Winter holidays traditionally become the peak of air travel, but it's during the festive period that passengers most often encounter unexpected restrictions at airports. This involves not only standard security rules but also the prohibition of certain Christmas attributes that may lead to luggage confiscation or refusal of transport. Express writes about this.
The article notes that popular festive items considered safe on land are often classified as potentially dangerous under aviation rules due to the risk of ignition during flight.
Air Travel in Winter: What Is Categorically Prohibited to Transport
The most questions from travelers arise concerning Christmas crackers. Despite their festive nature, in many countries they are classified as flammable products and fall under strict regulations. For flights to the USA, there is a complete ban on transporting crackers — both in hand luggage and registered baggage.
Similar restrictions apply to:
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sparklers;
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fireworks;
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any pyrotechnics.
The reason is — strict international aviation safety requirements and increased control during the festive season.
How Airlines' Rules Differ
Carrier policies regarding festive items can vary significantly. Some airlines allow a limited number of crackers in luggage, but only under certain conditions.
In particular:
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British Airways allows up to two factory boxes of crackers in registered luggage, except on flights to the USA;
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Virgin Atlantic allows one box per passenger, also only in luggage;
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EasyJet allows crackers to be transported even in hand luggage, but rules may change depending on the destination;
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Qantas, South African Airways, and Air New Zealand allow such items exclusively in the cargo hold and in sealed packaging.
At the same time, several major carriers have completely banned the transport of Christmas crackers. Among them are Emirates, Ryanair, KLM, Lufthansa, and American Airlines. Passengers are advised not to take risks and to purchase festive items only after arrival.
It should be noted that two airlines, Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, have decided to tighten the inspection of portable charging devices during flights. Now passengers cannot use external batteries, such as power banks, on board the aircraft. However, they can still have them in hand luggage but cannot charge devices during the flight.