TSA prohibited items if flying for Christmas
Can you spill it, spray it, spread it? Follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule
Holiday travel tips for packing and shipping gifts
Learn how to pack gifts for flights and check gift shipping deadlines to make sure everything arrives at its destination.
- Here’s what TSA rules are on what you can bring in your checked and carry-on bags.
- Ship your gifts to your destination to make travel easier, but if you can’t, keep them unwrapped.
- Most food is OK in your carry-on but remember the 3-1-1 rule.
More than 120 million Americans are expected to travel for the Christmas season, according to predictions from AAA.
While most are expected to drive, just over 8 million are expected to fly to their destinations between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1.
So how can you make getting through airport security a little smoother, especially if you’re traveling with gifts and/or food?
Here’s advice from the Transportation Security Administration.
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Have a gift? Here’s what TSA suggests
Use gift bags or boxes instead of wrapping paper. Wrapped gifts might get opened for inspection, especially if they trigger an alarm, TSA said.
Make things even easier on yourself by shipping gifts to your destination instead of trying to travel with them.
Electronic gifts can go in your carry-on but make them easily accessible
“If you’re giving an electronic gift this holiday season, like a laptop, gaming system, or even a coffee maker, know that these can all travel in your carry-on bag.
“Just pack them in a place that’s accessible, in case of inspection,” TSA posted on X.
Batteries, except for lithium, can go through a checkpoint.
Lithium batteries with 100 watt hours or less are permitted, but loose lithium batteries are prohibited in checked bags.
Can you bring food in your carry-on bag?
“Individuals often like to travel with food items during the holiday season. Foods may be transported on flights,” TSA said.
“Solid food items like fruitcake, candy canes and chocolates are solids and may be transported in a carry-on bag.
“However, liquids and spreadable foods such as egg nog, wine, champagne, maple syrup and preserves are not solid and should be packed in checked bags.
“Casseroles, cakes, and meats are generally okay in carry-ons, but gravy, sauces, and jams — if over 3.4 ounces — will have to go in your checked bag.”
➤ See full list of permitted and banned food items
“Food items often need some additional security screening, so it is best to place those items in an easily accessible location of the carry-on when packing them and then removing those items from your bag and placing them in a bin for screening at the checkpoint,” TSA said.
What is the 3-1-1 rule?
“The most common item that travelers bring to the checkpoint that is not permitted through the screening process are liquids, gels and aerosols that are larger than the acceptable limit,” TSA said, suggesting travelers familiarize themselves with the 3-1-1 rule.
The 3-1-1 rule on what’s allowed in your carry-on stands for:
- 3 – 3.4 ounce containers: Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller.
- 1 – quart-sized bag: All your small containers must fit into one clear, plastic, quart-sized, zip-top bag.
- 1 – bag: Each traveler is limited to a single bag.
Can you spill it, spray it, spread it? Tips to help whether item can be in carry-on or checked bag
“Remember, if you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, then it is a liquid and must be packed in your checked bag,” TSA said.
“Pack liquids, gels and aerosols larger than 3.4 ounces in a checked bag to avoid having the carry-on bag pulled aside, opened by a Transportation Security Officer, and then potentially having to voluntarily abandon the item because it is over 3.4 ounces.”
What about alcohol? Can I bring that on the plane with me?
Yes but it has to follow the 3-1-1 rule to be in your carry-on bag.
“Check with your airline before bringing any alcohol beverages on board. FAA regulations prohibit travelers from consuming alcohol on board an aircraft unless served by a flight attendant,” TSA said.
Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol are not permitted in either carry-on or checked bags.
Can I bring a poinsettia or plant with me?
“Live plants and flowers are allowed when traveling within the domestic U.S.
“Check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane,” TSA said.
Still not sure? Contact TSA to find out before you get to airport
Here’s a detailed list of what you can and can’t bring with you if you’re flying, along with what is allowed in your carry-on and what has to be in your checked bag.
If you don’t see your item listed, contact TSA at:
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