The Independent has found a wide range of policies for carrying Christmas crackers. Some airlines, including easyJet, explicitly allow you to take Christmas crackers in cabin baggage, so long as they are sealed in their original packaging and do not contain sharp objects.

Others, such as British Airways, insist that crackers must be packed in checked baggage.

Emirates includes Christmas crackers in the same category as guns and ammunition. You must apply for permission to carry them in checked bagagge at least three days in advance.

There is normally a limit on the number of crackers, typically 12 or 24. Party poppers and sparklers are banned from flights altogether.

Even if the airline is content with carrying crackers into the aircraft cabin, that concession may be over-ruled by what the airport says. Gatwick, Stansted and Bristol airports ban crackers from being taken through the security check.

Gatwick says: “Christmas crackers must go in your hold luggage. They have to be in their original, unopened packaging and you must advise the check-in staff that you are carrying them.”

The airport also warns about carrying condiments and other Christmas goodies in cabin baggage, in quantities of over 100ml. The list includes cranberry sauce, pickles, marmalade and brandy butter. “The good news is you can take your frozen turkey and mincemeat for your minced pies,” says Gatwick.

While cheese is generally allowed through airport checkpoints in the UK, security officials at French airports may confiscate fromage in quantities above 100ml. If there is no certainty about the volume, they may err on the side of caution.

Snow globes present another problem over their volume. Heathrow airport says: “If you’ve bought one as a gift, we wouldn’t want to shake things up but they contain liquid and are therefore subject to the standard restrictions. This means they must contain no more than 100ml and be clearly marked.

“As most globes don’t have the volume listed on the side, we suggest wrapping them carefully and packing them in your hold luggage.”

Heathrow and other airports stress that passengers should not wrap presents they intend to take through the security check, as packages may be unwrapped so staff can inspect the contents.

Toy weapons can present problems. Gatwick points out: “Some children's toys replicate prohibited items and these must be placed in your hold luggage. Please note even if the item is wrapped it will not be permitted to travel in the aircraft cabin.”