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How to Make Sure Your Christmas Presents Don’t Get Ruined on Your Flight

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Chances are, if you’re traveling for Christmas this year, you’ll probably have at least a few gifts on hand for your family members and friends. But if you fly, you risk getting your gift unwrapped by people other than your loved ones — members of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Just like they would any box that goes on a flight, TSA agents will absolutely open up your present if it raises any suspicion. Many travelers have complained on social media about opening their suitcase only to find their gifts unwrapped, sealed up with embarrassing TSA tape, or even damaged as a result.

Yikes! Can you imagine that happening to a special gift you spent a lot of time and money on for someone dear to you? Luckily, there are a few ways you can avoid this happening.

One option is to send your gift by mail and arrange for it to arrive at the same time you do. But if you prefer to have your gift immediately in your hand when you arrive, you might want to try placing your present in a gift bag instead of wrapping it up and boxing it. That way, even if TSA does go through your bag, it’s a lot less of a pain to put back together (plus, it’s a lot easier to fix crumpled tissue paper than it is crumpled wrapping paper). Or, if you have your heart set on wrapping the gift, you can always do that immediately when you arrive at your destination.

One more tip: It’s always good to check the “What Can I Bring?” tool on the TSA’s website in case you have any doubts about packing anything in your luggage. After all, the last thing you want is your gift to end up in the back room at the airport, never to be seen again.

Keep your gifts safe out there!

h/t Travel and Leisure

The next time you get on a long flight, here’s what you should wear to stay comfy:

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