Archive · 18 Dec 2025
TSA Holiday Travel Rules for US Flights
The TSA has shared rules for what gifts you can bring on a plane during the holidays.
Wrapped gifts might need to be unwrapped, and small perfumes are okay.
Snow globes can be carried if they're not too big.
Jewelry is fine, but avoid bulky pieces.
Solid candles are allowed, but gel ones must go in checked bags.
For winter sports, snowboards and skates are okay, but skis must be checked.
Electronics larger than a phone need separate screening.
Most baked goods can be carried, but liquids like syrup must be checked.
These rules help keep everyone safe while traveling.
Wrapped gifts may need to be unwrapped for security screening; consider using festive bows or bags.
Perfumes allowed in 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles or smaller, fitting in a quart-sized liquids bag.
Snow globes allowed in carry-ons if size of a tennis ball, have a base, and contain less than 3.4 oz of liquid.
Jewelry items like rings and necklaces can be carried in carry-ons, but avoid bulky jewelry to prevent extra screening.
Solid candles allowed; gel candles must be packed in checked bags.
Winter sports gear like snowboards and ice skates can pass through security, but skis and ski poles must be checked.
Electronics larger than a cell phone must be screened separately; drones follow the same rules.
Standard batteries allowed without issue; lithium batteries permitted if installed in a device and rated at 100 watt hours or less.
Baked goods like cakes and cookies allowed through security; liquids like maple syrup and champagne must be checked.
- Who
- TSA (Transportation Security Administration)
- What
- Guidelines for allowed holiday gifts on US flights
- When
- During the holiday season
- Where
- US airports
- Why
- To ensure safety and compliance with security regulations
- Gift Wrapping
- May need to be unwrapped for security screening
- Perfumes
- Allowed in 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles or smaller
- Snow Globes
- Allowed if size of a tennis ball, with base, and <3.4 oz liquid
- Jewelry
- Allowed in carry-ons, but avoid bulky items
- Candles
- Solid candles allowed; gel candles must be checked
- Winter Sports Gear
- Snowboards, snowshoes, ice skates allowed; skis and poles must be checked
- Electronics
- Larger than cell phone must be screened separately
- Batteries
- Lithium batteries allowed if installed in device and ≤100 watt hours
- Food Items
- Baked goods allowed; liquids like syrup and champagne must be checked