Though the omicron variant of the coronavirus has compelled many individuals to change their Christmas plans, vacation journey nonetheless seems to be in full swing. Up to now 4 days alone, the Transportation Safety Administration has screened greater than 2 million passengers every day at airport safety checkpoints ― practically double the quantity seen on these days a 12 months in the past.

Flying through the holidays can include logistical challenges, particularly when items are concerned. For some individuals, it’s arduous to search out the house of their suitcases for all of the presents they purchased for family members. Others is likely to be involved about packing them securely to keep away from harm or different mishaps.

And, in fact, there are those that wish to plan forward by wrapping their items earlier than packing them of their luggage. However is it OK to fly with wrapped presents? We requested a few journey consultants to share their recommendation.

“Make sure you observe TSA pointers when packing,” stated Cheryl Nelson, a journey preparedness professional and founding father of Put together with Cher. “Whereas there aren’t particular reward wrapping restrictions, there’s a likelihood your completely wrapped current with the curled bow may very well be unwrapped by a TSA agent in case your baggage is flagged for security inspection.”

Though there aren’t express guidelines that forbid it, TSA advises towards wrapping your items earlier than packing them in your suitcase since there’s an opportunity this might get undone within the safety screening course of. This steering applies to each checked and carry-on baggage.

“Whether or not a wrapped reward is in a carry-on bag or checked baggage, in case your baggage is flagged at TSA, your reward shall be unwrapped,” Nelson stated. “This might trigger delays for you getting by means of TSA safety and delay your checked baggage from making it on time in your scheduled flight departure.”

Understandably, you may not wish to danger getting delayed or having your lovely wrapping paper get torn up. However there are methods to be ready with out having every part totally gift-wrapped.

“You possibly can maintain your items in a present bag or a field, however you’ll wish to be sure that they are often simply opened by TSA brokers in the event that they have to be inspected,” stated Lindsay Schwimer, a client journey professional with the trip-booking app Hopper.

Nelson provided another strategies for flying with presents as nicely.

“A simple various is to pack a present bag and tissue paper and correctly place your reward within the reward bag when you attain your vacation spot,” she stated. “In case you actually wish to wrap your reward, pack some wrapping paper and tape, and save the gift-wrapping in your vacation spot.”

In case you really feel strongly about totally wrapping your reward previous to air journey, you may additionally take into account sending it individually to your vacation spot by way of mail as an alternative.

As you put together in your vacation flights, keep in mind that every part you pack in your bag is topic to TSA rules, together with items. So if you happen to obtained somebody a set of good hand lotions, make sure that they’re carry-on measurement or put them in your checked bag.

“Vacationers who’re not sure if an merchandise must be packed in a carry-on or checked bag ought to test the TSA homepage and reference the ‘What can I convey?’ part for probably the most up-to-date steering,” Schwimer stated.

Nelson famous that craft scissors are solely permitted in checked baggage, so don’t attempt to toss them in your carry-on with different gift-wrapping provides.

“Likelihood is that somebody at your vacation spot will possible have scissors you may borrow,” she added.

Nelson additionally provided a phrase of warning a few explicit vacation favourite: the snow globe.

“In case you plan to pack a festive snow globe in your carry-on baggage, keep in mind that snow globes are thought of liquids and something liquid bigger than 3.4 ounces ― roughly the scale of a tennis ball ― shall be flagged and confiscated by TSA brokers,” she stated. “In case you plan to reward a snow globe, please rigorously wrap it in bubble wrap for defense in your checked baggage.”

And keep in mind: If you’re flying this vacation season, you’ll want to take all the correct precautions to assist cut back the unfold of COVID-19. Put on your masks on the airport and on board, wash and sanitize your palms continuously, maintain a secure distance from others when potential, and don’t fly if you happen to’re feeling sick.