The Jetpacker

This should come as no surprise to anyone who’s flown in the 21st century, but here’s your yearly reminder: the TSA has NO problem unwrapping your Christmas gifts if they deem the packages suspicious.

The TSA’s Blogger Bob explains:

“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.”

So, yeah, just wait until you get to your destination and wrap the presents.

And also, don’t bring Christmas pudding on a flight… the TSA doesn’t like that.