Flying with Christmas gifts? Here’s how to prep like Santa!

If you plan to pack gifts in your luggage as cargo, it is crucial to make sure they are well protected. Think bubble wrap, newspaper, and even rolling in your clothes. A hard-shell suitcase also helps prevent additional damage.

While you are allowed to bring wrapped gifts on planes as both carry-on and checked luggage, please remember that airport officials might need to open them for security purposes. Regardless of how beautifully you've gift-wrapped your goodies, they have a job to do and won't hesitate to undo your hard work. To avoid this, you might want to consider wrapping them after you've reached your destination and ensure the gifts you’re travelling with adhere to restrictions.

Gift bags are an also efficient (and stylish!) alternative to traditional wrapping paper – no need to battle the sticky tape once you arrive.

If you're concerned about transporting your holiday luggage and Christmas keepsakes in the baggage compartment or even as carry-on, it’s worth considering using express couriers. It's an alternative option growing in popularity amongst South African travellers wanting to avoid luggage mishaps or to save on excess charges.

To ensure a seamless travel experience for our community of travellers, Flight Centre has partnered with U-BAG, a South African specialist cargo logistics group. They’ll get your Christmas gifts and excess luggage where they need to be, on time and unscathed, just like Santa would.

The best part? If you find a lower quote elsewhere, their team will match it and may even apply a discount. To save you time, they can also wrap your luggage for added security at no charge and provide free coverage for loss, theft, and damage for added peace of mind.

If you need help booking your holiday flight this December or need help deciphering your luggage requirements, our team of miracle-worker Travel Experts are always on hand to assist.