Flights in the winter can be made tricker by the colder weather which sees passengers donning warm coats and plenty of layers. So many clothes may be a great idea when travelling in the chill to the airport but the bulky items can prove a hindrance when passing through the airport. Manchester Airport has now warned travellers that there’s one thing they should do when going through airport security at this time of year. The UK hub has said holidaymakers should make sure to remove their coats and scarves before they get to security.
This is because those who take off layers once at the metal detectors greatly slow down the process, leading to queues.
Manchester Airport calculations show that, on average, an unprepared passenger who has to unzip zips, undo buttons, take off hats, gloves and untie a scarf at the metal detector, rather than in the queue, adds over a minute per person to the security processing time.
“Safety and security is always our number one priority, so to help passengers avoid having Christmas treats confiscated and to prevent queues, we’re just reiterating how everyone can help us to help them,” Fiona Wright, Customer Services and Security Director at Manchester Airport, said.
The airport has also warned travellers to be savvy when it comes to packing and luggage.
“At this festive time of year passengers often travel with gifts of more unusual items, which unwittingly do not comply with the rules,” said Fiona.
“If in doubt, check with your airline first and put it in your suitcase for the hold, rather than your hand luggage.”
It’s also important that travellers don’t wrap any presents before they go through security.
“As you prepare to head off for the holidays carrying festive gifts for family and friends, my best advice is to avoid wrapping them,” said Adam Ewart, CEO and Founder of luggage shipping company Send My Bag.
“You may think you are saving yourself time by wrapping gifts before you leave, but security holds the right to rip open your beautifully done wrapping, should they want to inspect the package.
“This applies to both checked and carry-on luggage. Save the wrapping until you arrive so you don’t have to worry about your gifts and their journey through security.”
It’s important to remember that liquid restrictions still apply (under 100ml) even to presents.
Certain festive items are classed as liquids that you might not think of and could catch you out.
For example, brandy butter may start off solid but at the end of a flight it can turn into a liquid which means airlines count it as such, so it will have to be under 100ml to be able to fly with you. The same rule applies to camembert.
Snow globes also have liquid in them which means they won’t be allowed to pass through security.
Additionally, travellers should be careful with Christmas crackers. Under heightened security measures, airlines such as Ryanair, Etihad, Emirates and Norwegian Airlines have all banned them.
Passengers are not permitted to fly with the crackers, either in their hand luggage or in checked baggage.
Crackers fall under the ban because they fall under the explosives and flammable substances and devices for certain airlines.
