Though the omicron variant of the coronavirus has pressured many individuals to change their Christmas plans, vacation journey nonetheless seems to be in full swing. Up to now 4 days alone, the Transportation Safety Administration has screened greater than 2 million passengers day by day at airport safety checkpoints ― almost double the quantity seen on these days a yr in the past.
Flying throughout the holidays can include logistical challenges, particularly when presents are concerned. For some individuals, it’s arduous to search out the house of their suitcases for all of the presents they purchased for family members. Others may be involved about packing them securely to keep away from injury or different mishaps.
And, after all, there are those that prefer to plan forward by wrapping their presents earlier than packing them of their luggage. However is it OK to fly with wrapped presents? We requested a few journey consultants to share their recommendation.
What To Know About Taking Wrapped Items On Flights
“Be sure you observe TSA pointers when packing,” mentioned Cheryl Nelson, a journey preparedness professional and founding father of Put together with Cher. “Whereas there aren’t particular reward wrapping restrictions, there’s a likelihood your completely wrapped current with the curled bow might be unwrapped by a TSA agent in case your baggage is flagged for security inspection.”
Though there aren’t specific guidelines that forbid it, TSA advises towards wrapping your presents earlier than packing them in your suitcase since there’s an opportunity this might get undone within the safety screening course of. This steering applies to each checked and carry-on baggage.
“Whether or not a wrapped reward is in a carry-on bag or checked baggage, in case your baggage is flagged at TSA, your reward might be unwrapped,” Nelson mentioned. “This might trigger delays for you getting via TSA safety and delay your checked baggage from making it on time on your scheduled flight departure.”
What To Do As an alternative
Understandably, you won’t need to danger getting delayed or having your lovely wrapping paper get torn up. However there are methods to be ready with out having every thing absolutely gift-wrapped.
“You possibly can hold your presents in a present bag or a field, however you’ll need to make it possible for they are often simply opened by TSA brokers in the event that they must be inspected,” mentioned Lindsay Schwimer, a client journey professional with the trip-booking app Hopper.
Nelson supplied another strategies for flying with presents as properly.
“A straightforward different is to pack a present bag and tissue paper and correctly place your reward within the reward bag when you attain your vacation spot,” she mentioned. “When you actually need to wrap your reward, pack some wrapping paper and tape, and save the gift-wrapping on your vacation spot.”
When you really feel strongly about absolutely wrapping your reward previous to air journey, you may additionally think about sending it individually to your vacation spot by way of mail as an alternative.
Different Issues To Maintain In Thoughts
As you put together on your vacation flights, do not forget that every thing you pack in your bag is topic to TSA laws, together with presents. So in case you bought somebody a set of good hand lotions, ensure that they’re carry-on dimension or put them in your checked bag.
“Vacationers who’re uncertain if an merchandise must be packed in a carry-on or checked bag ought to examine the TSA homepage and reference the ‘What can I deliver?’ part for essentially the most up-to-date steering,” Schwimer mentioned.
Nelson famous that craft scissors are solely permitted in checked baggage, so don’t attempt to toss them in your carry-on with different gift-wrapping provides.
“Likelihood is that somebody at your vacation spot will seemingly have scissors you’ll be able to borrow,” she added.
Nelson additionally supplied a phrase of warning a few specific vacation favourite: the snow globe.
“When you plan to pack a festive snow globe in your carry-on baggage, do not forget that snow globes are thought of liquids and something liquid bigger than 3.4 ounces ― roughly the scale of a tennis ball ― might be flagged and confiscated by TSA brokers,” she mentioned. “When you plan to reward a snow globe, please rigorously wrap it in bubble wrap for cover in your checked baggage.”
And bear in mind: If you’re flying this vacation season, be sure you take all the right precautions to assist scale back the unfold of COVID-19. Put on your masks on the airport and on board, wash and sanitize your fingers often, hold a protected distance from others when potential, and don’t fly in case you’re feeling sick.
