It’s the most wonderful time of the year … unless you’ve missed your flight, left your passport at home or forgotten to pack the Christmas presents! Take the stress out of seasonal travel and arrive at your destination ready to enjoy Christmas with family or friends with our holiday travel tips.
And the best tip of all? Plan ahead!

Hand luggage rules
Most people know what can and cannot be taken in hand luggage, the main rule being that liquids, including creams, gels, powders and aerosols must be 100ml or less and placed in a clear plastic bag. Don’t worry if you’ve not kept your bag from your last trip – they’re readily available at Southampton Airport!

Bear in mind that some food is also classed under liquids. So, those attractive gift packs of speciality oils, for example, and jam, chutney, honey and that Christmas favourite, cranberry sauce, must go in your hold luggage.

It’s OK, though, to take that Christmas cake you’ve lovingly baked in your cabin luggage, along with tins of biscuits and boxes of chocolates.

Don’t go crackers this Christmas
If you’ve been nominated to take the Christmas crackers, you absolutely cannot carry these in hand luggage if you’re flying from Southampton Airport. Ideally, don’t take them at all as most come in boxes that are big and bulky, taking up a lot of space in your case, but if you must, remember they have to go in your hold luggage.

If you’ve bought a snow globe as a present, make sure it’s packed away in your hold luggage too. A good tip is not to wrap presents before you pack them as security officials may wish to look inside and don’t even think about packing party poppers – they’re banned! You can see a full list of items that you cannot carry in your cabin baggage and items that are completely banned here.

World Duty Free
It’s a no-brainer – you can purchase alcohol and other gifts such as beauty items, fragrances and cosmetics at fantastic prices in World Duty Free. You can even save time by ordering in advance via WDF’s absolutely brilliant Reserve & Collect service – it’s FREE and lets you choose from thousands of products.

Shopping has never been so quick and convenient with Reserve & Collect, as you simply pre-order online and collect at the airport before you fly. Reserve & Collect now online or find out more about our Shop & Collect service.

Another great option if you want to pick up a few things for yourself but don’t want to take them with you is Shop & Collect.

This allows you to buy before you fly and pick up your purchases when you get back to Southampton Airport. It’s also a free service so just ask the assistant in World Duty Free that you want to Shop & Collect, give them a few details and they’ll take care of it for you. Details at the link above.

Other hints and tips
Book early - Get booked up as soon as possible once you’ve decided where and when you want to go. Flights might be cheaper if you avoid peak travel times.

Be organised
Make sure passports are valid before you travel. It might seem obvious but if you’re a busy parent you’ll know how easy it is to forget to check and overlook this most basic piece of admin. If you’re travelling abroad, get your money sorted out well in advance too. And if anyone takes regular medication you must ensure you have plenty to last while you’re away.

Flying with kids
There are some great kids’ backpacks around nowadays which are perfect for travelling. Make sure you have plenty of games and books to keep them entertained on the flight – and at your destination – and carry a supply of wipes for sticky hands and some clean clothes for any little emergencies. Take plenty of snacks and get checked in nice and early.

Pre-book airport parking
Don’t just rock up on the day – it makes sense to pre-book your parking at Southampton Airport in advance. We also offer a Meet & Greet facility where our service team will meet you, take your keys and park your car safely – so your car will be waiting for you when you get back! Look out for special offers and book.

Why not even upgrade your purchase to include a steam clean wash so you also return to a sparkling car.

Spitfire Lounge
Get the festive party started by treating yourself to a couple of hours in our wonderful Priority Lounge before you jet off. You can enjoy complimentary hot food and a range of locally-sourced food and drink too – just the ticket to get you on your way.

There’s plenty of comfortable seating, free WiFi and a quiet area if you need to do some work. Book now.