The common Christmas present you're not allowed to take on an airplane

To avoid any nasty surprises at the airport this Christmas, double-check what's in your bag before you go.

There are certain things that everyone knows can't be taken on a plane, but there are also some rogue items that could get you caught unawares.

Here are some common items we travel with at this time of year, which have certain restrictions on how they can be packed. 

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Batteries

If you're packing Christmas presents and you've bought extra batteries to go with a brand-new toy, they can't go in your checked luggage. 

Pack them into your carry-on bag, just keep in mind that some airlines limit the number of spare batteries per person they allow on board, usually to 20. If you're packing a lot, double-check the limit before you head to the airport.

Portable powerbanks and phone chargers also can't go in your checked bags. 

Alcohol

If you're giving the gift of booze this Christmas, make sure it's packed in your checked bag.

Bottles of wine, beer or spirits over 100mL aren't allowed on-board a flight unless it was purchased at duty-free.

Flying internationally? Different countries have restrictions on how much alcohol you can bring into the country. For example, you can't bring more than 4.5 litres of wine or beer into New Zealand, or more than three bottles of spirits.

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Bath salts

While a box of relaxing bath products makes a great gift for a stressed-out auntie, there is a limit to how much you can bring on board. Salt and salt scrubs are classed as a powder, so the total amount can't exceed 350 grams, including the weight of the container it is in.

Vegemite

If you're heading overseas, a jar of Vegemite is always a perfect gift, especially for Aussies now living abroad. But the delicious spread is technically a 'gel', according to aviation security. This means you can't pack more than 100g of it in your carry-on luggage. And if you do, it'll have to go in a baggie with your toiletries and other liquids.

To be safe, just pack the Vegemite in your checked luggage.

Wrapped gifts

To be safe, wrap all your gifts once you arrive at your destination. If something inside the package triggers an alarm with airport security and they can't tell what it is on the X-ray, they'll have to unwrap the present to get a better look.

Snow globes

It sounds weird, but snow globes are classed as a liquid; if it contains more than 100mL, it's not allowed in your carry-on. 

Generally, snow globes smaller than a tennis ball are fine in your carry-on, any bigger and it should go in your checked bag.

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Sports equipment

Cricket bats and golf clubs will have to be checked in your baggage, for obvious reasons. However, tennis rackets will be fine in your carry-on luggage. 

If you've bought your uncle a dart board for Christmas, you'll have to put the darts in your checked luggage - unless they're the magnetic kind.

Imitation weapons

While weapons are obviously not allowed on planes, security also prohibits any "replica or an imitation of a weapon". Think toy guns, grenade-shaped cologne bottles, or novelty throwing stars. All these need to go in your checked bags.

Party poppers

Though they help set the tone for the festive season, party poppers are strictly banned from planes, even if they're in checked luggage. They contain a form of explosive which creates the 'pop' and shoots the streamers from the popper. We probably don't have to tell you that explosives on planes are a big no-no.

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Christmas crackers

If you've bought a pack of Christmas crackers from a store and the box is still sealed, you're fine to pack it in your checked bags. Different airlines have different rules when it comes to the amount you can bring. Virgin allows a maximum of two retail packets, with up to 12 bon-bons per packet.

But if you've made your own crackers, or have a packet of cracker snaps, you'll likely have to leave those at home. 

For more info, you can see a detailed list of banned items on the Home Affairs website.