Travelling over the festive season can come with some logistical challenges, particularly when gifts are involved. And with a busy Christmas week on the horizon, London Luton Airport (LLA) has made a tongue-in-cheek plea to the public.
With thousands of wrapped presents screened, opened and searched as part of airport security checks every year, LLA is reminding passengers to travel with their presents unwrapped this Christmas.
So, to help travellers deal with any unwanted spoilers, and ensure they reach their destination with their gifts under wraps, the airport is set to host a completely free-of-charge airside wrapping service, inspired by a memorable scene from one of the UK’s favourite Christmas films.
Rowan Atkinson lookalike and social media sensation Nigel Dixon launched the service with a parody of the Love Actually scene in which overzealous store ‘artiste’ Rufus gives a masterclass in elaborate gift wrapping for ‘Harry’, played by Alan Rickman.
In a nod to the comedic exchange between the two much-loved characters, the service includes gift wrap paper, tags, adorning ribbons and various festive extras including dried flowers, cinnamon sticks and lavender. The bespoke wrapping paper features a snowflake motif made from an aeroplane formation to provide a final flourish for passengers’ gift packages.
The service, which runs on 21st December, comes as almost two-fifths (38%) of travellers claim to have never come across airport guidance advising against packing gift-wrapped presents, while one in five (22%) are unaware of additional screening requirements for wrapped presents.
Snow globes, crackers, marzipan, mincemeat and brandy butter – which may surprise people to be classed as a liquid – are the most confiscated festive items, much to the surprise of almost a third (30%) of passengers unaware of airport security advice against packing festive items in their luggage.
Although the arrival of next-generation technology at LLA next year will remove some of these restrictions, LLA is offering some tips as a friendly reminder to help journeys go as simply and smoothly as possible this Christmas:
No globes – As the liquid content isn’t stipulated on these items, you cannot take in hand luggage. Pack securely in checked luggage instead.
Crack down on crackers – whilst not universally banned as a travel item, different airlines have different policies on bringing crackers on board. So, be sure to check your airline’s policy before you fly!
Contra-brandy butter – you might not think it, but brandy butter is classed as a liquid and subject to confiscation if over the 100ml limit. Same goes for mincemeat and chutneys. So best to keep all your edibles and spreadables in checked luggage or safe at home to avoid disappointment.
Clare Armstrong, Head of Guest Experience at London Luton Airport said: “Given the high number of wrapped presents we see in security each year, we realised many of our passengers are unaware of the possibility that they may need to be opened for inspection. So, the idea for our gift wrap service was born to create a fun experience for passengers, while minimising any unwanted delays or stress when travelling this festive season.
We’re always looking for ways to help passengers have the most simple and friendly experience at the airport and pre-empt any challenges they might face – particularly over Christmas and the new year when we will welcome 240,000* departing passengers to the terminal”
LLA’s gift-wrapping service will be available to passengers on Thursday 21st December in Aelia Duty Free.
