November 2025, London – Planning to bring a little festive cheer on your travels this Christmas? Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com), the UK's leading independent airport parking provider, has released a newly updated guide revealing the surprising rules around taking Christmas crackers on board flights.

The guide, available at www.aph.com/crackers, helps travellers understand which airlines and airports will let them carry the festive favourites, and the restrictions that apply when packing for their trip.

While it may seem harmless to pop a box of Christmas crackers into a suitcase, APH.com's research found that the rules can vary dramatically between airlines and even departure airports. In fact, for festive flyers heading to the United States, it's a complete no-go. The US Transportation Security Administration has confirmed that crackers are prohibited from flying in checked or carry-on bags due to their flammable contents, placing them in the same category as sparklers and fireworks.

For those staying closer to home, British Airways allow passengers to carry up to two boxes of sealed, factory-made crackers in their checked luggage, though not on US-bound flights, while Virgin Atlantic permits just one box per person. Budget carrier easyJet is one of the few airlines to permit crackers in both hand and checked baggage, while Qantas, South African Airways and Air New Zealand allow sealed boxes in hold luggage only. However, travellers flying with popular airlines such as Emirates, Ryanair, KLM, Lufthansa and American Airlines will find crackers firmly put on the banned list, with these carriers refusing to carry them altogether.

Airport rules can also catch out unsuspecting passengers. Gatwick Airport permits up to two unopened boxes in hand luggage, while Heathrow bans them entirely from security. Manchester, East Midlands, Bristol and Birmingham Airports ban them from hand luggage and are subject to airline approval.

Even when airlines and airports do allow crackers, there are still strict guidelines to follow. They must be commercially manufactured, sealed in their original packaging, and never homemade. Passengers should also check what's inside as novelty gifts such as scissors or screwdrivers can be considered prohibited items in hand luggage.

Nick Caunter, Managing Director of Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com), said: “Many travellers are unaware that packing a box of Christmas crackers in their luggage can cause issues at the airport. With different rules across the airlines and airports, our APH guide is designed to help passengers avoid unnecessary hassle and make sure their journey starts and ends seamlessly.”

For travellers looking to add a festive touch to their holidays, APH.com recommends savvy travellers checking both airline and airport policies before packing. A little advance planning will ensure festive fun takes off without a hitch this holiday season.

For further information on Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) visit www.aph.com or call 01342 859515.

ENDS

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• Image Captions: Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) has released a new guide revealing the surprising rules around taking Christmas crackers on board flights. Image Credits – Adobe Stock.
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About Airport Parking and Hotels (APH)

Established in 1980, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is an award-winning airport parking operator and retailer, winning the 'Best Airport Parking Company' award at the British Travel Awards 2024 for the fourteenth year running. APH also carries Which? Recommended Provider status having been voted as one of the best services available in the airport parking industry in September 2024. In addition to APH's own car parks serving Gatwick, Manchester and Cardiff Airports, APH also offers parking at all major UK airports as well as airport hotels.

Media Enquiries

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Sarah Salord, Company Director

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