Eleven dos and don’ts to easily navigate TSA security during the holidays.

I have eleven do’s and don’ts to help you navigate TSA airport security checkpoints during the holidays with ease and minimal hassle.

Winter holidays are approaching. There are less than two weeks left until US Thanksgiving. The December holidays will be here before we know it. Travel to meet friends and family will soon begin to peak at the end of the year. Airport security lines will often be long. Airport staff may be tired and may have short tempers. Travelers must undergo TSA (Transportation Security Administration) check-in in the US and follow security rules to make their travel as easy as possible.

Here’s my ten list of do’s and don’ts to help you go through TSA airport security checkpoints as smoothly as possible during the holiday season.

More than any other measure, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry membership can help you pass through TSA airport security checkpoints more quickly and easily.

Must obtain PreCheck and Global Entry:
Although it may be too late to obtain TSA PreCheck or Global Entry from U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the holidays, apply for one of them now. You may get precheck approval in time for your holiday travel. PreCheck can help you clear TSA security more easily and faster. For US citizens traveling internationally, Global Entry can not only speed your way through immigration and customs upon returning to the US, but it also gives members PreCheck privileges for their outgoing flights.

Wrapping gifts before flying can get you delayed at TSA security and large snow-globes will be confiscated, while the Apple AirTag will help you track down missing bags with holiday gifts.

Don’t fly with wrapped holiday gifts:
If you’re bringing gifts for the holidays on your flights, don’t keep them wrapped until you reach your destination. I was standing in line at TSA security during a holiday trip when they opened several packages, destroying the wrapping, because they contained material that TSA agents could not identify through the X-ray units. Make it easy for TSA at the airport to get you to their checkpoint faster.

Be sure to keep a tracking device in your luggage:
According to the US Department of Transportation, US airlines mishandled approximately 3.7 million bags last year. While my bags were not in the 2024 statistics in previous years. Apple AirTags and other GPS locators are allowed in the luggage of air passengers worldwide. I’ve been recommending using Apple AirTags for quite some time. Electronic tracking devices like Apple AirTags can save air travelers anywhere in the world by locating their luggage and the holiday gifts inside. Twice this year, my AirTags in my checked luggage helped me find them at my destination airport when they came up on a different carousel than announced. I also keep Apple AirTags in my carry-on luggage. You never know when an airline might force you to check your carry-on. Even carry-ons are mishandled and lost.

Don’t keep large ice cubes in your carry-on:
Contrary to popular belief, snow-globes are not banned by the TSA. Small snow-globes containing less than 3.1 ounces of liquid are fine in your carry-on luggage if they are placed in your liquid baggie, but do not wrap it. If the snow-globe is large, you’ll need to pack it in your checked luggage or, even better, send it forward. Of course, if you pack it in your checked luggage there’s a high risk of it breaking and ruining your clothes.

Follow the liquids and gels rules as they relate to holiday foods you’re bringing to friends and family. Instead of carrying bags of gifts on your airplane flights, send them ahead.

Follow the liquids and gels rules with holiday foods you’re bringing to your destination:
The TSA liquids rule doesn’t just apply to shampoo and toothpaste. This also applies to food. Don’t forget to bring cranberry sauce and spreadable cheese in or along with your carry-on. The TSA liquids rule limits them. Homemade pies and cakes are generally fine, but they will need to pass an X-ray. If you’re unsure about a particular food, check the TSA What Can I Bring – Food list.

Don’t expect to walk away with a bag of goodies as well as carry-on and personal items:
Just because it’s the holidays, don’t think that TSA or the airlines will suddenly get into the holiday mood and allow you to carry multiple bags at the airport or on your plane. Airlines will stick to the one carry-on and one personal item rule and won’t charge extra bags just because they’re filled with holiday gifts. If in addition to those two bags you bring bags of gifts, you will have to check either your carry-on and/or your personal item, and possibly according to the number of your gift bags. I recommend sending gifts in advance and asking that they not be opened until your arrival.

Be sure to pack cordless styling tools in your carry-on luggage:
TSA has new restricted item rules. Cordless styling tools can make great gifts, however, if they use gas cartridges, butane, lithium metal or Li-ion batteries, they can only be carried in your carry-on bag or personal item. TSA has decided that the risk of fire in checked luggage is too great to allow them to be placed in carry-on bags in the cargo hold. Even when packed in your carry-on bag, the heating element should be stored inside a protective cover and protected from accidental activation.

Now everyone can put their shoes on at TSA security, but belts must be taken off and liquid baggies and electronics must be put in the TSA tray at TSA security, unless you have TSA PreCheck.

Do not take off your shoes at any TSA checkpoint:
An important benefit for TSA Pre-Check members is the ability to leave your shoes at TSA security checkpoints. On a happier note this holiday season, the TSA announced earlier this year that no traveler will need to take off their shoes to pass through TSA security. However, the TSA warns travelers that on rare occasions, individual air passengers may be asked to take off their shoes for more thorough security scanning. If you are asked to do so, follow TSA instructions or you may face further delays.

Be sure to take off your belt and remove liquids baggies and electronics in regular TSA security lines:
While everyone at TSA checkpoints can keep their shoes on, in regular TSA security lines, you still have to remove your belt and take your liquids bags and electronics out of your carry-on bag. If you’re a TSA PreCheck member, you can still keep your belt fastened as well as leave your liquids and electronics in your carry-on bag.

Empty your pockets of metal and cellphones at TSA security checkpoints and remember, no Li-ion batteries in checked luggage, even plugged in warm clothing.

Don’t forget to empty any metal pockets, including your cellphone:
Whether TSA Precheck or the regular security line, don’t forget to empty your pockets of any metal objects, including coins and keys. Also remove your cell phone from your pocket and if using a magnetic holster, remove it as well. Put them all in a tray with your bag.

Remember to remove the Li-ion batteries from your warm clothes before packing your checked luggage:
Over the holidays, many travelers will be heading to cold weather areas for skiing. Warm coats, vests and especially socks are constantly gaining popularity. They all use Li-ion batteries to power the clothes. It is important to remove batteries from clothing and carry them in your carry-on bag as batteries are prohibited in checked luggage. If found in your checked bags they will be confiscated.

Following these do’s and don’ts won’t guarantee a great vacation with friends and family over the holidays, but they will definitely help you get through TSA airport security more easily.