Britons intending to fly overseas with a stash of Christmas presents need to consider a number of issues before doing so, an expert has said.

Travellers should make sure that all gifts are unwrapped in case security inspections need to be made, according to a spokesperson for Stansted Airport.

In addition, Christmas crackers should not be carried in hand or checked-in luggage, as they are completely forbidden, he said.

The spokesperson added that Christmas represents the second busiest travel period of the year for Stansted Airport behind the August bank holiday weekend, with Dublin, Rome, Milan and New York among the most popular festive destinations.

"A large number of passengers using Stansted are travelling to visit friends and family over the Christmas period," he commented.

Transport secretary Ruth Kelly recently indicated that the current one-bag rule for hand luggage could be lifted early next year.

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