been downloaded over 50 million times
• Skyscanner employs over 800 staff and has ten offices across the world: Barcelona, Beijing, Budapest, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Miami, Shenzhen, Singapore and Sofia
• Skyscanner is part of the Ctrip group

For more information, please visit www.skyscanner.net