TSA warns travelers: This common holiday gift must be checked or tossed

The peak holiday travel season brings important reminders. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issues periodic warnings to flyers. These warnings cover what travelers can and cannot bring aboard flights.

The Stern Warning: Liquids and Spreads

Every year, the TSA highlights common holiday foods. Items like egg nog, wine, champagne, and maple syrup are not solid. Preserves and jams also fall into this category. These are subject to the 3-1-1 liquid rule for carry-ons.

This rule limits containers to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. All containers must fit inside one quart-sized, clear bag. Larger quantities of these liquid or spreadable foods must be placed in checked baggage.

Travelers flying internationally must also declare any alcohol. This declaration is required by the customs of the destination country.

Guidance on Wrapped Gifts and Alarms

For those transporting gifts, the TSA offers specific guidance. Officers may need to inspect the contents of a bag. Uncertainty about a wrapped item could lead to a search. This process could result in officers ruining the gift wrapping.

The TSA recommends using gift bags or boxes with removable lids. This allows for easy inspection at the airport security checkpoints. Another common issue is clothing with sparkles or sequins. These can often set off body scanner alarms, causing delays. Travelers should save flashy outfits for after they arrive.

The Surprising Allowance: Flying with Plants

While many warnings focus on restrictions, the TSA also shares positive news. The agency has adopted a more lighthearted tone on social media recently. In a recent post, the TSA confirmed that live plants and flowers are allowed. This applies when traveling within the domestic US flights system.

The TSA encouraged travelers to “plant a question” to their airline. This is to confirm the plant fits within the carry-on size limits. North American airline carry-on limits are typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Most average-sized plants will fit within these parameters.

• Key Consideration: A plant counts as a separate carry-on item.
• It may replace a personal item like a purse or backpack.

International Customs Rules for Flora

Bringing plants on international flights is much more complex. Plants are nearly always subject to strict international customs rules. Most countries ban plants that are still in soil. This ban is due to the potential for transmitting diseases or pests.

Cut flowers are generally allowed but must be declared. Travelers often remove the soil and wrap the bare roots. This can help reduce weight and comply with some regulations. Always contact the destination country's agriculture department beforehand.

For the latest commercial aviation news and travel advisories, visit flying.flights.

• FAA and TSA Warning: The FAA and TSA also warn about lithium batteries.
• Devices with lithium batteries must be packed in carry-on baggage restrictions.
• This rule is a safety measure against battery fires in the cargo hold.
• Snow globes containing more than 3.4 ounces of liquid must also be checked.