Staff Reports
As the holiday season approaches, millions of Americans are gearing up to travel, bringing cheer and joy to reunions with family and friends. However, the hustle and bustle of the airports can sometimes feel more chaotic than festive. If you’re headed to Los Angeles or any other busy airport, knowing the do’s and don’ts can make your travel experience much smoother. With a little preparation and some insider knowledge, travelers can glide through security like a sleigh on Christmas Eve.
One of the most common culprits slowing down security lines at airports is prohibited items in carry-on bags. It’s easy to forget about that half-full water bottle or the tasty fruitcake you wanted to bring, but there’s one wrapping faux pas that many travelers might overlook — wrapped gifts. When security personnel spot a neatly wrapped present, they can’t help but investigate. Wrapping gifts can lead to delays, as they may need to unwrap them to see what’s inside. Instead, travelers should consider using gift bags or even better, wait until they reach their destination to wrap gifts. That way, the only thing being unwrapped at the airport will be the excitement of heading home for the holidays! The TSA recommends packing gifts in gift bags or boxes instead of wrapping them because if a gift triggers an alarm, it will need to be opened to resolve the alarm.
Speaking of food, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has some clear rules when it comes to liquids. While you can carry some liquids, the rules soon become complicated. For example, eggnog and other delicious holiday concoctions may be tempting to take onboard, but if it’s spreadable or squeezable, it may need to be checked. The golden rule is to remember the 3.4-ounce container limit, which can fit snugly in your one allowed plastic baggie. So, while your fruitcake might make the cut, avoid stuffing your carry-on with anything that could potentially go splat! Remember that liquids and aerosols must be 3.4 oz. or less in carry-ons.
This year is particularly significant for travelers, as it marks the first holiday season under new rules set by the Transportation Department. These rules require airlines to automatically provide cash refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights. That means if your plans go awry due to circumstances beyond your control, like nasty weather or mechanical issues, you have the right to a refund—even with non-refundable tickets. Travelers will no longer need to jump through hoops just to get their hard-earned money back. Remember, if your flight is delayed for more than three hours domestically or more than six hours internationally, a refund is in order.
For those traveling with checked luggage, there’s good news regarding late arrivals. If your bags are delayed for more than 12 hours after landing domestically or even later for international flights, you can claim your bag fees back. But do keep in mind that this applies whether or not your bags eventually catch up with you. So, if your luggage decides to take an extended holiday of its own, rest assured that you won’t be footing the bill for that whimsy!
With these helpful tips in mind, travelers can take to the skies with confidence this holiday season. Whether it’s avoiding wrapped gifts, knowing the liquid limits, or taking advantage of new refund rules, a little preparation goes a long way. So pack those bags, grab your boarding pass, and get ready to enjoy the festivities without the hassle. Happy travels and Merry Holidays!
