You can enjoy Turkey this Christmas – just don’t take one with you, says EMA
East Midlands Airport has lots of choice for those looking to jet away for a non-traditional Christmas – but Turkey can very much still be on the agenda.
With flights to Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman and Izmir, winter sun-seekers from across the Midlands and beyond have plenty of choice if they want to sample the delights of the southern Mediterranean hotspot.
And while Turkey may not be roasting, at 14°C forecast for December 25th, it’s more than twice the temperature predicted at home.
Of course, other destinations are available, with the most popular including Alicante, Tenerife, Malaga, Palma and Dublin.
Around 100,000 passengers are due to travel to and from EMA over the festive period. Half of those will fly in the week running up to Christmas, with the busiest day expected to be Friday 22 December when 5,068 passengers are scheduled to jet off to sunnier climes.
However, for those choosing to spend Christmas abroad, airport bosses have some tips on what not to take – and a festive turkey is one of them. It has been known for passengers in previous years to check in cooked roasts to ensure they can enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner in the sunshine.
But since they aren’t allowed in hand luggage and would travel in the plane’s belly-hold, roast turkeys are usually not fit for consumption on arrival.
Other things to avoid include party poppers and Christmas crackers which could end up being confiscated. It’s also advised that gifts are left unwrapped before travelling.
EMA’s Customer Services and Security Director Mike Grimes said: “We can certainly understand growing numbers of people choosing to leave behind the chores and stress that can sometimes come with Christmas and head abroad.
“We’re here to make their trip as festive and fuss-free as possible – so although many passengers want to retain some elements of a traditional Christmas, we urge them to be sensible about what they bring.”