London Luton Airport debuts love actually-themed gift wrapping service

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Ahead of the bustling Christmas week, London Luton Airport (LLA) has brought to life a beloved scene from a popular UK Christmas movie to introduce an opulent gift-wrapping service within the airport’s secure area.

With a significant number of wrapped gifts passing through security checks annually, LLA is urging travelers to arrive with their presents unwrapped this holiday season to expedite the screening process.

To ensure passengers can safeguard their gifts until their destination, the airport collaborated with Nigel Dixon, a Rowan Atkinson lookalike, to unveil this service with a playful rendition of the memorable Love Actually scene. This parody mirrors Rufus, the enthusiastic store ‘artist,’ demonstrating elaborate gift wrapping.

Inspired by the film’s comedic sequence, this service incorporates gift wrap essentials such as paper, tags, decorative ribbons, along with festive embellishments like dried flowers, cinnamon sticks, and lavender. The exclusive wrapping paper showcases a snowflake design resembling an airplane formation, providing a unique touch to passengers’ gift packages.

This special service, operational on December 21st, arrives as nearly 38% of travelers admit to being unaware of airport guidelines discouraging the packing of wrapped presents. Surprisingly, 22% are unfamiliar with the additional screening requirements for wrapped gifts.

Interestingly, snow globes, crackers, marzipan, mincemeat, and brandy butter—classified as a liquid—top the list of confiscated festive items, catching almost a third of passengers off guard regarding airport security recommendations.

While forthcoming technology at LLA will alleviate some of these constraints next year, the airport offers friendly advice to ensure hassle-free journeys this Christmas:

• No to snow globes: Due to undisclosed liquid content, they are not permitted in hand luggage. It’s advisable to pack them securely in checked luggage.
• Clarification on crackers: Policies regarding carrying crackers vary among airlines. Passengers should check their airline’s guidelines beforehand.
• Countermand brandy butter: Surprisingly, brandy butter falls under the liquid category and may be confiscated if exceeding the 100ml limit. The same applies to mincemeat and chutneys. Safely stow edible items in checked luggage or at home to avoid disappointment.

Clare Armstrong, Head of Guest Experience at London Luton Airport, highlighted, “Observing the considerable number of wrapped gifts during security checks, we recognized passengers’ unawareness of the possibility of inspection. Our gift wrap service aims to create a delightful experience while mitigating travel delays or stress during this festive season.”

LLA continuously seeks ways to enhance passengers’ airport experiences, especially during the holiday season, when approximately 240,000 departing passengers are anticipated at the terminal.

The gift-wrapping service at LLA will be accessible to passengers on December 21st at Aelia Duty Free.

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