Don’t Wrap Before You Fly

Every year at Christmas from when I was three until nineteen, my Grandmother would fly out to visit us. When she showed up at my house, my sister and I would bound up the stairs to greet her. She would hug us, then reach into her suitcase, and pullout two gifts for us to unwrap. I’m sure many of you have had a similar experience in your lives, and enjoy showing up at a loved ones home with a beautifully wrapped gift.

Don’t try it this year.

The TSA has reported that ALL wrapped gifts are subject to be unwrapped at the security check-in. The TSA recommends bringing wrapping paper with you, or purchasing some upon arrival. Bringing wrapped gifts will not only cause you frustration as they are unwrapped, but also slow down already long lines.

Additionally, the TSA does not recommend bringing any drinks on the plane, and checking in advance to see which foods are acceptable. While I know its a holiday tradition to bring that special dish or drink to a loved one, this year it would be a good idea to ship it, or not bring it at all. Otherwise, you may find it in the garbage, with the 100 year-old bottle of scotch one man was recently forced to throw away.