TSA issues list of must check holiday items

Flying with gifts? The Transportation Security Administration recommends packing gifts in gift bags or gift boxes rather than wrapping them.

If a wrapped gift triggers an alarm, it will have to be opened, meaning the gift wrap has to be removed. If the gift is in a bag or box, it’s easier for the TSA to inspect the item.

And not only are there rules for passengers transporting gifts, there are also rules for bringing certain kinds of food was well.

As for those snow globes, they are a time-honored gift. However, they should be packed in a checked bag if the globe of water contains more than 3.4 ounces. The rule of thumb says the TSA – if the globe is smaller than a tennis ball, it can be carried through a checkpoint. If it’s larger, pack it in a checked bag.

As for bringing food items to the airport for a holiday celebration, most foods can be carried through a TSA checkpoint. But there are some that can only go in a checked bag.

If the food is a solid item, it can go through a checkpoint. But if the food can be spilled, spread, pumped or poured, and it’s larger than 3.4 ounces, then it has to go in a checked bag.

The TSA also suggests removing food items from a carry-on bag and placing them in a bin for quicker screening at the checkpoint.

Passengers can tweet to @AskTSA with questions about how best to travel with specific food and gift items.