Skip navigation

Cheap Airfare, Vacation Deals, Car Rental, and Discount Travel - SmarterTravel.com
User's Avatar
My SmarterTravel

How to Bring Gifts Through Security

by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Waiting in line at the airport (Photo: Xavi Arnau/iStockpoto.com)
Editor's Note: This story was originally published on November 12, 2008. To see the most recent SmarterTravel articles on related topics, please click on any of the following links: airfare, airport, packing, Sarah Pascarella, security.

Even though we've determined it's often cheaper to ship gifts ahead of time, you may still find yourself having to bring presents to the airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has put together a checklist of how to get through security with your holiday gifts. Here are the essentials:

If you have any gifts that are liquid-based, you'll want to check them. Liquid- and gel-based items will not be permitted in carry-on bags and may be confiscated by security officials. This includes wine, beer, and liquor; jams and jellies; perfumes and lotions. The rule applies to items brought to the airport—if you've purchased items at an airport store past the security checkpoints, those are cleared for carry-on transport. However, note that if you have a connecting flight and need to go through security again at your connecting airport, you may hit a few snafus.

Advertisement

Make sure all of your gifts are unwrapped. Security officials will want to know what's inside the wrapped packages, and may open them to determine what they contain. Don't waste your time and wrapping paper—wait to wrap your presents until you get to your destination.

Have further questions? Check out the TSA website for additional tips and recommendations.

Do you have a holiday story about trying to take gifts through security? Share your experiences by submitting a comment below!

 
 
 

Archived Comments:

  • FastDen - November 18, 2008

    I was heading home with 3 glass paperweights I'd bought as gifts, and when I sent my bag through the scanner I was pulled aside, my bag was emptied, and the agents had a 5 minute debate as to whether my paperweights were allowable! I'd never read or heard that glass wasn't allowed in carry-on bags, and ultimately I was allowed to take them through. An agent later told me that on the scanner xray screen solid glass looks opaque, which could indicate an explosive substance. Exploding paperweights- who knew?!?

  • StephWomn - November 18, 2008

    Perhaps your glass paperweights had lead in them? I have just gotten back from a trip to FLA. I had bought a hostess gift of a piece of Orrefors Crystal, and had it in my carry-on unwrapped. My bag was taken out of screening, I was asked if it was mine, and said yes. I was told that the lead in the crystal sent up the flags. They then asked me if they could take it out, examined it, and then took a swab of some sort and wiped it down as well as the inside of my knapsack. They said it would detect chemicals. I was fine and calm since I knew all would be well. They were polite, calm as was I - I understand where they are coming from and do not object at all.

ALERT!
Your pop-up blocker security
setting is too high.



To view this page and still use your pop-up blocker, please make the following adjustment to Internet Explorer.

- Click on "Tools"
- Click on "Pop-up Blocker"
- Click on "Always Allow Pop-ups from This Site..."
- Try the link again

If you are not using Internet Explorer or are still having issues, please email feedback@smartertravel.com with details

Hotels

COMPARE PRICES
Air Departure Date Calendar
Air Return Date Calendar
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
Get the early word on the latest travel deals of the day picked by our editors. Sign up for our free Deal Alert newsletter.

email address:

DESTINATIONS