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Approximately 1.8 million passengers pass through our nation's airports every day. We have prepared a special traveler's guide to help ensure passengers that pass through our coastal airport, have all the answers they need for common security screening questions.
When many of us visit a new place, especially one on the coast, even if for just a day or two, we manage to pick up a few things for friends and/or family. However, a question that might not cross the mind of a coastal traveler is whether or not any certain gift is allowed back on the plane.
Prohibited Items
Whether the souvenirs or presents you bought are going into your checked luggage or a carry-on, ignorance of TSA regulations regarding prohibited items is no excuse especially with firearms, sharp objects, tools, bats or clubs. You would be surprised to hear; however, that a non-butane lighter, is allowed on board, but only one per passenger.
More latitude is given with checked bags on wrapped items such as sporting goods, tools, and securely packaged knives, a gift as simple as a snow globe, or anything like a snow globe for that matter, gel candles or any decoration containing liquid cannot be taken into the passenger cabin.
Liquids
TSA's “3-1-1” rule limits the amount of liquids, gels, and lotions you can bring on board a plane. This means no liquids or gels over 3.4oz and each passenger is permitted one quart sized zip top bag containing items smaller than 3.4 ounces in the carry-ons. If these items exceed 3.4 ounces, you must pack them in your checked bags. While no prohibitions exist against putting wrapped bottles of cologne, wine, oil or a famous North Carolina cooking sauce in your checked suitcase, these need to be sufficiently protected to avoid breakage or leaking. In the event your luggage is searched, a smarter alternative to gift-wrapping is to encase these items in bubble-wrap and a zip top bag so they're easily viewed. It’s best to just wrap them when you reach your final destination.
Food Items
If you're worried about your homemade cookies crumbling during rough baggage handling or your holiday fudge melting while your suitcase sits on a summer tarmac, you can ship them ahead or pack them in your carry-on in an unwrapped box or plastic container. Jellies, jams, salsas, gourmet mustard, and cheeses, however, will likely be confiscated or subject to a more extensive search at security because of their liquid content and should instead be transported in your checked baggage. You must also be sensitive to federal regulations regarding the transport of fruits, vegetables, and plants as they may contain harmful pests.
Gift Bags
Being respectful of the diligence of TSA staff to keep airplanes safe is essential. Depending on the sensitivity of the screening equipment, certain metals and inert gasses like nitrogen used in vacuum-packed items such as coffee will either set off radar triggers or look suspicious in their travels through the X-ray machine. Rather than impede the screening process, especially during peak times and holidays, have these items clearly visible to TSA staff or placed in gift bags so they can be easily taken out and inspected.
Packing a beautifully wrapped present in your luggage for an airline flight may seem like an easy way to avoid paying postage. If you disregard the Transportation Safety Administration's rules on restricted items, and your gifts end up getting opened for inspection or, worse, confiscation and destruction.
Please remember to think ahead when you are shopping as that 8 foot stuffed giraffe or the prized golf driver may not be the best gift to bring when you travel. Gift cards and items shipped directly to the recipients are the most travel-friendly gifts. Have a wonderful holiday season! Visit your airline's website or the TSA Website for more Travel guideline details and exclusions.