A total of 4.7 million Brits are expected to travel abroad over the festive period
Travellers using Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways and other popular airlines are being warned over charges they could face over Christmas. More than 4.7 million UK holidaymakers are set to jet off this Christmas and New Year.
Now travel specialists have issued them with a warning that bringing Christmas presents to the airport could result in hundreds of pounds in charges for breaking airline rules. While most travellers are aware of the restrictions, many may not realise these rules also apply to Christmas gifts – even if they’re wrapped.
The rule applies to all domestic and international travellers. It means a Christmas gift could lead to a checked-bag charge, or you could risk losing the gift if it is over 100ml in size, or the gift box contains multiple items contributing to the maximum of 10 items you are allowed to carry, Bristol Live reports.
Travel expert and commercial director of SCS Chauffeurs, Hadleigh Diamond, warned: “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. If you’re travelling abroad with Christmas presents this year, packing smart is essential.”
He added: “Without careful planning, valuable gifts like bottles of alcohol, perfumes over 100ml, or even beautifully wrapped gift sets of travel safe sized items could be confiscated by airport security, or face an airport check-in fee of £65 per person.” He concluded: “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.”
A breakdown of extra baggage costs shows British Airways passengers could end up forking out as much as £95. As for what you should avoid when it comes to gifts, beauty gift sets and toys with batteries are among those on the list.
How much does extra baggage cost at each airline
- EasyJet – £40
- Ryanair – £65
- British Airways – £75-£95
- Wizz – Min. £48
Worst Presents for hand luggage
- Beauty Gift Sets
- Toy weapons
- Full-size bottles of alcohol
- Toys with batteries
- Kitchen Knife sets
Tips from Hadleigh Diamond
- “Don’t wrap presents beforehand. Security may need to inspect items, and unwrapping gifts at the airport can be inconvenient for both you and those also waiting to get their luggage checked.”
- “Use gift bags instead of wrapping paper. Security checks may require wrapped presents to be unwrapped, so opt for gift bags to save you any time and effort.
- “Check prohibited items lists. Certain gifts, like alcohol or aerosols, will have restrictions. Check the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s guidelines and the rules for what items are prohibited, depending on your destination.”
- “Consider shipping gifts directly to your destination.
- “Use Boots click and collect service to collect items after security.”
