Festive favourites such as mincemeat, marzipan, and brandy butter, are the most common items – to be confiscated at airports at this time of year, research has revealed.
The tasty treats are classed as liquids by airport security, meaning they fall under the 100ml limit rule if being carried in hand luggage, and can be taken off passengers at security.
Similarly, snow globes are another no-no if you are departing from an airport this December – as the amount of liquid inside these festive ornaments is not specified.
However, a survey of 2,000 travellers found that three in 10 had no idea that airport security advises against carrying these Christmas items in their carry-on luggage.
And 38% also claim they have never come across airport guidance advising against packing gift-wrapped presents – with 22% unaware that wrapped gifts are subject to additional screening requirements at security.
In order to avoid ruining someone's Christmas this year, by having to take festive gifts off them, London Luton Airport has launched a tongue-in-cheek appeal to leave presents unwrapped – with a little help from Rowan Atkinson lookalike, Nigel Dixon.
Nigel has been hired by the airport to help launch its new, free, gift-wrapping service – by recreating Atkinson's iconic scene in 2003 festive flick, “Love Actually”.
The much-loved moment saw overzealous salesman, Rufus, played by Rowan Atkinson, give a masterclass in elaborate gift-wrapping for Alan Rickman's character, Harry, who was buying a necklace for another woman – as his wife shopped nearby.
The scene included the necklace being put into a ribbon-tied box before it went into a clear bag with scented roses, lavender, and a cinnamon stick – and finally into a Christmas box, with a sprig of holly.
The research was carried out via OnePoll, ahead of London Luton Airport's launch of its gift-wrapping service, which will be available this Thursday, December 21.
Based on the beloved film scene, the free service on offer includes gift wrap paper, tags, ribbons, and lots of funny, festive extras – from dried flowers to cinnamon sticks.
And it comes as the airport revealed thousands of wrapped presents are screened, opened, and searched as part of airport security checks every year.
Clare Armstrong, head of guest experience at London Luton Airport, said: “Given the high number of wrapped presents we see in security each year, we realised many of our passengers are unaware of the possibility that they may need to be opened for inspection.
“So, the idea for our gift wrap service was born to create a fun experience for passengers, while minimising any unwanted delays or stress when travelling this festive season.
“We’re always looking for ways to help passengers have the most simple and friendly experience at the airport, and pre-empt any challenges they might face – particularly in the week before Christmas, when we will welcome over 300,000 departing passengers to the terminal.”
TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS AT CHRISTMAS:
- No globes – As the liquid content isn’t stipulated on these items, you cannot take in your hand luggage. Pack securely in checked luggage, instead.
- Crack down on crackers – While not universally banned as a travel item, different airlines have different policies on bringing crackers on board. Be sure to check your airline’s policy before you fly.
- Contra-brandy butter – You might not think it, but brandy butter is classed as a liquid, and subject to confiscation if over the 100ml limit. The same goes for mincemeat and chutneys, so it is best to keep all your edibles and spreadables in checked luggage, or safe at home, to avoid disappointment.
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