I Asked a TSA Agent to Share the One Packing Mistake People Make the Most During the Holidays

I’m always a little nervous going through airport security — not because I’ve done anything wrong, but because I’m worried that something in my bag will get flagged. There’s nothing worse than watching a TSA agent unpack your neatly folded clothes (and yes, my clean underwear), just to repack it all in a hurry before your flight boards.

Naturally, I’m always eager to learn how to avoid this whole ordeal. So, I reached out to a former Transportation Security Officer (TSO), who now works as a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). He shared his number-one piece of advice for avoiding an unnecessary bag check, and it’s especially timely for anyone traveling during the holidays.

According to the former TSO, the one thing you should never pack in your carry-on is a wrapped gift. “TSA recommends against wrapping gifts when packing them for a flight. Why? Because if a wrapped gift triggers an alarm, it will need to be unwrapped to examine the item and determine that it does not present a security threat,” he says. “TSA officers don’t want to unwrap someone else’s gift; however, they will have to if the item triggers a security alarm.”

This happens more often than travelers might think, he tells me, especially around the holidays. To save yourself the hassle (and keep your wrapping intact), he recommends waiting until you arrive at your destination to wrap gifts if you’re carrying them in your carry-on. To do this, you could either plan to purchase gift wrapping materials when you arrive, or you could pack pre-cut sheets of wrapping paper and tape in your suitcase. If you absolutely must wrap before traveling, he suggests using gift bags or boxes with removable lids so that officers can inspect contents without tearing through your handiwork.

He also warns that sometimes travelers carry gifts from others without knowing what’s inside and that can cause issues, too. “Not uncommon is a passenger carrying a gift from someone else not knowing what the package contains, only to find out in security it contains a prohibited item,” he says. 

So, before you head to the airport, double-check what’s in your luggage — even if it’s a present from someone else. “Travelers must be aware of items they are traveling with, including wrapped gifts,” he says. “Remember that prohibited items, even intended as gifts, are not permitted.”

If you’re unsure whether a specific item is allowed in your carry-on, you can easily check before heading to the airport. The TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool lets you search for almost any item. You can also reach out directly to @AskTSA on X (formerly Twitter) or text “TRAVEL” to 275-872 for quick guidance.

Here are a few more common packing mistakes the former TSO says to avoid.

• Oversized toiletries. Bottled liquids and gels in your carry-on must be under 3.4 ounces. Use refillable 3-ounce bottles to stay compliant.
• Large, airy items. “Neck pillows and winter coats can take up a lot of room and make packing difficult,” he says. Wear them or hook them onto the outside of your bag instead.
• IDs and travel documents. These “are often misplaced in the hustle of the airport,” he says. Keep everything together in a travel wallet or document case for easy access.
• REAL ID reminder. As of May 2025, travelers need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another accepted form of identification for domestic flights — so double-check yours now.