How to Travel With Presents

Although it is inconvenient, traveling with presents is unavoidable during some seasons of the year. To minimize inconvenience when traveling with gifts, it is important to understand the rules of the mode of transportation you choose. Also, remember to consider the things that could possibly go wrong with your gifts during transport and choose the best option to get your presents to their destination intact and ready to be given to loved ones.

Instructions

Traveling by Plane

1

Pack unwrapped gifts in your luggage or in your carry-on. If you wrap gifts and security officers need to take a closer look at the gift, they will remove the gift-wrap. Plan to wrap your gifts after you arrive at your destination when traveling by plane.

2

Pack liquid, aerosol and gel items that weigh over 3.4 ounces in the baggage you are checking on the plane. You cannot place these items in carry-on bags. Examples of items to pack in checked baggage are cologne, sauces, jams, lotions, oils, syrups, alcoholic beverages, soups and gift baskets that include food.

3

Carry onto the plane any items bought after you have passed the security checkpoint. You can carry cakes and pies onto the plane, but they may require extra screening according to the Transportation Security Administration.

4

Ship wrapped presents through the mail if you are flying to your destination. You cannot travel by plane with wrapped presents.

Traveling by Other Modes of Transportation

5

Ship fragile expensive gifts before your departure. Pack the items with proper padding to prevent damage. An advantage of shipping fragile expensive gifts is that you can insure them. The USPS, FedEx and UPS all offer inexpensive insurance on shipped items.

6

Pack unwrapped packages in locked luggage to preserve the surprise for your loved ones. Packages can become damaged, or the gift paper may rip during travel if you wrap gifts before traveling. Also, bulky gift boxes may take up space better used for luggage.

7

Carry gift-wrapping paper, gift bags and flattened boxes to wrap packages after arriving at your destination.