As the UK's winter travel peak arrives, thousands of passengers risk having festive items confiscated at airport security checkpoints. Strict regulations govern what can be carried in both hand luggage and checked baggage, with common Christmas goods often falling foul of the rules.
Festive Items Deemed a Security Risk
Christmas crackers are explicitly banned from flights departing from major hubs like Heathrow Airport. Authorities classify them as explosive, flammable substances that could endanger passengers, crew, and flight safety. This prohibition extends to party poppers, fireworks, and sparklers—any festive item containing combustible material.
Another classic stocking filler, the snow globe, is also problematic for air travel. These decorative domes are filled with liquid, but they rarely display a volume measurement. Even if a globe appears to contain less than 100ml, it fails to meet airport security standards for liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs). The safest option is to pack snow globes in checked baggage or leave them at home.
Gifts, Power Banks, and Alcohol: Key Pitfalls
Travellers are advised not to pre-wrap Christmas presents before going through security. Officers must manually inspect any item that appears unusual on their scanners, which could result in your carefully wrapped gift being opened.
When it comes to toys, anything resembling a weapon is prohibited in the cabin. This includes toy guns, with Gatwick Airport specifically highlighting water pistols. Darts, sports bats, and toy catapults are also likely to be confiscated from hand luggage.
Power banks pose a significant fire risk and must never be placed in checked baggage. Many airlines, including Qantas which recently tightened its rules, forbid their use onboard. Passengers are typically barred from charging devices with power banks during flight, charging the power banks themselves from aircraft sockets, and carrying more than two units with a maximum capacity of 160 watt-hours.
Duty-free alcohol purchases require careful planning. While fine for direct flights, connecting journeys can be problematic. Some airports provide secure tamper-evident bags (STEBs), but security at transfer points may still confiscate bottles. To avoid loss, buy alcohol at your final departure point or consider purchasing on arrival—a service now offered in destinations like Australia, Brazil, and India.
Navigating the Festive Getaway
The busiest travel days of the season are now underway across UK airports. Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent, reporting on Thursday 18 December 2025, emphasises that comfort and joy this Christmas depend heavily on how well you pack. His advice, informed by experience as a former Gatwick security officer, is to check regulations meticulously before heading to the airport to ensure a smooth and festive journey.
