Ryanair Warns Christmas Travelers on Gift Packing to Avoid Security Confiscation

Ryanair has issued a comprehensive advisory for passengers traveling during the Christmas period, urging careful consideration when packing presents to avoid potential confiscation at airport security. This guidance comes as millions prepare for festive travel, with many intending to carry gifts for friends and family overseas. The budget airline emphasized common pitfalls, including the abandonment of liquids and the confiscation of gift-wrapped items, which occur needlessly each year.

The airline strongly recommends against packing valuable or sentimental items in checked-in luggage due to risks of theft, damage, or loss, instead advising passengers to keep such items in small hand luggage, ideally under the seat for constant supervision. Furthermore, Ryanair explicitly prohibits certain items in hand luggage, including toy weapons such as guns, water pistols, slingshots, darts, and sports bats. Explosive or highly combustible items like party poppers, sparklers, fireworks, and Christmas crackers are also banned from carry-on bags, with the airline suggesting these items be purchased at the destination if needed.

Regarding gift presentation, Ryanair cautions against intricately wrapping presents for hand luggage, as security staff may need to open and search them. The airline suggests using gift bags that can be folded or packed flat as an alternative. For fragile gifts, the advice is to wrap them in bubble wrap, further protect them with soft clothing, and position them centrally within checked-in baggage for maximum support.

Liquid restrictions remain a key concern. Passengers are reminded not to pack liquids exceeding 100ml in carry-on luggage. Despite the introduction of new scanners at some airports allowing up to two liters, Ryanair advises all passengers to adhere strictly to the 100ml rule as a universal precaution. This rule applies to creams, lotions, perfumes, snow globes, gels, and pastes, which should be placed in a re-sealable 20cm x 20cm plastic bag. Larger liquid volumes must be transported in hold luggage.