Warns People That Holiday Gifts Are Not Exempt From Security Searches

With the holiday travel season rapidly approaching, TSA is once again forced to put on its Grinch hat and remind travelers that just because something is wrapped like a gift does not mean it won't be searched.

The warning came after screeners arrested a person who attempted to smuggle marijuana through a security checkpoint at KLAX wrapped in festive holiday paper, according to radio station KNX in Los Angeles. TSA said that anything that is banned from being carried onto an airplane is still banned even if it's gift-wrapped. And, they say, if circumstances are suspicious, the gifts will be opened.

TSA's policys are not completly clear on the topic of wrapped gifts. On its page "Helpful Hints for Holiday Travelers," the agency says "Remember not to wrap gifts before you travel. Our security officers may have to un-wrap a gift if they need to take a closer look inside. This applies to both carry-ons at the security checkpoint and to checked baggage. Please ship wrapped gifts ahead of time or wait until you arrive at your destination to wrap them. Additionally, TSA does not permit snow globes through the security checkpoint because they contain an undetermined amount of liquid. Snow globes are permitted in checked baggage."

But on TSA's blog, the agency says that wrapped gifts are OK, but if they set of an alarm they'll be unwrapped and checked. "Since TSA's inception, we've worked to educate passengers about traveling with wrapped presents. This is nothing new," writes "Blogger Bob" for TSA. "Wrapped gifts are screened just like any other item. We can see through the paper just like we can see through luggage, but just as we have to open a bag when it requires a search due to an anomaly or an alarm, we have to open wrapped items as well if they alarm or require additional screening.

"We want your gift to arrive wrapped just as much as you do. Just know the possibility is there that if the item alarms, we might have to open it to resolve the alarm. We don't enjoy unwrapping presents that aren't for us, but if an anomaly is detected inside, we'll have to unwrap it in order to determine what it is so we can clear it for travel."

All clear?

FMI: www.tsa.gov