The Christmas season is one of the most popular times for flying. Photo / Getty Images
The Christmas season is one of the most popular times for flying. Photo / Getty Images
More of us will be flying over the festive season and no doubt there will be lots of Christmas presents, both to give and those received, will be crammed into our carry-on bags.
But in the madness of the silly season we have to remember what kinds of popular pressies won't actually be allowed on the plane due to strict on-board baggage restrictions.
Comparethemarket.com.au has come up with a list of banned gifts that will cause flyers trouble at airport security, reports news.com.au.
It's also warning Australians about the presents they won't be able to send by post.
"As the holidays are fast approaching, it becomes an especially busy time of the year for airports and mail services. That's why it's crucial we do our research before travelling with, or sending, gifts to family and friends," comparethemarket.com.au's travel insurance expert Abigail Koch said.
"Although most airports and destinations share common restrictions, it is worthwhile checking the rules and regulations of specific airlines you travel with as well as the places you're visiting or sending parcels to.
"If you're not careful, you may end up delayed, stuck at security or missing your flight altogether. While travel insurance may cover missed flights for reasons outside of your or the airline's control, it won't cover you if you are at fault."
Here are the common presents that are prohibited on planes.
Make sure your carry-on baggage isn't loaded with contraband gifts. Photo / Getty Images
PRODUCTS WITH LITHIUM BATTERIES
From toys to electronics, there are a lot of products that need, and sold with, lithium batteries.
These batteries are considered dangerous on aircraft and are prohibited in carry-on luggage.
ALCOHOL
You'll have to be careful with this foolproof Christmas gift. Bottles of wine, beer or spirits over 100mL are not permitted on-board a flight, unless it is packed in checked baggage or purchased at duty free.
The number of bottles allowed into a country varies too, so check local restrictions in the destination country first.
PERFUMES OR COSMETICS OVER 100ML
As with alcohol, you'll have to make sure what you pack in perfume complies with quantity restrictions.
Perfumes are considered flammable goods and are restricted in the cabin but may be packed in baggage, depending on the airline you fly with.
This also applies to any cosmetic products in liquid form that are over the 100mL limit.
If you really need to fly with perfume or makeup over 100mL, you should consider buying those items at the airport's duty free store.
CRICKET BATS OR GOLF CLUBS
Larger sporting items are also prohibited on-board aircraft, including cricket and baseball bats, hockey sticks and billiard cues.
ICE SKATES
OK, this might not be a classic Aussie Christmas gift but if you are buying for the snow bunny in your life, or if you're heading to a snowy destination for a white Christmas, ice skates need to go in your checked-in baggage.
Customs classify ice skates as sporting goods with sharp edges that are capable of injuring a person and there's no surprises they're not allowed on board.
There are also restrictions on presents you can send by mail, including internationally. Photo / Getty Images
DARTS
Same deal as the ice skates — these sharp items are considered too dangerous for the cabin.
If they're the magnetic type, as opposed to the sharp ones, they might be safe.
SLINGSHOTS
This is a cute, retro gift idea but you'll have to travel with them in your checked-in suitcase — slingshots are considered a weapon and are banned from the cabin.
While we're at it, here are the gifts you can't send in the post.
CARDS WITH CASH
Aussies might be surprised to know they can't send holiday cards with cash overseas, or more than $200 domestically. Sending gift vouchers are a good alternative, or sending a card but transferring the money instead.
Gold and silver jewels and precious stones may not be permitted in certain international services and some countries will not accept them unless they are insured.
GIFTS VALUED AT $2000 AND MORE
Be careful when sending expensive gifts to loved ones overseas. Any gift that exceeds $2000 in value in a single consignment must be registered with Customs and Border Protection Service. Senders can register by submitting a form electronically, at a Customs office or KeyPost authorised post office.
EXTRA LITHIUM BATTERIES WITH TOY GIFTS
Do not package additional lithium batteries with your toys. Any batteries must be installed in the gift for the device to be sent and not in the packaging with the device.
TOY PISTOLS WITH PAPER CAPS
Any toy gun with a paper cap is classified as an explosive and cannot be sent anywhere. Reconsider the types of toys you want to mail out this holiday season.
HAIR PRODUCTS
That's a no to hair spray or dye, as certain hair colouring products, including peroxides, and any flammable liquids cannot be sent through the mail.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
A fruit hamper is a great Christmas present idea, but even sending produce interstate can be a complicated process, with certain fruits and vegetables requiring permits. Due to the possibility of pests and diseases, some are prohibited completely.
