Taking gifts with you on a flight is usually the obvious choice for holiday travelers. Why ship packages when you’re going to be there in person? However, getting certain objects through airport security can be more hassle than it’s worth (if you’ve ever had to say goodbye to an expensive bottle of perfume or some gourmet olive oil because it was 25 milliliters too big, you know this pain. Follow these tips and easily travel with gifts during the holidays. Along with mistletoe, holiday parties, and plenty of lights and tinsel all over the place comes everyone’s favorite part of the holiday season: gifts. As much as you love unwrapping your own gifts (hello new iPad!), hauling them across the country when you’re flying can be a real pain. But if your family is scattered, you may not have much of a choice. But not to worry: the tips in this guide will make getting in and out of security—with your gifts intact—possible. And before you know it, you’ll be reveling with your relatives as you enjoy your very own presents.
How to Travel with Gifts on Airplanes
Consider a hard shell suitcase
Since checked bags are often thrown around, a hard shell suitcase will better protect your gifts and ease your mind. A hard shell suitcase is an especially great option if you’re transporting fragile items or liquids.
Protect that Package
Treat your own packages like a shipping company would: double protect it. There’s nothing worse than going through all the trouble to get a gift on a plane only to find it shattered upon arrival. Place the item in a box that’s filled with packing peanuts. If the gift inside is already wrapped, this will make it easy to unpack and gift-ready. Just don’t pre-wrap any gifts you take in a carry-on suitcase because they will likely need to be unwrapped and inspected.
Surround the Object with Clothes
If you’re traveling with small, delicate trinkets (Swarovski crystal pieces, ceramics, etc.), wrap them in your clothes to keep them safe. This does double duty, as it doesn’t require any extra space in your luggage.
Buy Wrapping Paper at Your Destination
TSA can ask you to unwrap any package, and since there is extra security during the holidays they probably will. This means delays in the security line, extra scrutiny of your innocent snow globes, and wasted wrapping paper. American Airlines suggests bringing unwrapped gifts. It’s better to just buy wrapping paper when you arrive at your destination and wrap your gifts there (plus, it’s one less thing to worry about before you leave).
Pay Attention to the Do Not Bring List
Sure, your Uncle Joey may love collecting lighters, but you can’t fly with them. For a complete list of all no-fly items, check out American Airline’s website. Most airlines follow similar guidelines, but make sure to also check whichever airline you’re flying with.
Traveling with Wine
Wine is a great gift, but you can’t take it in your carry-on. You essentially have two options: pack it carefully in your checked bag or buy it in the terminal (or stop by a wine shop when you arrive). If you’re putting a bottle in your checked bag, be sure to wrap it really carefully and even use a wine skin. Take an extra precaution and wrap the whole package in a plastic zip-close bag so that just in case it does break you won’t ruin everything else in your bag. Wine you buy in the terminal already has been screened by TSA, and you can bring it on board in your carry-on.
Before you even know it, you’ll be toasting to the holidays with a great bottle of wine. If staying with family during the holidays isn’t an ideal option, know that PC Housing has you covered. The company offers a variety of cozy, affordable temporary housing options all over the country.
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