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Flying with Christmas Presents

How to Safely Transport Holiday Gifts by Airplane

© Kelby Carr

Nov 25, 2006
Flying with Christmas presents, David Ruiz
People travel for Christmas and the holidays, and people move presents and gifts. Doing both at the same time isn't easy. Find out how to fly with Christmas presents.

Travel with gifts by airplane could be the most challenging of all the modes of transportationor travel. Airport security is dramatically tougher than it was even a few Christmases ago. Here are tips for flying with Christmas presents:

  • Many common Christmas presents are banned in carry-on luggage. Be sure you know which ones are banned before you go (and yes, this includes unopened packaged gifts). If it is banned, pack it (very securely) in your checked bags (dispersed between a couple bags in case of lost luggage) or ship it.
  • Do not wrap your Christmas presents before you fly. It could be a big waste of time, since security officers might be forced to open them to see what's inside. If you are flying very close to Christmas and won't have much time to wrap on arrival, pack several empty gift bags and gift tissue instead for quick assembly.
  • Consider shipping the gifts ahead of time, but be sure you pack items very carefully and allow at least twice the estimated shipping time. You don't want to end up giftless on Christmas Eve. You may even consider splitting up gifts into a few boxes in case one box is lost.
  • Consider shopping at your destination. Plan to arrive a couple days early to allow for shopping time.
  • Pack some empty, collapsed duffel bags. Don't forget you will probably have extra luggage (as in, new gifts for yourself or your family) to bring home.
  • If you are traveling with gifts for your fellow travelers (such as a significant other, spouse or children), be sure you keep their gifts out of sight if they will be in luggage and unwrapped. This can be particularly challenging if it's a gift for a spouse and you're sharing a suitcase. Consider taking separate suitcases so he or she doesn't get a sneak peek at Christmas gifts.

Also read: Christmas Gifts Banned on Airplanes | Christmas Holiday Travel Dilemma: Should You Stay Home or Travel? | Christmas Vacation Ideas | Host Children at Your Home for Christmas | Children's Toiletries You Can Take on Airplanes


The copyright of the article Flying with Christmas Presents in Family Travel is owned by Kelby Carr. Permission to republish Flying with Christmas Presents in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.




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Comments
Nov 27, 2006 1:04 PM
Jennifer W. Miner :
Timely and useful - thank you. The collapsible duffel bag is a very good idea!
Nov 29, 2006 3:52 AM
Kelby Carr :
I've been doing that for years, for all trips, and it's a real life-saver. What's great is if you have a handled rolling suitcase, you can throw the duffel over the handle.
Nov 29, 2006 3:53 AM
Kelby Carr :
Oh, and incidentally, Target stole my idea. You can actually get several bags that are already collapsed and have their own little cases in their luggage section now.
3 Comments
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