Tis the season, and along with the joy of family and friends may come stress. This is especially true if you have travel plans. Be it driving to your daughter’s house or flying cross country to see Mom, the hustle and bustle of travel can make even the calmest person crazy.
If you’re flying, there are some Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules you‘ll need to know. You’ll also need to contend with crowds and possible weather delays. How do you navigate this and enjoy your trip?
Avoid Crowds at the Airport
Airports are packed during the holiday season. Do yourself a favor and splurge on lounge access. You'll be arriving two hours early for your flight. And instead of fighting for a seat in the crowd, you can sit quietly in a lounge.If you’re flying first-class, you'll probably have this benefit. But if you’re in economy, upgrade or purchase a pass.
Many credit card companies offer this as a perk, so ensure you check that before heading off to the airport.
Flying With Gifts During the Holidays
The temptation is to put your wrapped gifts into your carry-on. After all, you don’t want them to get unexpectedly lost with your checked luggage.But wait, if you’re carrying gifts through security and they’re wrapped, you run the risk of a TSA agent flagging your gift. They will insist you unwrap it so they can examine the contents. There goes your expert wrapping job.
If you must carry gifts in your carry-on, ensure they’re not wrapped. Otherwise, leave wrapped gifts in your checked bags.
The best course of action is to just ship your gifts and not have the worries associated with plane travel.
Musical Greeting Cards Could Stop You
You wouldn’t think a greeting card could cause trouble. But if you have a musical one, it could slow your trip through TSA security.A musical greeting card could set off alarms. The agent will then request it to be opened. So if you take one in your carry-on bag, ensure you don’t seal the envelope. Wait until you reach your destination, or you’ll be handing over a card in a ripped-up envelope.
Snow Globes Could Be Snagged by TSA
What’s Christmas without Santa being snowed on in a glass snow globe? It’s iconic. But, depending on the size, you may not be able to take your snow globe through TSA security.The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule applies to snow globes. The 3-1-1 is a rule that limits liquids, gels, and pastes to no more than 3.4 ounces. It must be placed in a bag no bigger than one quart. A one-quart bag is bigger than a sandwich bag, but smaller than a large freezer bag.
So, if you have a large snow globe, TSA will take it from you unless you make other arrangements to send it to your destination. Small snow globes that fit in a one-quart bag are permitted.
But if you’re unsure about the size, you’re better off leaving it in your checked bag or shipping it ahead of time.
What’s in Your Bag?
Many people have issues because they pack a bag without first checking to make sure it’s completely empty. Double-check that you don’t have something prohibited left over from a past road trip.This goes for children as well. If your child packed his or her own bag, double-check that it will pass muster with security.
Also, ensure your carry-on is well organized in case you are pulled for the once-over. A disorganized bag could cause you delays.
Holiday Drinks and the TSA
You may want to take Uncle Bill that well-aged whisky, but resist the urge to put it in your carry-on bag. Remember, bottles of alcoholic beverages are subject to the 3-1-1 rule as well.You might end up leaving that fine bottle of wine with the TSA agent if you try to take it through security. Instead, pad it out and pack it in your checked luggage.
Carry-Ons With Holiday and Religious Items
Menorah and holiday candles are permitted as carry-ons. But if you use oil to light those candles, you'll need to ensure you follow the 3-1-1 rule.Holiday lights for the home or Christmas tree are also permitted through TSA security.
Be Flexible With Travel Times
This is a busy time for flying, and the more flexible you can be with the dates you fly, the easier your trip will be. You'll probably be able to save money.Specific days, such as the Sunday after Thanksgiving or a couple of days after Christmas, are highly traveled times. Consider flying outside these dates. For example, fly the Monday after Thanksgiving. You'll save a lot of time and aggravation.
Try to Book Direct Flights
Even if it costs a little more, you'll be happier and less stressed on a direct flight. You won’t have to worry about missing your connecting flight, or even having it canceled.If your destination is close enough, one alternative to flying is taking the train. It may take longer, but trains are a comfortable and stress-free way to travel. Besides, a train may be just as fast if you’re flying with layovers and catching connecting flights.
Have Stress-Free Travels
If you’re flying, knowing the TSA rules can help you enjoy your travels as well as your holiday. Consider taking the time to strategically plan your travel times so you can miss the busiest times at the airport. The goal is to make your travels as stress-free as possible.The Epoch Times copyright © 2024. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.
