If you’re planning to fly the friendly skies this week, and you’re bringing Christmas gifts with you, you may want to wait until you arrive at your destination to wrap them, according to Lauren Smith.
ABD spoke with Smith, Augusta Regional Airport’s assistant director of marketing and public relations, about travel tips for this holiday season. She said wrapped gifts can cause problems during screening by the Transportation Security Administration.
“They suggest you don’t wrap them, but if you do, just be aware that you may have to unwrap them,” Smith said.
She also said due to TSA regulations regarding liquids, travelers generally can’t carry snow globes on a plane. But they can be stored in checked luggage, according to the agency’s website.
“Snow globes that appear to contain less than 3.4 ounces of liquid can be packed in your carry-on bag only if the entire snow globe, including the base, fits into a one quart-sized, resealable bag,” the website said.
Because so many people are traveling this week, Smith said it’s especially important that travelers arrive at the airport early.
“We recommend people get here 90-120 minutes prior to flying time, which gives them plenty of time to get through TSA,” she said.
This year, Smith said airlines aren’t requiring flyers to wear masks.
To make the flying experience a little more enjoyable, the airport will again have local musicians performing daily through Dec. 23. Performers include JaVonne Jones, John Hobbs, Fred Williams, Adam Thompson Harris, Matthew Dahlheimer, Bill Karp, Martha Odom, and Josephine Johnson. Santa will also make an appearance today, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9-11 a.m. each day.
A massive storm system, bringing snow to large swaths of the country and rain to the Southeast, along with strong winds, could have a major impact on holiday travel.
For more air travel tips, including items allowed on planes, check with the airline or visit tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all.
