Winter travel by plane: items prohibited on board during the holidays

The winter holidays are the peak travel season and a time of heightened aviation security requirements. Find out which holiday items may be prohibited on board, how airline rules differ, and what you should check before departure to avoid problems along the way

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Winter holidays are traditionally a period of active travel: Ukrainians visit relatives abroad, go to Christmas markets, or plan winter vacations. However, it is during the holiday season that airlines often introduce additional restrictions, which passengers only learn about at the airport. These are not standard safety rules, but less obvious prohibitions related specifically to Christmas paraphernalia.

According to the British publication Express, many popular holiday items can be a reason for refusing to transport luggage or even denying boarding.

Christmas crackers, sparklers, and fireworks: what's the problem?

The main surprise for travelers is the strict ban on Christmas crackers. In many countries, they are considered a safe holiday trinket, but aviation regulations classify them as flammable items.

For passengers traveling to the US, there is a complete ban on the transport of Christmas crackers. They cannot be carried in hand luggage or checked in as baggage. Similar restrictions apply to sparklers, fireworks, and other pyrotechnic products.

The reason for this is the risk of fire during flight and strict international aviation safety requirements.

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How the rules of different airlines differ

Despite general caution, airline policies on holiday items vary significantly.

British Airways allows up to two boxes of sealed, factory-made Christmas crackers to be carried in checked baggage. However, this does not apply to flights to the US, where stricter restrictions are in place.

Virgin Atlantic has even more lenient rules — passengers are allowed to carry one box of crackers per person, provided that it is packed and checked in.

EasyJet is an exception among European low-cost airlines: the company allows Christmas crackers to be carried in both hand luggage and checked baggage. However, passengers are advised to carefully check the current rules before departure, as they may vary depending on the destination.

Qantas, South African Airways, and Air New Zealand allow such items to be carried only in the baggage compartment and only in sealed boxes.

Complete ban: who does not allow firecrackers at all

A number of major international carriers have taken the toughest stance. The list of airlines that have completely banned the transport of Christmas firecrackers includes Emirates, Ryanair, KLM, Lufthansa, and American Airlines.

In particular, Ryanair specifically states on its official website that carrying firecrackers in hand luggage is strictly prohibited. Passengers are advised not to take any risks and to purchase festive items after arriving at their destination.

Why you should check the rules before departure

The holiday season is a time of increased control at airports. Even if a certain item is allowed by one airline, it may be prohibited by another or not allowed on a specific route. This is especially true for flights to the US and other countries with enhanced security requirements.

To avoid unnecessary stress, delays, and loss of belongings, passengers are advised to:

● check the airline's website for transportation rules before packing your suitcase;

● take into account not only the general rules, but also the restrictions for a specific route;

● do not put questionable items in your carry-on luggage.

Important to remember: winter travel often involves risks, so when planning a trip, it is important to take care not only of your luggage but also of your own safety. When traveling abroad, Ukrainians should take out medical insurance in advance to cover the costs of illness, injury, or emergency care during their trip. It is convenient to do this online on the Visit Ukraine platform — the insurance policy is sent to your email in a few minutes and allows you to feel more relaxed anywhere in the world.

We remind you! The holiday season in Europe may be accompanied by flight delays and cancellations. Read about which countries and airports may be affected by strikes, which dates to pay attention to, and how to best plan your trip.

Photo: Shutterstock

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