Why bringing Christmas gifts to the airport can result in fines up to £95- and the worst presents to pack
This festive season, more than 4.7million Brits are expected to travel by plane.
It's an exciting time as loved ones gather to enjoy some much-needed time off together, exchange presents and celebrate the end of the year.
But travel experts have warned travellers that bringing Christmas gifts to the airport could incur hundreds in charges for breaking airline check-in rules.
'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,' said an expert at SCS Chauffeurs.
'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-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.'
While it may be tempting to carry presents in your carry-on hand luggage, this could be a recipe for disaster.
This festive season, more than 4.7million Brits are expected to travel by plane
The experts claim the worst presents to carry in hand luggage are beauty gift sets, toy weapons, full-size bottles of alcohol, toys with batteries and kitchen knife sets.
Many Brits may fail to realise that the 10-item 100ml liquid and electronic hand luggage restrictions also apply to Christmas gifts - even if they’re wrapped as Christmas gifts.
The rule, in force for all domestic and international travellers, means that one simple Christmas gift could result in a checked-bag charge.
Travellers face losing the gift if it is over 100ml in size, or the gift box contains multiple items, contributing to a maximum of 10 items.
The experts advise against wrapping presents beforehand.
Security may need to inspect items, and unwrapping gifts at the airport is inconvenient and a waste of wrapping paper.
'Use gift bags instead of wrapping paper,' the experts suggest.
'Security checks may require wrapped presents to be unwrapped, so opt for gift bags to save you any time and effort.'
Many Brits may fail to realise that the 10-item 100ml liquid and electronic hand luggage restrictions also apply to Christmas gifts
Travellers should also check the prohibited items lists.
Certain gifts, like alcohol or aerosols, will have restrictions.
Holidaymakers should check the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s guidelines and the rules for what items are prohibited, depending on their destination.
There is also the option of shipping gifts directly to your destination or using click and collect services to collect items after security
