Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Christmas, Travel, World News
Maxine Harrison
Anyone hopping on a plane to see loved ones this Christmas might want to heed this airport warning over carrying gifts through security.
Wrapping Christmas presents when at home can be tricky enough, and there are various tips and tricks on how to get the perfect, neatly wrapped Christmas presents, especially when dealing with delicates.
However, if you are travelling with the gifts to give to loved ones overseas, an extra layer of care is needed to get these through the airport and safely to the other side.
As with all of the luggage you bring on holiday, the presents you pack will have to be approved by an airport security officer.
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Unfortunately, you don’t get let off on that just because it’s the Christmas season, and to avoid the hassle of your meticulously wrapped Christmas pressies being unwrapped by an officer during checks, it’s best to think ahead of whether your present is likely to present a red flag during checks.
One way to avoid any problems is by opting to send your gifts via mail instead of bringing them with you on your travels.
Of course, this would have to be done with enough time in advance if you would like the recipient to receive the gift by Christmas Day. Bear in mind that delivery times during the festive season are busier and therefore delays are more likely to happen.
However, if you do want to bring the present with you on your travels, don’t pack it while wrapped.
Instead, delay this until you reach your destination and then wrap it once you land. Or you can bring a gift bag in your luggage, which can be flattened down.
Irish airline Ryanair specifically recommends a flat-folded gift bag in your suitcase for this.
Ryanair also warned against carrying gifts that resemble weapons, like toy guns, as this is likely to cause red flags in security.
Christmas crackers are also worth steering away from.
If you are determined to bring the gifts with you on your travels, it’s an absolute must that you check the prohibited items list and any other restrictions that country may have.
Also, be careful of liquids and foods. If the items contain glass like wine bottles, ensure they are wrapped properly and are under the customs guidelines.
Overall, whichever destination you are travelling from and to, check the customs regulations to avoid disappointment this festive season.