With the festive season fully in swing, millions of people across the globe are preparing to fly to visit family members for the holidays.
But traveling during the holidays can be extra stressful, especially as you pack your suitcase up with presents for your loved ones.
Thankfully, the Transportation Security Administration recently answered a slew of burning questions about what you can and can’t bring through airport security ahead of Christmastime.
In a post on its website, TSA shared the vital advice for those traveling with gifts.
‘TSA encourages passengers traveling with gifts this holiday season to use gift bags, which they can easily open, or gift boxes with lids they can remove, so TSA officers can inspect those gifts, if necessary, and avoid the possibility of opening fully wrapped presents,’ it said.
In addition, it reminded fliers that snow globes, a popular item this time of year, must go in checked bags not carry-ons.
The government agency also addressed concerns about whether or not you’re allowed to get on a plane with the popular festive flower poinsettias via X, formerly Twitter.
It assured customers that yes, you are allowed to travel with live plants on planes – and that includes the poinsettia.
The Transportation Security Administration answered a slew of burning questions about what you can and can’t bring through airport security ahead of the holidays (stock image)
It reminded fliers that snow globes, a popular item this time of year, must go in checked bags not carry-ons (stock image)
‘Planning to treat someone with a colorful poinsettia for the holidays?’ the post read.
‘Live plants and flowers are allowed when traveling within the domestic US,’ the informative post continued.
For specifics, travelers are advised to contact the airline they’re traveling with to ‘understand their policies on size and carry-on allowance.’
‘Check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane,’ the TSA website reads.
Alternative Aviation advised making sure that the plant, if potted, doesn’t have loose soil.
The publication also suggested wrapping the roots in damp newspaper and securing them in a plastic bag to prevent them from drying out.
It comes weeks after TSA announced that any travelers passing through airport security without a REAL ID or a passport will have to pay $45 starting on February 1.
The program will also require individuals to verify their identity through a biometric or biographic system if they do not have a REAL ID or passport.
TSA also encouraged passengers traveling with gifts this holiday season to use gift bags, which they can easily open, or gift boxes with lids they can remove (stock image)
The government agency revealed that you are indeed allowed to bring the popular festive flower poinsettias on planes (stock image)
comes weeks after TSA announced that any travelers passing through airport security without a REAL ID or a passport will have to pay $45 starting on February 1 (stock image)
People without a REAL ID or passport can visit TSA.gov and follow the instructions listed to verify their identity and pay the fees.
After that, they will receive an email confirmation to show a TSA officer before they can pass through the checkpoint.
Those without an acceptable form of ID will be sent out of the line to complete the process before they proceed.
Those with a stolen or lost REAL ID or passport will also be required to complete the process.
The announcement marks the second part of the agency’s rollout of the REAL ID program, which went into effect in May after being signed into law in 2005.
Under the law, Americans will be asked to get federally-compliant state-issued driver’s licenses, learner’s permits or nondriver IDs to pass through airport security.
Officials said the measure would enhance security and create a consistent standard of state-issued documentation.
However, authorities have not previously imposed any penalties for those who do not have a REAL ID or REAL ID-compliant documentation, and they were still allowed to travel with additional screening.
TSA noted that the $45 fee will cover the administrative and IT costs associated with the biometric verification program and ensure that the expense is covered by the traveler and not the taxpayers.
