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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Jordan Waller is a managing editor at TPG. He focuses on travel features and trending news, regularly writing and editing content for the site.
December 17, 2024 • 7 min read
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Quick summary
Traveling with holiday gifts requires careful planning to comply with security rules and avoid damage.
TSA recommends not wrapping gifts before flying, as wrapped items may be unwrapped for inspection; use gift bags or wrap at your destination.
Certain items like electronics, perfume, snow globes and candles have specific packing requirements for air travel.
Shipping large or fragile gifts directly to your destination and considering gift cards can simplify your travel experience.
What to consider
Check TSA and customs guidelines for items like batteries, liquids, food and alcohol, especially for international travel.
Valuable or sentimental gifts should be packed in carry-on luggage to minimize loss or damage risk.
Travel insurance or select payment cards may offer coverage for lost or damaged gifts, but eligibility and coverage levels vary.
What you'll miss from the article
Detailed packing strategies and item-by-item guidance for ensuring your holiday gifts arrive safely and comply with travel regulations.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
The holiday season is a joyful time full of family reunions and fun times with friends. But let’s be honest — it's also a bit stressful when it comes to traveling with Christmas presents.
This is amplified even more if you're flying. Ensuring your gifts arrive in one piece (and still wrapped) can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you navigate the holiday travel hustle while keeping your presents safe and secure.
This is because if your luggage triggers any alarms when passing through scanners, TSA agents will be required to unwrap the gifts to inspect them.
Instead, consider packing presents in gift bags, using decorative tissue paper or wrapping them loosely and finishing the job once you arrive.
If you prefer prewrapping, pack some extra wrapping paper and tape in your checked bag so you can rewrap any unwrapped surprises at your destination.
Here’s a quick run-through of the guidelines that apply to some of the most common gifts:
Electronics
Most electronic items are fine to pack in carry-on luggage. However, the TSA advises that anything larger than a cellphone should be stored in one of the trays at security, with nothing above or below it. This allows the X-ray machine to scan the item properly.
Likewise, batteries such as AA, AAA and 9-volt can all be carried through security checkpoints, as can devices with a lithium battery with 100 watt-hours or less installed. However, loose lithium batteries are prohibited.
You can check out more detailed guidelines on flying with batteries at the FAA’s website.
Perfume
Provided that the perfume is less than 3.4 ounces and fits into a one-quart bag, it's fine to carry it through security in your hand luggage. If the bottle is too big to fit inside the one-quart bags issued at security, you should instead pack it into a checked bag — even if it meets the 3.4-ounce rule.
Snow globes
Snow globes should also meet the 3.4-ounce liquid rule — this is generally the “size of a tennis ball,” according to the TSA. Like with perfume, you’ll also be required to pack the snow globe into a one-quart, sealable plastic bag. If your snow globe is larger than this, you should pack it into a checked bag. The same applies if you’re unable to decipher the amount of liquid inside it.
Jewelry
You can carry jewelry through a security checkpoint in carry-on luggage. However, you should avoid carrying it on your person in case it triggers an alarm as you pass through security sensors. This is especially important if the jewelry is a surprise for anyone you’re traveling with and you don’t want your loved one to spot the item during a security pat-down.
Candles
According to the TSA, candles with “solid traditional designs” are allowed to pass through security in a carry-on bag. Gel-type candles, on the other hand, are best packed into a checked bag.
Advent calendars
You can bring an Advent calendar through security without the risk of the TSA opening up the flaps on the calendar and ruining your treats.
Ship large or fragile gifts
CAVAN IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
If you’re planning to gift oversized or fragile presents like electronics, glassware or artwork, you might be better off shipping them directly to your destination. Services like FedEx, UPS and USPS offer tracking, insurance and holiday-specific packaging to ensure your gifts arrive on time and in good condition.
If you’re using an online retailer such as Amazon, you can ship items directly to your destination as gifts. Some vendors even offer free or paid wrapping options.
Just remember to ship them as early as possible to avoid last-minute delays.
Pack strategically
DIMENSIONS/GETTY IMAGES
You can easily spread your presents across checked and carry-on luggage, but be smart about it.
It’s a good idea to reserve checked bags for more durable items. If you must pack bulkier or fragile items in your checked luggage, use bubble wrap or keep them padded with clothes so they arrive in one piece.
Anything valuable or sentimental is best kept in your carry-on luggage. This way, if the worst happens and you end up losing your checked luggage, you’ll still have it.
Consider gift card alternatives
We get it, gift cards can feel like the lazy way out when it comes to gifting, but if you’re traveling long distances, they can also be the most practical way to travel with presents.
They’re compact and don’t trigger any TSA inspections; plus, you can store them safely in your wallet. You could even consider digital gift cards that arrive via email.
Insure high-value items
If you’re carrying expensive gifts like electronics, fine jewelry or luxury goods, consider purchasing travel insurance or using a credit card that offers coverage for lost or damaged items.
Check your card’s benefits for details on how much coverage they provide for travel-related purchases.
As a guide, the following American Express cards all offer baggage insurance coverage of up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage.
The Platinum Card® from American Express*
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express*
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card*
Other American Express cards offer baggage insurance coverage of up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage, such as:
American Express® Gold Card*
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card*
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card*
Note, however, that this protection only becomes effective when you purchase a ticket using the cards in question.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Prepare for international travel
If you are traveling overseas, it’s a good idea to double-check customs regulations before packing any gifts.
Certain items, like food or alcohol, might be prohibited or require declarations. Additionally, some countries impose limits on the value of duty-free goods you can bring in, so keep receipts handy if customs officials need proof of purchase. This is also true for the people receiving gifts and then flying back home abroad; if possible, give them a receipt to take with them in case they’re questioned.
Bottom line
Traveling with Christmas presents doesn’t have to be stressful. With careful planning and smart packing, you can spread holiday cheer without sacrificing convenience or security. Whether you’re flying regionally, internationally or somewhere in-between, these tips will ensure your gifts arrive intact.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
