? about checking wrapped presents on airplane

[Rhonda]

We're flying out tomorrow. We have a large cardboard box, all taped up, filled with wrapped presents! We're planning on checking it as one of our bags. It meets all the size/weight requirements.

What are my chances of getting it through without having to open the box and unwrap all the presents? Will they x-ray it and let it go through, if they don't see anything suspicious? Has anyone here ever done this?

Thanks!

 

[Cruisin]

Well the logical assumption would be that it would be treated alike any other checked luggage.
But how logical are they gonna be.
Who knows!!!!

 

[lil mermaid]

Even if you check your gifts, they may have to open them to inspect, just like any other checked luggage. You would be better off to wrap them when you get there!

 

[Rhonda]

It's too late. We were planning on shipping it down there via UPS, but it got too close and it would've cost about $100 to ship it. So, now everything is already wrapped and packed in there tightly, and the box is taped up REALLY good!!! lol

 

[Blondie]

Uh oh...you may end up taking them out and unwrapping them.

I was just listening to the radio and they were giving advice on what not to pack/bring on flights this holiday season, and wrapped gifts was a big no-no.

Maybe you'll get lucky and not have to worry about a thing though...you just never know! Good luck!

 

[Toby'sFriend]

you can try, but I'd bring along extra wrapping paper and tape just in case.

On CNN this morning they were advising NO wrapped gifts.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

You could always check out www.tsa.gov

I got this from there: Refrain from taking wrapped presents to the airport. TSA is recommending that you either ship wrapped packages ahead of time or wrap on arrival. If the package alarms, TSA will need to unwrap it to investigate the source of the alarm.

 

[Rhonda]

Well, I guess it's too late now. So, I'll just hope that they can see everything clearly on the x-ray machine. If not, then I'll just have to re-wrap anything that they unwrap! I'm more worried about them messing up the box, and not re-taping it closed good enough. I'm bringing a roll of packing tape with me, just in case.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

If the explosive detection machine alarms, your package will be opened even if they can see what is inside when it is x-rayed. Just don't leave it around any fireworks, firearms, bullets etc. Hopefully it will all work out.

 

[nativetxn]

They will most likely open your packages, Rhonda. Take extra paper or plan to buy some on arrival.

 

[Cruisin]

If it goes thru the x-ray machine they won't be able to tell if the boxes inside are wrapped or not will they? They will just see what is inside the boxes. So because it is all inside a big box, sealed up tight unless they see something suspicious, they are not likely to bother with it, are they?

 

[Mom2Angels]

I do this every year at Christmas and have never had a problem not even after 911. I don't think it will be a problem.

Debbie

 

[CarolA]

Well if they can't figure out what it is on the XRAY they open it. Also, if you have anything valuable you are REALLY risking it. (i.e., gameboys etc....)

I hope for your sake it all gets there.