Make Your Winter Holiday Travel Go Smoothly With TSA's Tips
By CAMILA PÉREZ B
TSA rules don't change just because it's the holidays, and strategic packing can make the difference between a smooth or stressful security checkpoint experience.
Wait to wrap gifts until you're at your destination, as some items, like large electronics, may need extra screening. Perfumes and lotions can't exceed 3.4 ounces in a carry-on.
Ensure high-value gifts like jewelry, new phones, laptops, or sentimental items are all safely packed inside your carry-on so that you can keep these near you at all times.
Any spreadable or liquid food like cranberry sauce, gravy, wine, and jams must abide by the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4-ounce limit per item, stored inside one quart-sized Ziploc bag.
Solid foods like turkey and other meats, pies, bread, and vegetables can be carried through security without issue, although they might be subject to additional screening.
Most holiday decorations like twinkle lights, mistletoe, fragile tree ornaments, dreidels, or a kinara and its seven candles are allowed in your carry-on and checked luggage.
If anything you plan to bring isn't compliant, pack it in your checked luggage. If unsure, check the TSA's "What Can I Bring?" section on their website.