Summer is here, which means it’s the season of barbeques, parties, and events.

Aviation Security Officers want you to know which well-intended gifts and items won’t make it through the security screening, so you don’t turn up empty handed at your in-law’s house.

"With domestic travel ramping up in December, we’ve created a checklist to make security screening as smooth as possible – don’t forget to check it twice," said Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand spokesperson in a statement.

Batteries

These are the number one item that cause issues for passengers at screening points.

Batteries need to be packed in carry-on and each passenger is entitled to bring 20 batteries.

Each spare battery needs to be individually protected either in retail packaging, a protective pouch, in an individual bag, or with tape over exposed terminals.

Batteries are not allowed in checked baggage.

Electronic items

Gifting Air Pods or a power bank this Christmas? These items need to go in your carry-on luggage and not in your checked bag.

These items have lithium batteries which are classed as Dangerous Goods.

While extremely rare there have been cases of lithium batteries exploding in cargo holds, which would be catastrophic and potentially fatal on a passenger aircraft.

Tools and power tools

Thinking of fixing up the bach this summer? Put your power tools in your checked bag.

Please take steps to prevent the power tool from accidentally turning on.

Use trigger locks or secure the on/off switch in the off position with tape.

Spare batteries, including those in moulded cases, must go in your carry-on bag.

Batteries are prohibited from checked luggage.

Imitation weapons

Toy guns, toy swords – there are a lot of toys that look like weapons.

All these need to go into your checked bag.

If you put them in your carry-on there is a chance the item will need to be taken at the screening point.

"The same goes for gimmicky gifts that look like the “real deal” – we often see plastic grenades and fake guns that hold liquid or toiletries," said the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand spokesperson. 

Keep these in your checked bag.

Celebrating with a ‘bang’

At this time of year officers always see Christmas crackers, party poppers and fireworks in people’s luggage.

While Christmas crackers can go on planes in carry-on or checked-in luggage, cracker snaps, party poppers and fireworks are not allowed on an aircraft at all.

Keep it in your bag

"This past year we have installed Computed Tomography (CT) scanning machines which enables laptops and liquids to be left in carry-on bags, which has enhanced the passenger experience by streamlining screening for passengers," said the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand spokesperson.

The volume of liquids, aerosols and gels, carried by travellers on flights still applies, and should be carried in individual containers of 100ml or less, with the total number of containers that are 100ml or less must not exceed one volumetric litre.

More information about these restrictions is on our website

Arrive on time

It’s a busy time at the airports, so our advice to passengers is to check what can and can’t go on an aircraft, arrive at the airport with extra time to go through security screening, and expect queues due to the large number of people flying.

Make screening easy for yourself by not wearing over-the-ankle boots or coats and empty your pockets.

You can check out all the rules on over 90 popular items on our website

Our priority is keeping New Zealand skies safe and secure, so you can focus on what really matters this summer. Safe travels and happy holidays.