Festive travellers jetting off for Christmas have been issued a stark warning that could save their holiday: do not pre-wrap your presents. Ignoring this advice could lead to heartbreak on December 25th, with gifts potentially being damaged, discarded, or causing you to miss your flight entirely.
Why Your Wrapped Gifts Are a Security Risk
The urgent guidance, issued by experts including removal firm 1st Move International and budget airline Ryanair, is clear. While the temptation to get organised by wrapping gifts at home is strong, it poses a significant problem at airport security checkpoints. The core issue is that security staff must be able to clearly identify every item in your luggage.
When a wrapped package passes through the X-ray machine, it can create obscured 'dark spots' or an unusual shape that the system cannot decipher. This automatically triggers a mandatory manual inspection. In such cases, security personnel have the authority to unwrap the item to see what's inside, leaving your carefully crafted paper and bows in tatters.
Ryanair's straightforward advice states: "Don’t spend hours intricately wrapping gifts to carry in your hand luggage. Wrapped gifts may be opened, searched and screened by airport security staff."
Smart Packing Alternatives to Save Your Christmas
So, how can you stay organised without ruining the surprise? Travel professionals recommend these simple strategies:
- Pack your gifts unwrapped and use flat-pack gift bags or boxes that you can assemble at your destination.
- Consider bringing a small roll of wrapping paper and tape in your checked suitcase to do the job after you arrive.
- For children, you could wrap the empty box and place the actual gift inside separately, ready to be assembled.
Experts at 1st Move International emphasised that a single packing error could effectively "cancel Christmas" by causing major delays or the loss of expensive items. Following this simple rule significantly reduces the risk of losing your property and ensures a smoother journey through the airport.
Don't Forget the Liquid Rules for Festive Treats
This warning also serves as a crucial reminder about the ongoing 100ml liquid restriction for hand luggage. Travellers are urged to remember that this rule applies to far more than just shampoo and toothpaste.
Many popular Christmas gifts are classified as liquids or gels and must adhere to the rule if carried in your cabin bag. This includes:
- Jams, preserves, and chutneys
- Perfumes and lotions
- Snow globes (regardless of size)
- Certain sauces and condiments
Any such items over 100ml must be packed in your hold luggage or risk being confiscated at the security gate. By planning ahead and packing strategically, you can ensure your carefully chosen gifts make it to the Christmas tree without a hitch, keeping the festive spirit intact for everyone.
