Some gifts won't pass TSA checks
Agency recommends not bringing wrapped gifts
By: Michelle Del Roy
USA today
..... Holiday travelers preparing to fly during the holiday season should know the type of gifts the Transportation Safety Administration will allow through security.
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The agency has laid out restrictions for wrapped gifts and festive foods travelers may be flying with. USA Today has put together a guide so passengers can be well-prepared.
..... TSA recommends travelers place gifts in gift bags or gift boxes with tissue paper instead of wrapping then with paper and tape, according to a news release. The agency suggests this so that if an item triggers an alarm, an officer can resolve the issue without needing to unwrap the gift.
..... The agency also advises passengers keep presents unwrapped in their checked bag, according to an X post.
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Electronic gifts can travel in carry-on luggage, but will need to be place in a bin with nothing above or below it so the agency can X-ray items, a separate news release said. Drones can travel through security, but passengers should check with their airline for drone-specific travel policies.
..... All types of batteries besides lithium can travel through a checkpoint. Lithium batteries with 100 watt hours or less are OK. Loose lithium batteries are prohibited in checked bags. The Federal Aviation Administration has very specific regulations on lithium batteries.
..... Passengers wanting to travel with them should check the FAA website.
..... Baked goods like cakes, cookies, pies, fruitcake, brownies and other items are permitted though security checkpoint.
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Other items like preserves, maple syrup, champagne and eggnog need to be packed in a checked bag as liquids are not allowed on board. The agency advises travelers heed this tip: "If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it and it is larger than 3.4 ounces, it needs to be packed in a checked bag," a news release said.
Prohibited items
..... Passengers should review the agency's list of prohibited items before traveling, just to make sure they're packing items in the correct luggage type. Fro example, snow globes are not allowed in carry-on luggages if they contain more than 3.4 ounces of liquid, but they can travel in checked bags.
..... Travelers can sue TSA tools like the TSA homepage and the "What can I bring?" feature to determine what kind of luggage an item can go in. Passengers can also tweet @AskTSA to ask the agency directly how to best travel with an item or food.