Can I take this item on a plane?
- Christmas crackers can go as carry-on and checked-in luggage but check with your airline for their restrictions
- Cracker snaps that are used to make home-made crackers, when not contained within a whole cracker, are not permitted to be carried in your carry-on or checked-in luggage.
What are the restrictions?
- Christmas crackers – check with your airline for restriction limits on the permitted quantities.
- Cracker snaps – are prohibited and must be relinquished.
Why is this item restricted?
Cracker snaps contain silver fulminate i.e. creates the snap sound, a form of explosive that if taken in quantities, presents a significant risk to passengers, crew and the plane.
What happens if I have a restricted item in my carry-on bag?
You will be asked to relinquish all dangerous or prohibited items found in your carry-on luggage. If you refuse:
- you will not be permitted to move through the screening point, and
- your airline will be advised of your refusal.
How does Aviation Security screen for restricted items?
AvSec X-ray bags going onto aircraft to ensure there is nothing dangerous in them.
- Checked luggage - if something comes up on the X-ray that needs investigating, the bag will be opened, searched and any dangerous good or prohibited item will be removed, with a bag search notification form left within the bag.
- Carry-on - if something comes up on the X-ray that needs investigating an AvSec Officer will request a bag search, and the bag will be opened and searched in your presence. If any dangerous goods or prohibited items are found, you will be asked to relinquish them. If you refuse:
- you will not be permitted to move through the screening point, and
- your airline will be advised of your refusal
What if my items are removed?
If you want to retrieve an item that has been removed, please contact your airline as soon as possible. The airline will dispose of items within three to seven days, so the sooner you make contact, the better your chance of having the items returned to you. For more information, see:
Retrieving your removed items
