The items you're banned from mailing this Christmas
People are warned while doing their Christmas shopping this year not to buy items that are banned from planes and being sent in the mail.
Comparethemarket.com.au has revealed a number of popular gifts that may never actually get to a recipient.
Travel insurance expert at comparethemarket.com.au Abigail Koch said it was crucial people did their research before mailing a gift or trying to take it on a flight.
“Although most airports and destinations share common restrictions, it is worthwhile checking the rules and regulations of specific airlines you travel with, as well as the places you’re visiting or sending parcels to,” she said in a statement.
“If you’re not careful, you may end up delayed, stuck at security or missing your flight altogether.
“While travel insurance may cover missed flights for reasons outside of your or the airline’s control, it won’t cover you if you are at fault.”
The items banned from planes:
Toys with lithium batteries: Aussies planning to travel with remote controlled toys should forget it. Lithium batteries, required for its use, are banned from carry-on luggage.
Ice skates: Australians heading to a winter wonderland like Europe or North America for Christmas should leave their skates at home if they are planning to put it in their carry-on luggage. Travellers are advised to buy skates at their destination instead or pack it in their checked baggage. They are banned from plane cabins as the sharp blades pose a danger.
Alcohol: Travellers should wait and buy their booze duty-free. Trying to sneak it in your carry-on baggage from home is a sure way to miss your flight. Bottles of wine, beer and spirits over 100ml are not allowed on flights unless they are purchased duty-free or tucked away in your carry-on luggage.
Darts: It may seem like a great gift idea, but if you’re planning on travelling you might want to purchase the magnetic variety. If a dart board is in your carry-on, the sharp objects are sure to cause problems at airport security.
Slingshots: Be sure to pack any slingshots into your checked baggage, this can be considered a weapon and are banned from being carried on a plane.
Perfumes and cosmetics: These items are banned from the cabin if they are over 100ml as they can be considered flammable goods. Pack in your checked baggage or wait and purchase items duty-free.
Cricket bats or golf clubs: These sporting goods are considered an Aussie summer essential but don’t attempt to take them on board. Hockey sticks, billiard cues and baseball bats are also banned.
The items banned from mailing:
Cards with cash: This one could surprise generous grandparents wanting to send their loved ones money in a Christmas card. They are not allowed to be sent overseas at all, or even domestically if it’s over $200. Gift vouchers are a good alternative or money can be transferred instead.
Jewellery: Gold and silver jewels and precious stones cannot be mailed by certain international services and some countries won’t even accept them unless they are insured.
Toy cap guns: A fun toy for kids but definitely not recommended for mailing. They are considered an explosive and will not leave the post box, no matter where you’re trying to send it.
Gifts over $2000: Any gifts that exceed $2000 need to be registered with Customs and Border Protection Service. Those forms can be submitted electronically, at a Customs office or KeyPost authorised post office.
Hair products: These items can include peroxides and other flammable liquids which are banned from the post.
Extra lithium batteries: This can only be sent in the mail if they are already installed in the gift.
Fruit and vegetables: A fruit hamper may seem like a good idea, but sending produce interstate is a bad idea, with fruits and vegetables requiring permits due to pest and disease risk.
