Latest research finds what Brits are really packing in their suitcases this festive season

December 2023 - It won't just be Santa Claus who'll be flying with a full load this year as the UK gears up for the annual festive travel period. Six in 10 travellers (60%) who will fly this December admit they are not only planning to stuff suitcases with presents but at least one of the following 'festive items' - Christmas jumpers, mince pies, festive fancy dress, board games, decorations with even one respondent planning to pack a tin of baked beans.

The latest research, carried out by Opinium* on behalf of Vueling – part of IAG and a key European low-cost airline – shows passengers aren't planning on travelling light this year. Gen Z'ers (18-34 year-olds) are the most likely to overpack presents, board games, Christmas jumpers and stockings at 83 per cent versus just 48 per cent of those in the 55 and over age group.

Over a quarter of those asked will also be packing chocolate, mince pies and Christmas pudding. Tea bags, tins of baked beans and a hip flask were also featured in the responses of the 'must carry' festive items.

• Belfast residents are the UK's most generous travellers with 51% from the Northern Irish capital saying they will pack gifts for loved ones when flying over Christmas - 10% higher than the national average (40%).
• Cardiff is the only city in the UK to favour flying with mince pies (19%) compared to chocolate (16%) when travelling over the festive period, a new survey on Opinium* on behalf of Vueling – part of IAG and a key European low-cost airline has found.

The research further highlighted that over 65 per cent of women take the lead on packing presents and festive food and drink for the holiday period. Women also top the bill for being more generous with over 45 per cent travelling with presents for their loved ones versus just over 30 per cent of men planning on packing a gift.

When it comes to alcoholic tipples, Londoners came out top for packing the booze, with over one in five of them planning to pack a bottle or two.    

Travellers seeking a festive adventure this winter can fly to Rovaniemi, Finland, the hometown of Santa Claus, with connecting flights available from Barcelona.

Vueling has also direct flights operating this Christmas from five UK airports - London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Edinburgh to 14 destinations across Spain, France and Italy.

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*Opinium surveyed 2,000 UK adults aged 18+ in November 2023.

About Vueling  

Vueling, part of IAG, is one of the main low-cost airlines in Europe and a key player in connections between the United Kingdom and Spain. In addition, Vueling is also a leading brand at the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airport, and in other important markets such as the city of Bilbao as well as the market between the mainland and both the Balearics and Canary Islands.   

Vueling reinforces its commitment to international consolidation with several bases such as London Gatwick, Paris Orly, Amsterdam, and Florence.   

For the winter season, the company has 213 routes across 89 destinations. 

IAG, the airline's parent company, has committed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through the implementation of the FlightPath Net Zero programme, and to operate 10% of its flights with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030.    

Media contacts

Vueling is represented by LOTUS in the United Kingdom. For further information, please contact our team at vueling@wearelotus.co.uk  

More information available on www.vueling.com