TSA shares tips for holiday travel


TSA shares tips for holiday travel

If you're among the millions of people traveling for the holidays, the Transportation Security Administration wants you to be prepared.

TSA shared a few tips to help you pack several items in your carry-on bags, such as gifts, food and more.

Emerson Kaspner, who has worked with TSA for 15 years, said since it's the holiday season, TSA anticipates travelers will come through with presents that have already been wrapped.

But he encouraged the public to leave gifts unwrapped to make your experience passing through the checkpoint merry and bright.

"If you have a gift that is wrapped completely, we're probably going to have to open that gift wrapping," Kasper said Friday morning during a news conference at BWI Airport in Maryland.

"We'd like to keep everything as nice as possible before you give it to your loved ones," he added, advising people to use gift bags or gift boxes so agents can take a closer look at it without ruining the packaging. "With any gift, just try to think ahead of time before you bring it."

In terms of food, Kasper said popular holiday desserts like fruitcakes and cookies are "totally fine" to bring, also noting that products that are spreadable -- like caramel -- are prohibited.

Other prohibited items include anything that contains more than 3.4 ounces of liquid, including bottles of maple syrup and cartons of eggnog.

"If it contains over 3.4 ounces and it's liquid, it will not make it through security, so just keep that in mind," Kasper said.

As a reminder, TSA said to follow the "3-1-1 liquids rule" when it comes to liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-ons: 3.4 ounces or less per container; 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag (all liquids must fit in the bag); and 1 bag per passenger.

According to the TSA website, alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters or 1.3 gallons per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags. Mini bottles of alcohol in carry-ons must be able to comfortably fit into a single quart-sized bag, TSA noted.

"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. Additionally, flight attendants are not permitted to serve a passenger who is intoxicated."

TSA also said to use a clean carry-on bag to ensure there aren't any restricted items mistakenly left inside.

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