TSA Provides Holiday Travel Tips for Gifts, Electronics, Food, and Drinks

With millions expected to take to the skies for the year‑end holiday season, the TSA is offering a handy guide to keep your gifts, gadgets and goodies safe through security.

Holiday Gifts

TSA warns that wrapped items are screened like any other. If you travel with a gift wrapped in festive paper, it may need to be unwrapped to avoid confusion. Instead, consider putting gifts in a bag or box, or simply adding a festive bow.

• Perfume: bottles 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller must fit in a quart‑sized liquids bag; decorative bottles that don’t fit belong in checked luggage.
• Snow globes: roughly tennis‑ball size with less than 3.4 oz liquid and a base attached can go in a carry‑on; larger globes must be checked.
• Jewelry: rings, necklaces, and other small pieces can travel in carry‑ons, even if tucked inside a gift box. TSA cautions against wearing bulky jewelry or oversized belt buckles, as they can trigger alarms and lead to extra screening.
• Festively scented candles: solid candles are allowed; gel candles must be packed in checked bags.
• Winter sports gear: snowboards, snowshoes, and ice skates can pass through security; overhead bin space depends on the airline. Skis and ski poles must be checked.
• Advent calendars: TSA says they are welcome in carry‑ons, and officers won’t peek behind the flaps to spoil the surprise.

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Electronics

Most electronics can travel in carry‑ons, but items larger than a cell phone should be placed in a bin alone so TSA can get a clear image during screening. The same rules apply to drones.

• Standard “dry” batteries – AA, AAA, 9‑volt, C, and D – can be carried through checkpoints without issue.
• Lithium batteries are allowed if installed in a device and rated at 100 watt‑hours or less.
• Loose lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage due to fire risk. Travelers should consult the FAA’s website before packing.

Food and Drinks

Solid baked goods – cookies, pies, cakes – can be carried through security, even if packaged in tins. Liquids such as preserves, jellies, jams and syrups must be packed in checked bags if the container is larger than 3.4 oz.

• Holiday chocolates can be carried on.
• Soft and spreadable foods should be packed in checked bags; solid foods are fine in carry‑ons.
• Holiday beverages such as eggnog, wine and champagne must be checked, with each traveler limited to five liters total. Alcoholic drinks containing more than 70 % alcohol by volume are not permitted in either carry‑on or checked bags. Miniature bottles of alcohol are permitted in carry‑on bags as long as they fit neatly inside a single quart‑sized liquids bag, with the standard limit of one quart bag per passenger.

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Key Takeaways

• Wrapped gifts may need to be unwrapped for screening; consider bags or boxes instead.
• Only certain liquids and batteries are allowed in carry‑ons; check TSA guidelines.
• Solid foods are fine in carry‑ons, but most beverages and large snow globes must be checked.

Traveling during the holidays should be joyful, so follow these simple tips to keep your journey smooth, your gifts safe, and your celebrations ready for takeoff.