What TSA allows you to fly this holiday season
Flying this holiday season shouldn’t stop you from joining in the fun! Here are some of the things you can and cannot take with you through TSA.
Traveling during the holidays can be one of the most stressful times of the year. AAA predicts that over 55 million people will travel somewhere for the holidays this year. With so many people streaming through airports, queues are expected to become longer and slower. One way to speed it up is to know what to pack before you go.
The Transportation Security Administration has a comprehensive guide for most items: snow globes (check unless they contain less than 3.4 ounces of liquid), antlers (good in carry-on or checked luggage), box cutters (allowed in checked luggage only). ). However, if you don’t feel like scrolling through a government website, here are some of the general categories of things you should check and pack for your vacation trips.
“The most common issue that slows a traveler at a TSA checkpoint is carrying a prohibited item in a carry-on bag,” TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said in a statement. “TSA’s advice is that when a traveler is ready to pack for a trip, it is best to start with an empty bag so that the passenger knows with certainty what they have in it and they know that in a side pocket or There’s nothing forbidden in a zip-lock bag or just at the bottom of a bag.”
Things you should keep doing
◾ Medication: If something goes wrong on your trip, you’ll want to have your medications with you. If your flight is interrupted, you may be separated from your checked baggage.
◾ Batteries: Regular AA and AAA batteries are fine in both checked and carry-on luggage, but most devices that use lithium-ion batteries, such as cell phones and smart luggage, must be taken in the cabin. The batteries can pose a fire hazard in the cargo hold.
◾ Baby supplies: Everything your baby needs on board should be more or less easy to bring, including formula in containers larger than 3.4 ounces.
Things you should check
◾ Weapons of any kind: First, check with your airline for packing advice. The TSA has recently reported an increasing number of firearms at checkpoints, which may impact your travel experience and potentially result in you contacting law enforcement.
◾ Battery powered mobility devicesNote: Airlines generally cannot store large mobility devices on board and almost always have to be inspected. Reports of damage are increasing and travelers with disabilities are demanding improvements. TSA agents may request that you remove the batteries from the device.
◾ Corkscrew with foil blades: You are not allowed to open your own wine on the plane anyway. Corkscrews without blades belong in hand luggage, but why?
Flight altitude: Avoid queues and high ticket prices by traveling on public holidays
Gray areas
◾ Eat: Although most types of food are allowed on board, certain spreadable and creamy cheeses may require review. Additionally, some foods, such as coffee or canned goods, turn out to be suspect during TSA X-ray screenings, so these items may be easier to screen.
◾ Wrapped gifts: These are also technically allowed on board as long as there is no prohibited item under the wrapping paper. However, TSA agents may require you to unwrap gifts as part of the screening process, so it’s generally better to wait to wrap gifts until you arrive at your vacation destination.
For additional questions, TSA can be reached on multiple social media platforms or by text message at 275-872.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]