Traveling with gifts this holiday season? Learn how to avoid TSA unwrapping your presents with these essential tips for packing smartly and passing security smoothly. TSA allows wrapped gifts in carry-on and checked bags, but presents may be unwrapped for inspection by agents if necessary. Travelers are advised to use gift bags or boxes instead of wrapping.
Traveling with gifts: TSA encourages passengers traveling with gifts this holiday season to use gift bags, which they can easily open, or gift boxes with lids they can remove, so TSA officers can inspect those gifts, if necessary, and avoid the possibility of opening fully wrapped presents. The Quick Answer: Can you take wrapped gifts on a plane? While you can bring wrapped gifts in your carry-on and checked bags, keeping in mind TSA regulations about permissible items, you probably shouldn't. If your luggage is flagged for safety inspections, the gifts might get unwrapped by the TSA agents.
Wrapped gifts TSA recommends travelers place gifts in gift bags or gift boxes with tissue paper instead of wrapping them with paper and tape, according to a news release. A quick guide to what really happens when your holiday gifts go through TSA and how to keep them from getting unwrapped. Can you fly with wrapped Christmas presents or holiday food? Here's what TSA officials say you can and cannot bring on planes.
You might want to check the TSA's list twice this holiday season before wrapping your presents since security officers could open your gifts before you arrive to your destination. The TSA discourages bringing wrapped gifts. If security needs to check a wrapped present, they will unwrap it.
Instead, use gift bags for easier inspection. While you can carry wrapped gifts, they may slow down security screening. It's best to place wrapped presents in checked luggage during holiday travel.
Additionally, be mindful of the items you are gifting. Certain products, like toys. What to Do Instead: Use gift bags instead of wrapping gifts.
Gifts wrapped in festive, easy-open gift bags can be easily rewrapped if necessary and won't violate any TSA rules.
