Pulled off the flight: New Year gifts you absolutely can’t take on a plane

Tengrinews.kz – The holiday travel season is in full swing, with Kazakhstanis flying with gifts, delicacies and festive spirit. But a “celebration on board” can end before it begins if prohibited items are found in your luggage. Tengrinews reviewed airline rules and compiled a list of gifts that will definitely not pass security screening.
Pyrotechnics
If you were planning fireworks right after landing, forget it. All airlines — including Air Astana, FlyArystan, SCAT and Vietjet Qazaqstan — are unanimous: pyrotechnics on board are a direct safety risk.

“Pyrotechnic items, including New Year and Christmas crackers, firecrackers, fireworks, flares and similar products, are prohibited for carriage both in carry-on baggage and in checked luggage. The ban applies regardless of quantity, packaging type or factory seal, as such items are classified as explosive and flammable substances,” Vietjet Qazaqstan’s press service said.

Strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage:

sparklers;
decorative fireworks and party poppers;
pyrotechnic candles;
any items containing explosive, flammable or oxidizing substances.

The ban applies even to factory-sealed boxes. Attempting to bring such items on board may result in removal from the flight. “Jokes” about bombs or firecrackers in luggage can lead to criminal liability.
FlyArystan clarified that fireworks, signal flares, firecrackers, party poppers and toy gun caps are strictly prohibited.

“These items are classified as explosives (Class 1) and are not permitted in any quantity, even in factory packaging or sealed boxes. They may be used for unlawful interference or could cause a fire on board,” the airline explained.

Matches, lighters and “artificial snow”
Decorative aerosol sprays (“artificial snow” and similar products) over 100 milliliters are also prohibited in carry-on baggage.

“Only non-flammable and non-toxic aerosols may be carried in checked baggage, provided the release valves are protected with caps,” airlines noted.

Fire-related rules are especially strict:

lighters are prohibited in both checked and carry-on baggage. Exception: a passenger may carry one small box of safety matches or one regular disposable non-petrol lighter on their person (in a pocket, not in a bag);
lighters with blue flames, cigar lighters and firearm-shaped lighters are strictly prohibited.

Airlines stress that attempting to transport prohibited pyrotechnics may lead to removal from the flight and confiscation without return. False or joking statements about such items entail legal responsibility.
According to Air Astana, the list of dangerous items also includes:

explosives;
compressed gases, including aerosols;
flammable liquids;
oxygen-rich substances such as peroxides and bleaching powders.

Kazy and meat products
Many travelers want to treat relatives to homemade delicacies, but there are nuances. Under some airline rules (mostly SCAT), transporting raw meat and meat products is prohibited. Fermented dairy products are also banned in both carry-on and checked baggage due to sanitary requirements and leakage risks.
Drinks and liquids
Remember the “golden rule” for carry-on baggage: any liquids (including sauces, caviar, jam and perfumes) must be in containers of up to 100 milliliters. The total volume must not exceed 1 liter per person. Gift bottles of wine or champagne are allowed only in checked baggage — and must be securely packed.
Before your New Year trip, double-check the list of prohibited items — especially pyrotechnics, aerosols and food products that may pose risks on board. Following the rules will help you keep your belongings and avoid unpleasant surprises at boarding.
Read also: New Year without stomach trouble: a gastroenterologist’s advice