Millions of Americans will be taking to the skies to head home as holiday season gets underway but holidays come with gifts and not all gifts may be welcome at the airport due to safety hazards or other hindrances.
Taking this into account, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued an advisory on the list of presents that will be allowed through the security screening without an issue.
Whether you are preparing to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or even bidding goodbye to 2025, here’s what you will and won’t be able to carry with you on the airplane –
US holiday season: Gifts allowed on airplane
Holiday gifts
The TSA has said that gifts that are wrapped may need to be unwrapped to ensure that there’s not a security threat. Travellers can instead add a festive bow or consider carrying them in a bag or box to avoid confusion.
Items like perfumes may be carried in bottles of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller, provided they fit inside the standard quart-sized liquids bag.
Gifts like snow globes may be allowed in carry-on luggage but their size matters. It should roughly be about the size of a tennis ball, have a base attached to it and contain less than 3.4 ounces of liquid. Larger snow globes may be screened at security.
Jewellery items like rings, necklaces, and other small pieces can travel in carry-ons, even if tucked inside a gift box, NBC News reported quoting the TSA.
TSA however, did caution against wearing bulky jewellery or oversized belt buckles, since these can trigger alarms and lead to extra screening.
Festively scented candles are allowed if solid. Gel candles, however, must be packed in checked bags.
For winter sports enthusiasts, gear rules vary. Snowboards, snowshoes, and ice skates can pass through security, though overhead bin space depends on the airline. Skis and ski poles must be checked.
Electronics
Most electronic items can be carried in carry-on luggage. However, 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, USA Today reported quoting the agency.
Electronics often come with batteries, and here the rules get more specific. Standard “dry” batteries, AA, AAA, 9-volt, C, and D, can all 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, however, are prohibited in checked baggage due to fire risk.
Food items
Baked goods like cakes, cookies, pies, fruitcake, brownies and other items are permitted through security checkpoints. Other items like preserves, maple syrup, champagne and eggnog need to be packed in a checked bag as liquids are not allowed on board, according to TSA’s news release.