With the December holidays quickly approaching, another busy travel season is upon us. If you plan to fly this month, you’re sure to find some of these seasonal items making their way into your luggage, leaving you with a packing dilemma.
Here, we focus on three of the most popular items that air travelers tend to pack during the holidays, and provide tips for proper packing that save time, money and future security hassles.
Flying with Food
Holidays are synonymous with food, and most partygoers like to bring something special to a family member’s or friend’s home. If you’re traveling to a holiday gathering by plane this year, be aware that certain food items are not permissible in a carry-on bag. Some of the most commonly packed, seasonal food items are cranberry sauce, dips, condiments, jams, dressings, soups, and bottles of alcohol or wine.
Avoid having to throw these items out in the security line, and pack them in a checked bag, or ship them to your destination. Also, note that pies, cakes and desserts are allowed through the security checkpoint, but if necessary, they may be taken for “additional screening.”
View TSA’s complete list of food items to avoid packing in your carry-on.
Packing Pre-wrapped Presents
Depending on the size of the gift, you should be able to keep any pre-wrapped gifts in a carry-on bag. Remember that your carry-on must adhere to your airline’s specific size and weight regulations. Any gift is subject to screening, if needed, and can be unwrapped if security finds it necessary.
If the gift is larger, and fits awkwardly in your carry-on, choose a safer option, and pack the gift in a checked bag so it will not be unwrapped. Or, premeasure your wrapping paper, neatly fold it, and bring it along with the gift item to avoid having a TSA attendant unwrap your gift.
Traveling with Ski Equipment
In the winter months, it’s quite common for travelers to head for the mountains during the holidays for ski vacations. This usually requires additional, recreational equipment, most of which fits in a carry-on or checked bag (outerwear, hats, gloves, goggles, socks, accessories, etc.).
For the other bulkier items, like boots, skis, poles and snowboards, it’s important to know how to pack, and do it efficiently. Ski bags and boot bags are made to properly hold and protect ski equipment during travel. If it adheres to your airline’s regulations, your boot bag can be counted as a carry-on item. Then, check with your airline to see how they accommodate “special items,” such as ski equipment. Most airlines will count a ski bag in place of a checked bag, and some will accept two ski items.
Fly Stress Free
The holiday season is a time for fun and food with family and friends. If you do a little bit of research beforehand, you’re sure to simplify the packing process. Once you’re aware of what you can and cannot bring through security and onto the plane, you’ll be one step closer to a joyful—and restful— holiday.
Are you traveling this holiday season? What packing tips do you use to stay stress-free?
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