Traveling with Presents? Here's What the TSA Wants You to Know
Maybe don't wrap those holiday gifts just yet.
If you're planning on packing presents in your luggage this holiday season, you might want to wait to wrap them with care. The TSA is reminding passengers to pack smart with some tips on how to make traveling through security smooth and easier for everyone. And one of those suggestions? Don't wrap those presents!
The TSA highlights that any gifts travelers are taking through an airport security checkpoint (or in a checked bag) must be able to be unwrapped and inspected. The agency suggests that those who are traveling with gifts utilize gift bags that can be easily opened, or gift boxes with lids that can be removed. Stock up on tissue paper and gift wraps and skip the elaborate wrapping paper if you're up in the air this holiday season.
Bringing home that festive snow globe you found on vacation to your favorite great aunt? The TSA gives a special callout to these beloved collectibles, which are popular this time of year, reminding folks to include the liquid-filled gift in their checked bag. Passengers can't bring any liquids that are more than 3.4 ounces through security checkpoints, so, in the words of the TSA, "if you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it, or pour it," put it in your checked bag.
While that bottle of eggnog won't make the cut to bring inside a plane cabin, everyone's favorite fruitcake can fly. Solid foods like cake or baked goods are allowed through TSA checkpoints, but keep them unwrapped in case they are subject to additional security screening.
No matter what items you are flying with, allow enough time since the TSA has warned travelers that 2024 is on course to be the busiest holiday travel season ever recorded. In November, the TSA screened about 18.3 million people between November 26 and December 2, according to
a statement.
“The 10 busiest travel days in TSA’s history have all occurred in 2024, and we anticipate that trend to continue,” says TSA Administrator David Pekoske.
So do yourself a favor and make your travel a little easier by not wrapping those presents until you're actually in your holiday destination.
Looking for more travel tips?
Whether you need help sneaking weed onto a plane, finding an airport where you can sign up for PreCheck without an appointment, or making sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to when your flight is canceled, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for up-to-date travel hacks and all the travel news you need to help you plan your next big adventure.