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ABTA – The Travel Association - estimates that millions of passengers will be heading abroad over the Christmas with Friday 22 December is set to be the busiest day for departures and Christmas Day the quietest. “Christmas and New Year are always very busy times for travel and this year will be no exception, with large numbers heading overseas looking to spend quality time with loved ones. Roads and public transport will as always be very busy, so please leave a little extra time to get to your departure port and avoid unnecessary stress and worry. And if you are taking a winter sports break- make sure you have the right travel insurance - it can be a costly mistake if you don’t.” advises Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive. Meanwhile holiday company Ski Vertigo have revealed what they say are, “the common Christmas gifts that are often flagged at security checkpoints around the world." A Spokesperson for Ski Vertigo commented: "With the festive season in full swing, it’s important for travellers to be mindful of what they pack. Many common Christmas gifts can inadvertently lead to issues at airport security. Our study aims to raise awareness and prevent unnecessary delays or confiscations. Travelers should always check airline and airport regulations before flying, especially during the holidays when carrying unusual items like gifts. The last thing anyone wants is their festive cheer dampened by a security mishap. The Ski Vertigo Christmas flight packing warning list includes: Candles and Snow Globes A festive favourite, candles, especially those in gel form, can sometimes be mistaken for explosives by security scanners. Similarly, snow globes contain a liquid component that often exceeds the permissible limit for carry-on luggage, making them a common item stopped by security. Toy Guns and Replica Weapons Toy guns, including water pistols and replica weapons, are a no-go at many airports. They can raise serious alarms during the screening process, potentially leading to delays and further investigation. Sporting Equipment Sporting goods like cricket bats, golf clubs, and hockey sticks are often seen as potential weapons and are not allowed in carry-on luggage. They must be checked in, and travellers should be aware of airline policies regarding their transport. Tools and DIY Kits Common DIY Christmas gifts like screwdrivers, drills, and hammers are prohibited in carry-on luggage due to their potential use as weapons. These items must be packed in checked baggage. Alcoholic Beverages While a popular gift, bottles of wine, spirits, and other alcoholic beverages often exceed the 100ml liquid limit for carry-on luggage. They must be packed in checked baggage or purchased in duty-free zones. Perfumes and Cologne Bottles Fragrances are a popular gift choice but often come in containers larger than the 100ml liquid limit for carry-on luggage. They must be checked in to avoid confiscation at security checkpoints. Electronics with Lithium Batteries Gadgets like drones, hoverboards, and certain types of cameras can be problematic due to their lithium batteries, which are considered hazardous. They might be subject to strict regulations or bans in carry-on luggage. Spices and Powders Spices and powdery substances over 350ml can raise suspicion at security, leading to additional screening. Such items are best transported in checked luggage to prevent delays. Better Value Exchange Rates at London Airports Than Regional Airports CREDIT Dakine 1 ABTA report that 425,000 are set to depart from Stansted, 253,000 from Luton, 395,000 from Manchester, 335,000 from Birmingham and 145,000 from Bristol over Christmas and New Year. Gatwick is reporting that it will be busy as will Heathrow which expects over 6.5 million passengers, both arriving and departing, to travel through the airport throughout the month of December. Hundreds of thousands of passengers will be leaving from Scottish airports, with 200,000 departing from Edinburgh alone, as well as from other regional airports. A significant number of people are also travelling across the English Channel by ferry or through the Channel Tunnel. We regularly review the latest gear on our youtube channel see our 2023/24 Gear Playlist Here, For the latest snow forecast and updates on where is best to ski now, as well as up to date gear reviews, you can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.

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