Holiday travel can be a bit overwhelming. Bulky clothing, fragile gifts, snow sports equipment… All of it can take up quite a bit of space! Here are a few tips if you are traveling during the busy holiday season. 

Skis/snowboards/boots

Some airlines count a ski bag and boot bag as one piece of checked baggage. Confirm your airline’s policy on checked baggage and ski equipment before you book. If you’re flying with multiple carriers, check with each carrier as rules can change. 

Alaska

Delta

United

Make sure you are using appropriately sized ski and snowboard bags. Wheeled versions can be worth the investment. Padded ski bags protect equipment but look for lightweight versions since weight is a factor for any checked luggage. 

Other tips- 

Rent when you arrive at your location

Remove bindings from the skis to reduce the weight

Some airlines charge boot bags as separate bags- especially if you pack clothing in with the bag. 

Consider bringing boots on as your carry-on.

Cover tips of ski poles or wrap foam pipe insulation.

Take a photo of your checked baggage before your trip in case the bag is lost or damaged.

Give yourself a little extra time if you are checking ski equipment.

Food items

Anything solid can be carried on the plane -baked goods, meat, casseroles, fresh vegetables, candy. Place all food items in clear bags for easy viewing.

Per the TSA- if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it AND it’s larger than 3.4 ounces, it needs to be in a checked bag. 

Items exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule include:

• Baby food and formula
• Breast milk and juice for infants or toddlers
• Frozen ice packs for keeping these foods cool

Other items

Alcohol 

If you’re traveling with alcohol over 140 proof (70 percent), you’re not allowed to bring it through airport security in any quantity. Check everything else.

Frozen foods

Foods in frozen form are allowed through airport security, as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening.

If unsure, check with TSA’s What Can I Bring tool.

Flights from outside the U.S.

The 3-1-1 rule is not unique to the United States. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, also bar liquids, pastes, and gels (whether food or not) over 3.4 ounces in your carry-on. Before flying, check your airline website for more details on what’s allowed.

Clothing/larger bags

Wear as many layers as comfortable when flying. Just remember, you may need to remove many of those layers as you go through security checkpoints. 

Roll clothes and/or use packing cubes or compression bags.

Buy toiletries, makeup, etc., once you arrive. 

Gifts/fragile items

Use a hard-shell suitcase, if possible.

Surround the item with soft items in your suitcase. 

Pack gift wrapping along with the gift. If you wrap the gift beforehand,you run the risk of airport security unwrapping the item. 

If you bring the item on your carry-on, choose bubble wrap and use rubber bands to secure it in place, or bring extra tape. You may need to remove the wrapping during a security check. 

Loosely wrapped items in a gift bag are another great option.

Formal wear

Place shoes heel-to-toe for maximum conservation, and stuff them with rolled-up socks. Don’t forget to wrap your shoes in a plastic bag to protect from scuff and the surrounding clothes from dirt or unwanted smells.

Always use garment/dry cleaning bags when possible! Look for folding instructions online if you don’t have one. Tissue paper can help reduce places prone to wrinkles on the garment. Carry item onto the plane. Ask if the item can be hung in a closet or find an overhead bin and lay the garment as flat as possible. Hang items immediately upon arrival.