If you read my Holiday Travel Airport Survival Guide, then you know not to wrap your gifts before going through security. In fact, the TSA’s spokesperson tweeted: “Tip of the Day from TSA: Flying with gifts this holiday season? Instead of using wrapping paper, @TSA recommends using gift bags so if the item triggers an alarm at the checkpoint, a TSA officer isn’t unwrapping the gift to resolve the alarm. That’s how to pack smart!”
That’s a great tip but another one is to look for gift-wrapping stations. Some airport stores post security offer the service either for free, for a small fee or a donation. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport just tweeted a 20-second video with this caption: “A gift-wrapping station benefiting USO Northwest is available by donation for last-minute convenience. Need a host gift or stocking stuffers? TSA advises not to wrap gifts prior to traveling through security.”
A gift-wrapping station benefiting USO Northwest is available by donation for last-minute convenience. Need a host gift or stocking stuffers? TSA advises not to wrap gifts prior to traveling through security. pic.twitter.com/X0n3BNbY75
— Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport (@flySEA) December 22, 2024
This isn’t the only airport that offers it. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has complimentary gift wrapping with an MSP airport purchase from December 17 to December 24 (Weekdays, 7-9 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.)
So does Boston’s Logan Airport offers free gift wrapping for travelers between terminals C & E.
I can’t find information confirming whether the below airports still offer free gift wrapping services after security but they typically do during the holiday season so it’s worth taking a look:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – SFO offers free gift wrapping in the International Terminal during the holiday season.
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – During the holiday season, O’Hare has been known to provide free gift wrapping in select terminals.
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – DFW offers complimentary gift wrapping at designated locations during the holiday period.
- Denver International Airport (DEN) – Denver provides free holiday gift wrapping in some terminals during the holiday season.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – LAX has been known to offer free gift wrapping services during the holiday season at select locations.
- New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – JFK offers free gift wrapping in some terminals during the holidays.
FYI: Snow globes are a popular gift and they are allowed in your carry-on bag as long as they contain less than 3.4 ounces of liquid (approximately the size of a tennis ball). The TSA says it “can be packed in your carry-on bag ONLY if the entire snow globe, including the base, is able to fit into your one quart-sized, resealable plastic bag. Each passenger can only bring one quart-sized bag with 3.4 oz or smaller containers. Larger snow globes must be packed in checked baggage.”
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