Your Christmas Pudding Could Get You Stopped at Airport Security
British travellers jetting off for the festive season are facing unexpected delays at airport security, and the culprit might be hiding in their holiday luggage. While most people know the obvious banned items like flammable materials and sharp objects, it is the traditional Christmas treats causing the latest headaches for passengers.
Travel experts are warning that Brits heading abroad are being stopped for carrying Christmas puddings in their luggage. Many passengers pack festive foods to share with family and friends overseas, but these well-intentioned gifts are violating strict import rules in many destinations.
Festive Foods Facing the Ban
The main issue lies with products containing animal-based ingredients. A classic Christmas pudding, for instance, often contains suet, a type of animal fat. Due to post-Brexit regulations on meat products, Christmas pudding containing suet is not allowed to be taken into the EU from the UK.
According to the travel specialists at eShores, the problem does not stop there. Cheese-based gifts or any items containing unprocessed dairy, including some rich Christmas chocolates, are also likely to be confiscated by customs officials. Even cured meats, a popular holiday import, fall under these heavy restrictions.
Surprising Seasonal Security Risks
Food is not the only festive item causing trouble. The travel experts also highlight Christmas crackers as a potential problem. While some airlines may permit a sealed box in your hand luggage, others will not.
The tiny sprinkle of gunpowder inside each cracker is the reason for the concern. Some airlines will insist you place them in your checked hold luggage instead. However, it is crucial to check with your specific airline before you fly, as some carriers do not allow them in any baggage.
Another unusual item that could see your bag pulled aside is marzipan. This popular sweet treat has an innocent appearance, but its density is similar to some explosives. This can trigger security alarms, resulting in your bag being removed from the plane and you being called for a search.
New Rules for Bringing Food Back to the UK
The restrictions are not just for Brits travelling out of the country. The UK government has implemented its own strict rules on bringing food back from abroad. Since April 12, British travellers returning from Europe are banned from bringing meat and dairy products into Great Britain.
This means popular souvenirs like cheese, butter, cured meats, and even a simple ham and cheese sandwich are no longer permitted for entry from EU or EEA countries. These new regulations underscore the importance of checking the latest rules for both your destination and your return journey to avoid fines and confiscations.
The key takeaway for holidaymakers is clear: always research the specific customs and airline regulations for both your departure and arrival countries before you pack your bags. A quick check could save you from a festive fuss at the airport.
