London Luton Airport recreates iconic 'Love Actually' gift-wrapping scene

19 December 2023 , 13:58

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London Luton Airport recreates iconic 'Love Actually' gift-wrapping scene

Rowan Atkinson's iconic gift-wrapping scene in festive film, “Love Actually”, has been re-created this Christmas – as London Luton Airport launches its own gift-wrapping service, with a flourish.

The comical scene has been delighting audiences for 20 years, as a disgruntled Harry, played by Alan Rickman, watches in frustration as Atkinson's salesman character, Rufus, goes over-the-top in wrapping up a necklace he is buying.

The overzealous character spends more than two minutes meticulously boxing up the necklace and placing it into a bag, which he proceeds to fill with roses, lavender, and a cinnamon stick – before finally popping it into a Christmas box, with a sprig of holly.

And as Luton Airport prepares to welcome over 300,000 passengers this week, in the run-up to Christmas, it has hired Rowan Atkinson lookalike, Nigel Dixon, to do some gift-wrapping of his own.

It comes as part of a tongue-in-cheek appeal by the airport, to passengers travelling with gifts this Christmas – to leave them unwrapped as they set off on their travels.

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Luton Airport has revealed that each year, thousands of wrapped presents are screened, opened, and searched as part of airport security checks every year.

London Luton Airport is launching a free, gift-wrapping service this Christmas, to encourage passengers not to travel with wrapped gifts (PinPep)

And based on the beloved scene, the free service on offer includes gift wrap paper, tags, ribbons, and lots of funny, festive extras – from dried flowers to cinnamon sticks.

Running on December 21, the wrapping service is being launched after research, commissioned by London Luton Airport, found 22% of travellers are unaware of additional screening requirements at airports for wrapped presents.

And the poll of 2,000 Brits, who have travelled by plane, also found that almost two-fifths (38%) have never come across airport guidance advising against packing gift-wrapped presents.

Snow globes, crackers, marzipan, mincemeat, and brandy butter are the most confiscated festive items, according to the airport.

However, almost a third (30%) of passengers, surveyed via OnePoll, are unaware of airport security advice against packing these festive items in their luggage.

Clare Armstrong, head of guest experience at London Luton Airport, said: “Given the high number of wrapped presents we see in security each year, we realised many of our passengers are unaware of the possibility that they may need to be opened for inspection.

“So, the idea for our gift wrap service was born to create a fun experience for passengers, while minimising any unwanted delays or stress when travelling this festive season.

“We’re always looking for ways to help passengers have the most simple and friendly experience at the airport, and pre-empt any challenges they might face – particularly in the week before Christmas, when we will welcome over 300,000 departing passengers to the terminal.”

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS AT CHRISTMAS:

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1. No globes – As the liquid content isn’t stipulated on these items, you cannot take in your hand luggage. Pack securely in checked luggage, instead.
2. Crack down on crackers – While not universally banned as a travel item, different airlines have different policies on bringing crackers on board. Be sure to check your airline’s policy before you fly.
3. Contra-brandy butter – You might not think it, but brandy butter is classed as a liquid, and subject to confiscation if over the 100ml limit. The same goes for mincemeat and chutneys, so it is best to keep all your edibles and spreadables in checked luggage, or safe at home, to avoid disappointment.

Andrew Young