Flying with wrapped Christmas gifts

[Liz]

I have several gifts that I was going to mail to Florida (to my mom's house) but I never got it done and we leave in 6 days. The gifts I have are just some DVD's and pajamas but they are wrapped. What are the chances if I pack them in my carry on luggage that they will make me unwrap them at the security checkpoint? Or should I put them in my checked luggage and hope the luggage handlers are honest?!

Thanks!

 

[bicker]

The best option would be to leave the presents unwrapped, and wrap them when you get to Florida. You can pack wrapping paper and supplies in your checked-luggage if you wish.

Alternatively, don't wrap in wrapping paper, but rather just use those decorated gift bags with colored tissue paper. Then you can carry the gifts on with little concern, since the gifts can be "unwrapped" and then "rewrapped" very readily.

 

[ducklite]

When I take a gift with me while flying, I always use gift bags.

You could also ship the items second day--which is what I would do.

Anne

 

[disneyldwjr]

I have several gifts that I was going to mail to Florida (to my mom's house) but I never got it done and we leave in 6 days. The gifts I have are just some DVD's and pajamas but they are wrapped. What are the chances if I pack them in my carry on luggage that they will make me unwrap them at the security checkpoint? Or should I put them in my checked luggage and hope the luggage handlers are honest?!

Thanks!

The advisory is that you do not wrap gifts. I think this is covered on the TSA site.

 

[CleveRocks]

Or should I put them in my checked luggage and hope the luggage handlers are honest?

It's not just a matter of honesty. If something seems suspicious to them, they can and will investigate, which would include unwrapping the suspicious package.

I know you invested time and some cost in wrapping the gifts, but if you choose to keep them wrapped, be prepared to have to wrap them again after you arrive.

Shipping sounds like your best bet.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I gotta agree with everyone else, on both the wrapping issue and the shipping (ouch, bicker, get off my foot - and CleveRocks, stop twisting my arm - I can't type!). UPS, FedEx and the Post Office have a variety of shipping methods and prices. You can get a Priority Mail box from the USPS - and as long as nothing bulges, i.e. everything fits, the package will cost you $8.10 to ship no matter HOW much it weighs, and be there in about three days.

 

[NotUrsula]

My advice is get on the stick today and take it to a shipping office. FedEx ground (which I've found to be cheapest lately) should easily get them there in 6 days.

 

[bavaria]

I gotta agree with everyone else, on both the wrapping issue and the shipping (ouch, bicker, get off my foot - and CleveRocks, stop twisting my arm - I can't type!). UPS, FedEx and the Post Office have a variety of shipping methods and prices. You can get a Priority Mail box from the USPS - and as long as nothing bulges, i.e. everything fits, the package will cost you $8.10 to ship no matter HOW much it weighs, and be there in about three days.

oh my..... I am now in full agreement with bicker, CleveRocks, AND Katieelder....

I am usually the one who runs around here shouting the praises of the USPS flat rate box - so all I can do now is say 'yeah, what she said'

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, yeah - I learned the Postal information from YOU, Bavaria!

 

[anniem923]

Hi Liz,
A couple of years ago I was flying home from Glasgow and had in my suitcase a wrapped gift from a friend which I was going to wait to open until I got home. I had to unwrap it and open it right there in the line before they would allow me to check the baggage.
Another vote for shipping items ahead...
Have a fantastic trip!
Anne