Gearing up for a summer holiday can feel like a never-ending checklist, especially if you’re heading off for a birthday, wedding or another special occasion. Yet one inexpensive item that many travellers routinely toss into their suitcase could find itself confiscated before they’ve even boarded the plane.
Several major carriers, among them Ryanair, TUI, easyJet, British Airways and Jet2, prohibit passengers from travelling with party poppers. Leaving them at home could save you unnecessary stress and delays at the terminal. Despite looking entirely harmless, they are outlawed on the vast majority of commercial flights. They may cost next to nothing at around £2 for a pack of 20, but they must never be packed in either hand luggage or checked baggage and doing so risks your bags being searched and the items almost certainly confiscated.
This ban exists due to party poppers containing a small explosive charge responsible for producing the popping sound. While the amount is tiny, aviation safety rules classify them as explosive articles and forbid their transportation aboard aircraft.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) lists party poppers among the hazardous goods that passengers are strictly forbidden from carrying in either cabin or hold luggage. The restrictions apply equally to other novelty explosive items, including sparklers, fireworks and flares.
Should security staff discover prohibited items during inspections, they may remove them from your luggage prior to departure. Depending on the circumstances, passengers could also face delays while bags are examined or additional security measures are carried out.
Airport security rules can vary slightly between countries and airlines, but hazardous materials regulations are widely enforced across the aviation industry. Travellers are therefore advised to check both their carrier’s baggage policy and official government guidance before flying.
Party poppers are often inadvertently packed following birthdays, weddings or other festivities, particularly when families are travelling with children. While they may seem like a harmless addition to your case, they are treated in the same way as other prohibited explosive materials under aviation safety rules.
The government also reminds passengers that security staff have the final decision on whether an item is permitted through screening. Even where an object appears harmless, it can still be confiscated if it is considered a safety risk or breaches airport security regulations.
Checking your luggage before setting off to the airport could help avoid unnecessary hold-ups, additional security inspections and the annoyance of having possessions confiscated before your relaxing getaway even begins.
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