Christmas trees fly free all December on airberlin

This story proved too good for us to resist, especially on mid-week 'hump day'!

Christmas trees may not be a common sight on the baggage belts at Australian airports, but things are a bit different in Europe, says airberlin -- especially among Germans escaping the chill of Northern Europe for the Christmas holidays and heading to sunnier Spain.

Hence airberlin's latest Santa-pleasing service: all Christmas trees under 2 metres fly free on the German oneworld airline's entire international network throughout December.

Gone are those Yuletide worries about trying to cram the tree into your suitcase next to the fruitcake or trying to stuff it into the overhead locker.

Airberlin's elves -- who, disappointingly, aren't all dressed in Father Christmas costumes -- will ensure that your tree reaches its destination in good shape.

What's the oddest thing you've ever carried on — or seen someone trying to sneak on — a plane over Christmas? Share your story below or tell us on Twitter: we're @AusBT.

John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.