Wrapped presents on airplanes?

[Lil_Tink]

Can you pack wrapped presents in your carry on/checked luggage?

 

[MagicKingdom05]

Don't they tell people not to wrap the gifts prior to flying since they might have to unwrap them when they go through security.

 

[jipsy]

I believe so as they will x-ray them, but I think they do reserve the right to make you unwrap them if it looks suspicious.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Yes, but they are subject to be opened.

http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=183&content=09000519800720a4

 

[jipsy]

From the TSA website:

http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1052.xml

Wait to wrap your gifts. Be aware that wrapped gifts may need to be opened for inspection. This applies to both carry-on and checked baggage.

 

[icebrat001]

they can upwrap them, so I say No.

 

[Lil_Tink]

Ok thanks

 

[tiberius]

If you really feel the need to wrap them first,then
1. get a gift box
2. separately wrap the top and bottom of the gift box
3. place gift inside
4. slide lid on gift box (optional wrap with ribbon)

Then it is nicely wrapped and can be easily inspected.

 

[wvjules]

If they unwrap it to inspect it, do they re-wrap it? lol

 

[Free4Life11]

Good question, but my guess is NO. A few times they went through my luggage and did NOT pack it as nicely as I had...I was not a happy camper to say the least. Not a big fan of the "dump and dig" as I call it -- dump out the contents and dig through it. I learned not to put shoe boxes in the suitcase. Just pack the shoes themselves.

 

[poohbear1029]

I recently brought some gifts home over THanksgiving. I packed the gifts un wrapped and also packed some gift bags and tissue at the bottom of my bag, so I could do a quick wrap when I got there. Worked out fine for me.

 

[delilah]

Last year, we brought wrapped Christmas gifts in our luggage to Florida. Interestingly, they only unwrapped the presents that were intended for the children, and basically destroyed the wrapping, so that I needed to rewrap all the gifts for my nieces and nephews. For some reason, they left the adult gifts alone. As much of a pain as it would be, next time, I am packing the tape, scissors and gift wrap. (Colorforms, toy trains, and board games must look suspicious on Xray, while body lotion, candles, etc, do not).

 

[froglady]

SIL is flying to our house, and I told her not to wrap anything. I'll have everything she needs to wrap them in the guest room. I have always done this, as I feel the presents don't really look very tidy after being in a suitcase.

I wonder if metallic paper/ribbons distort the x-ray, and that's why they open some presents but not others?