Planning to fly with gifts this holiday season? A travel expert offers advice to avoid potential delays and frustration at airport security checkpoints. Kristina Cooper, vice president at Travelmation, suggests reconsidering pre-wrapped presents.

The TSA recommends leaving gifts unwrapped or using gift bags to facilitate easier inspection. This is because if a wrapped gift triggers an alarm during screening, TSA officers may need to unwrap it to resolve the issue. Waiting to wrap gifts until after arriving at your destination is the best way to avoid this.

Before heading to the airport, familiarize yourself with the TSA's prohibited items list to determine whether your gifts should be packed in carry-on or checked baggage. Certain items, like snow globes, have specific size restrictions for carry-on luggage. Snow globes smaller than a tennis ball (around 3.4 ounces) are permitted in carry-ons if they fit inside a quart-sized bag. Larger snow globes must be checked.

Electronics, another popular holiday gift, are generally allowed in carry-ons. However, devices larger than a cell phone should be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. Remember that loose lithium batteries are not allowed in checked baggage, while those installed in devices are typically acceptable up to a certain wattage. Check with your airline for specific drone regulations if you plan on traveling with one.

For further clarification on permitted and prohibited items, consult the TSA's "What can I bring?" webpage or reach out to @AskTSA on X (formerly Twitter).