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How to Fly with Holiday Gifts
Holiday season travel is wonderful, especially when it reunites you with family and friends (or your favorite tropical beach or ski area). However, since so many people travel during the holidays, airport security checkpoint lines tend to grow longer than usual. That’s in part because holiday season also brings out less experienced travelers, who may not be aware of the latest security requirements or realize that many common gift items are not allowed in carry-on luggage. In turn, that can further slow the securing screening process.
Here’s what you need to know if you are planning to bring gifts along on your holiday jaunt:
First, if you are bringing gifts in either your checked luggage or carry-on bag, don’t wrap them. Security officers may need to unwrap your packages to inspect them. Unfortunately, their job description does not include rewrapping gifts, so it’s best to do your all of your wrapping after you arrive at your destination.
The rules that limit the amount of liquids, aerosols and gels you can stow in your carry-on luggage apply to gifts, too. Each passenger is limited to three ounces or less of any liquid, aerosol or gel (toothpaste, shampoo, cosmetics, etc.). In addition, all of these items must fit in one single quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag. This includes food items – such as homemade jams, salsas and dips – and other gift items that contain liquids, such as snow globes. To avoid the heartbreak of having to leave gifts behind at a security checkpoint, pack them in your checked luggage. If you’re worried about possible breakage, plan ahead and ship these gifts to your destination before you depart.
The Transportation Security Administration recently added new tools for the screening of powdered substances at security checkpoints. Although these tools are meant to detect powders used in explosives, any powders in your carry-on bag – such as your Aunt Susie’s hot cocoa mix – may be subject to additional screening.
Many items that make special holiday gifts are completely prohibited in carry-on luggage. These include recreational and sports equipment such as baseball bats, bows and arrows, knives, compressed air guns, pool cues, ski poles, and some martial arts accessories. Again, be sure to pack these gift items in your checked luggage or ship them ahead.
If you need more information about any aspect of holiday travel, talk with your travel professional. Most of all, don’t forget to pack plenty of patience and goodwill toward all before you leave for the airport.
Military.Travel
11/2/2009
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