Presents, treats and beverages ~ oh my!

With so much thought and care that goes into choosing special gifts and baking for the holidays, there can be some added pressure behind getting those items safely to their destination. Here are some guidelines for traveling with your treasures and treats. 

Gifts 

• Wrap your gifts after you land. If one of your wrapped gifts is flagged by a TSA agent, whether it’s in your carry-on or checked bag, they will need to unwrap it. 
• Consider shipping your wrapped gifts or place them in gift bags. 
• Anything irreplaceable or incredibly expensive should either go with you in your carry-on or be shipped. 
• Opt for a hard-shell rather than a soft-sided suitcase/carry-on. Bubble wrap is always a good choice, especially for fragile items. 

Food 

TSA Tip- If you can Spill It, Spread it, Spray it, Pump it or Pour it, and it’s larger than 3.4 oz, then you need to put it inside your checked bag. 

Follow those guidelines and pretty much the rest of your holiday foods can be brought through the checkpoints. It probably goes without saying…but if possible, consider leaving the baking for when you get to your destination. Even with the best intentions, pastries have a way of not holding up so well during travel. 

Drinks 

• If you have a bottled beverage that must go with you it will need to be placed in your checked luggage. Take extra precautions to wrap the container(s) the best you can and consider a hard-shell suitcase.
• Beverages are not allowed in your carry-on. 
• If you bring in through TSA security, you will need to dispose of it or have someone come pick it up from the airport. 

For all questions on what you can or can’t travel with, visit TSA’s What Can I Bring page: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all