Far from being a case of simply popping Christmas crackers into their hand luggage or checked bags, airports and airlines impose tough rules on how passengers can carry these festive essentials.
Christmas crackers at a glance
Click below to find what you’re looking for…
Fly- or no-fly list
Are your crackers allowed to fly
Cracker infographic
All about crackers and flying
Airports and Xmas Crackers
What the airports say
Xmas packing
Essential info for flyers
Heightened security measures have resulted in many airlines completely banning passengers from carrying Christmas crackers, with the likes of Ryanair, Etihad, Emirates and Norwegian Airlines all putting them on the no-fly list, according to our research.
Can I take Christmas crackers on a plane?
Look below to see the airlines that will and those that won’t allow Christmas crackers on their planes. You’ll also find the conditions you must comply with.
Airlines that will accept Christmas crackers
How many can you take, where to pack and any other essential information you’ll need.
| Airline | Where to pack your crackers | Details |
| British Airways | Checked luggage, but not on US flights | 2 boxes sealed in original packaging |
| easyJet | Checked and cabin luggage | 2 boxes sealed in original packaging |
| Iceland air | Checked luggage | Sealed in original packaging |
| Qantas | Checked luggage | 2 boxes sealed in original packaging |
| South African Airlines | Checked luggage | 1 box of 12 sealed in original packaging |
| TUI | Checked and cabin luggage | Must be factory-made made sealed in original packaging |
| Virgin Atlantic | Checked luggage – but not on US flights | 1 box sealed in original packaging |
| Air New Zealand | Checked and cabin luggage | Up to 24 commercially manufactured crackers in original packaging Only if not travelling to/from/through the USA or Canada |
| Etihad Airways | Checked Luggage | Clearance must be obtained before departure |
| SAS Scandinavian | Checked luggage | Sealed in original packaging |
Even if the airline hasn’t pulled crackers from its flights, there are many rules and regulations that need to be complied with before the Xmas favourites are cleared to board.
Anyone attempting to travel without crackers sealed in their original packaging will be forced to leave them behind. This also applies if passengers exceed the carrier’s limit on how many can be taken. Many airlines allow no more than a single box of 12 crackers.
For those travelling to America, don’t even think about packing crackers. A spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration provided the following unequivocal statement: “These items are prohibited from flying in checked or carry-on bags. They are flammable and should not be brought on aeroplanes. They fall in the same category as sparklers and fireworks.”
Christmas cracker no-fly zone
These airlines have banned the carriage of Christmas crackers on their flights. Failure to comply could result in delays or luggage not being loaded.
| Aer Lingus | Air Canada |
| Air France | Wizz Air |
| Air India | KLM |
| Cathay Pacific | Swiss Airlines |
| American Airlines | RyanAir |
| Delta Airlines | Singapore Airlines |
| Emirates | United Airlines |
| Lufthansa | WestJet |
| Jet2 | Qatar |
Additionally, passengers shouldn’t simply look at airline policies in isolation when it comes to packing Christmas crackers. Budget carrier easyJet will allow them in both checked and cabin luggage, but most major UK airports won’t permit them in carry-on bags, resulting in confiscation at the security desk.
For those who’ve confirmed their airline will carry crackers, they’ll still need to inform the check-in staff that they’re in their bags. Failure to do so could create problems as the bags progress through the airport system, resulting in delays or even failure to load!
Passengers carrying high-end crackers should be wary of gifts contained inside. Some high-quality examples include items such as scissors and screwdriver sets, which, depending on size, may need to be packed in checked luggage.
Anyone following the craze of making their own crackers should stick to shop-bought items when flying. Homemade versions of the festive favourites are banned from the skies in both checked and hand luggage.
Passengers should also remember that party poppers are banned on all aircraft leaving UK airports.
What the airports say
Along with the airlines’ policies relating to carrying Christmas crackers, it’s just as important to know what your departure airport has to say about them.
Along with the airlines’ policies relating to carrying Christmas crackers, it’s just as important to know what your departure airport has to say about them.
Gatwick allows up to two boxes of unopened crackers to be placed in hand luggage, whereas Manchester and East Midlands Airport ban them from hand luggage and are subject to airline regulations.
At London City Airport, Christmas cracker allowances depend on your airline. For example, British Airways allows up to two boxes per person of commercially manufactured crackers in checked baggage, but other airlines may differ.
Heathrow Airport will not allow crackers to be carried through security, whilst Stansted will not allow them in hand or checked luggage.
Bristol and Birmingham Airport do not allow passengers to put Christmas crackers in hand luggage; however, they may carry them in their checked luggage, subject to airline regulations.
However, passengers must ensure that crackers being carried in hand luggage do not contain gifts such as large scissors or screwdriver sets.
Airport policies can change, and it’s always advisable to check with both the airport and the airline.
Christmas crackers… essential information
Even if your airline accepts Christmas crackers onboard, you’ll need to be aware of these additional packing tips and regulations.
*Airport security: While a small number of airlines and airports allow passengers to carry Christmas crackers in their hand luggage, many UK airports do not permit them through security. This means that even if your airline accepts crackers, they may still be confiscated at the airport. To avoid any inconvenience, the safest option is to pack Christmas crackers in your checked luggage. Check with your airline if Christmas crackers are allowed in your checked luggage.
Packing: Crackers must be carried in their original, sealed packaging.
Declare your crackers: Check with your airport if you have to declare your crackers beforehand.
Banned in the USA? Don’t pack the crackers when heading to the USA. A US Transportation Security Administration spokesman said: “These items are prohibited from flying in checked or carry-on bags. They are flammable and should not be brought on aeroplanes. They fall in the same category as sparklers and fireworks.”
Don’t make your own: Homemade Christmas crackers are banned on all airlines.
Check what’s inside: Check the novelty gifts inside your crackers. Luxury versions may contain items such as scissors and screwdrivers, which are banned in hand luggage.
At-a-glance guide to flying with Christmas crackers
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FAQs
It depends on both your airline and airport. Some airlines, such as British Airways, TUI, Virgin Atlantic, and Qantas, will allow Christmas crackers in checked luggage if they are factory-made and sealed in original packaging. However, others, including Ryanair, EasyJet, and Jet2 may allow them in checked bags but not always in hand luggage due to airport security rules. Always check both your airline and departure airport policies before packing your crackers.
Yes. Christmas crackers are completely banned on all flights to, from or through the USA or Canada. The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) classifies them as flammable items, similar to fireworks or sparklers, meaning they cannot travel in carry-on or checked luggage under any circumstances.
Airlines that currently allow crackers (in checked luggage only, unless stated) include:
British Airways: up to two boxes per person, not on US flights
EasyJet: allowed in both checked and cabin luggage, if sealed
Virgin Atlantic: one box per person, not on US flights
TUI, Qantas, Etihad, Air New Zealand, SAS, Icelandair, and South African Airways: permitted in checked luggage only, sealed in original packaging
Make sure your crackers are commercially manufactured, not homemade, and always declare them at check-in to avoid issues at baggage screening.
Airport policies vary:
Gatwick allows up to two boxes of unopened crackers in hand luggage
Manchester, East Midlands, Birmingham, and Bristol only allow them in checked bags
Heathrow and Stansted do not allow Christmas crackers at all, in either hand luggage or hold luggage
Even if your airline allows crackers, security screening at your departure airport could still result in confiscation if the airport itself prohibits them. Always double-check airport restrictions before travel.
To keep your journey smooth and festive:
Pack crackers only in their original sealed boxes
Avoid homemade crackers – they’re banned on all airlines
Ensure gifts inside don’t include sharp or prohibited items (e.g. scissors, screwdrivers)
Some airlines may ask you to declare your crackers when checking in
If in doubt, the safest option is to place crackers in checked luggage and confirm acceptance with your airline in advance
Disclaimer: Airline and airport policies regarding Christmas crackers can change at any time, especially during the busy festive season. Always confirm the latest rules directly with your airline and departure airport before you travel. Restrictions may differ depending on your flight destination, route, and the contents of your crackers. Passengers who do not comply with packaging or declaration rules may have their crackers confiscated at security or check-in.
I posted a box full of Christmas fun including two boxes of crackers to Budapest. The box is waiting to be picked up at a post office in Budapest now. Whether the crackers have been removed I do not know. I also had to take them out of original packaging to enable me to fit them in the box.
Hi – Do you think I will be able to take the Christmas crackers in hold luggage with Ryan air if I remove the ‘crack’ part’? Thanks
Any ideas on the policy for Air China? – I can’t find anything online
My Christmas crackers were confiscated on a Virgin flight to the US yesterday, even though I had them in my checked luggage as indicated above.
Hi – I would take this up with Virgin! Our information was confirmed by Virgin Atlantic and can be found clearly stated on its website here https://www.virginatlantic.com/policies/dangerous-or-restricted-items (under the hand luggage tab).
It does say “but not on US flights”