TSA Offers Holiday Traveling Tips

Traveling during the holidays can be stressful. Airports are crowded, people are bringing presents which amounts to more luggage than usual, and everyone always seems to be in a hurry.

I recently flew across the country to visit my family, and even two weeks before Christmas my flights were full. So, I decided to check with the Transportation Security Administration for some holiday traveling tips, and here's what I found from their website:

1. Do not wrap gifts. If a security officer needs to inspect a package they may have to unwrap your gift. Please wrap gifts after arriving at your destination.
2. Apply 3-1-1 to gifts. 3-1-1 isnt just about shampoo and toothpaste. Food items such as jams, salsas, sauces, syrups and dips will not be allowed through the checkpoint unless they are in containers three ounces or less and in the passengers one quart zip-top bag. This applies to gift items including lotions, creams, scented oil, liquid soaps, perfumes, and even snow globes, that are in excess of three ounces -- even if they are in sealed gift packs. We suggest you ship these items prior to your trip or put them in your checked baggage. Any of these items WILL be allowed on the plane IF you purchase them after the security checkpoint. TSA allows liquid items purchased after the checkpoint onto planes because these items have been previously screened.

1. Know what items are prohibited on planes. A gift you plan to bring in your carry-on bag might be on TSAs Prohibited Item list. These items delay the screening process for you and other passengers. If youre not sure which items are allowed, click here to see the list of prohibited items.
2. Arrive on time. Check with your carrier for suggested arrival times. You must have a boarding pass and valid government photo ID to enter the security checkpoint. Give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.
3. Dress the part. Metal in your clothing may set off the walk-through metal detector. Pack coins, keys, jewelry, belt buckles and other metal items in your carry-on bag. Shoes must be removed and screened by TSA, so wear shoes you can easily take on and off to speed the process. Winter coats, blazers, suit jackets and bulky sweaters also must be removed and put in the bin for screening. Learn more about the screening experience, dressing the part, and what to expect.
4. Be considerate and save jokes for after the checkpoint. Our security officers are working to keep bombs off of airplanes. Please follow their directions. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats will not be tolerated, and will result in delays and possibly missed flights.

Have a safe and happy holidays!