Travel experts say many people are unaware of the restrictions, and mistakes can prove expensive
More than 4.7million UK travellers are expected to hit the skies during Christmas and New Year this December, but travel experts at airport transfer company SCS Chauffeurs are warning that bringing Christmas gifts to the airport can incur hundreds of pounds in charges for breaking airline rules
Whilst most travellers are aware of the restrictions, many Brits may not realise the rules also apply to Christmas gifts – even if they’re wrapped. The rule, in force for all domestic and international travellers, means a Christmas gift could result in a checked-bag charge, or you could face losing the gift if it is over 100ml in size, or the gift box contains multiple items contributing to the maximum of 10 items you are allowed to carry.
Travel expert and commercial director of SCS Chauffeurs Hadleigh Diamond said: “Airlines are cracking down on baggage allowances, and checked-luggage fees can quickly add up—especially when budgets are already stretched by the rising cost of living. If you’re travelling abroad with Christmas presents this year, packing smart is essential.
“Without careful planning, valuable gifts like bottles of alcohol, perfumes over 100ml, or even beautifully wrapped gift sets of travel safe sized items could be confiscated by airport security, or face an airport check-in fee of £65 per person.
“Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can pack smart this holiday season, like avoiding heavy items and leaving out anything that takes up unnecessary space.”
How much does extra baggage cost at each airline
- EasyJet – £40
- Ryanair – £65
- British Airways – £75-£95
- Wizz – Min. £48
Worst Presents for hand luggage
- Beauty Gift Sets
- Toy weapons
- Full-size bottles of alcohol
- Toys with batteries
- Kitchen Knife sets
Top tips from travel expert Hadleigh Diamond
- “Don’t wrap presents beforehand. Security may need to inspect items, and unwrapping gifts at the airport can be inconvenient for both you and those also waiting to get their luggage checked.”
- “Use gift bags instead of wrapping paper. Security checks may require wrapped presents to be unwrapped, so opt for gift bags to save you any time and effort.
- “Check prohibited items lists. Certain gifts, like alcohol or aerosols, will have restrictions. Check the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s guidelines and the rules for what items are prohibited, depending on your destination.”
- “Consider shipping gifts directly to your destination.
- “Use Boots click and collect service to collect items after security.”
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