Revealed: From snow globes to cranberry sauce, the Christmas items NOT to pack in your carry-on – and why you shouldn’t wrap presents before your flight

Like any other time of year, airport security officers have one priority during the holidays: eleven and safety.

Passengers wrapping presents should therefore be aware that some Christmas items may be subject to delays – particularly if pre-packaged – or confiscation.

To ensure all gifts reach the Christmas tree, London Luton Airport (LLA) advises that its hand luggage rules apply to seasonal gifts and treats.

The first tip deals with liquid items, which, as many frequent flyers know, will be confiscated by security if they contain more than 100ml.

This applies to Christmas items such as mulled wine bottles and jello candles, which should instead be packed in a passenger’s checked luggage, the airport said.

Less obvious items that fall under the 100ml rule include brandy butter, Christmas chutney and cranberry sauce.

LLA says: “You may not believe it, but brandy butter is considered a liquid and can be confiscated if the 100ml limit is exceeded. The same goes for mince and chutney.”

And while cranberry sauce may be an essential part of a Christmas meal, unless it comes in a 100ml bottle, LLA says, “its gelatinous consistency puts it too far into the realm of liquid regulations to be allowed in hand luggage”.

The airport adds: “It is best to keep all snacks and spreads in checked baggage or safely at home to avoid disappointment.”

Snow globes are also taboo for hand luggage. LLA explains: “Since these items do not indicate the liquid content, you are not allowed to take hand luggage with you. Instead, pack your checked luggage securely.”

Different airlines have different policies for bringing biscuits on board

Mulled wine bottles and gel candles must be packed in a passenger’s checked baggage

LLA says: “You may not believe it, but brandy butter is considered a liquid and can be confiscated if the 100ml limit is exceeded.”

Other festive items that can get you in trouble with security include Christmas crackers and cheese knives, according to LLA.

“Although crackers are not generally banned as a travel item, different airlines have different policies regarding bringing crackers on board. So be sure to check your airline’s policies before you fly,” it said.

“In addition, you may not generally take sharp objects in your hand luggage. That’s why we recommend that you leave your cheese knife at home and buy it at your destination.”

LLA also advises holidaymakers not to pack wrapped gifts in their hand luggage as “thousands of wrapped gifts are inspected, opened and searched as part of airport security checks every year”.

To ensure travelers reach their destination with wrapped gifts after security, the airport is offering a free airside wrapping service on 21 December, run by Rowan Atkinson and Nigel Dixon.

To ensure travelers reach their destination with wrapped gifts after security, London Luton Airport is offering a free airside wrapping service on December 21, run by Rowan Atkinson and Nigel Dixon (above).

It was inspired by a scene from the Christmas movie Love Actually, where shop worker Rufus, played by Atkinson, wraps a present for Harry, played by Alan Rickman.

“A nod to the comedic exchange between the two beloved characters, the tableware includes wrapping paper, cards, decorative ribbons and various festive extras, including dried flowers, cinnamon sticks and lavender,” says LLA.

“The custom wrapping paper features a snowflake motif modeled on an aircraft formation, adding the finishing touch to passengers’ gift packages.”

The service comes as 38 percent of travelers say they have never encountered airport policies that discourage gift wrapping, while 22 percent are unaware of additional screening requirements for wrapped gifts.

Clare Armstrong, Head of Guest Experience at London Luton Airport, said: “Given the large number of wrapped gifts we see at security each year, we realized that many of our passengers are unaware of the possibility that they must not be opened for inspection. .” This is how the idea for our gift wrapping service was born to provide passengers with a fun experience while minimizing any unwanted delays or stress during travel during the holiday season.

“We are always looking for ways to provide passengers with the simplest and most user-friendly experience possible at the airport, and anticipate any challenges they may encounter – especially over Christmas and New Year, when 240,000 departing passengers will welcome the terminal.”