TSA issues stern warning about common Christmas item | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

With the holiday travel season now in its peak, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued periodic reminders about what travelers can or cannot bring aboard their flight.

Every year, the government agency in charge of transport regulations and airport security prepares a press release saying that common holiday foods like “egg nog, wine, champagne, maple syrup, and preserves are not solid” and therefore subject to the three-one-one liquid rule limiting them to containers of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters inside carry-ons.

Those flying internationally are also required to declare any alcohol to the customs of the country to which they are traveling.

For those transporting gifts, the TSA guidance is to “use gift bags which they can easily open or gift boxes with lids they can remove.” Otherwise, uncertainty about what is inside could lead to an officer ruining wrappings the gift-giver spent time meticulously putting on the presents.

“Live plants and flowers are allowed”: TSA on travel with plants

While many of the TSA warnings take on a stern tone about what one should not bring on flights, the government agency has also published a post reminding travelers that some of the items that bring joy to so many during the holiday season are a-okay, as long as they check with the airline.

Known in recent months to take a more lighthearted tone on social media compared to most other government agencies, the TSA encouraged travelers to “plant a question” to the airline about whether one’s plants fit within the dimensions allowed for carry-on baggage.

“Planning to treat someone with a colorful poinsettia for the holidays?” the Dec. 12 post reads. “Live plants and flowers are allowed when traveling within the domestic U.S. Be sure to plant a question with your airline to understand their policies on size and carry-on allowance.”

Poinsettias are a popular gift during the holiday season.

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A few other things to know about traveling with plants during the holidays

For North American airlines, the carry-on baggage limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 centimeters) so that means that most average-sized plants will easily fit within those parameters.

But unless it is small enough to fit within a bag in which one puts other items, the plant will count as a separate item that will limit anything else that can be brought aboard.

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It would, for example, replace the purse or backpack a passenger typically takes alongside their carry-on roller suitcase.

And for those traveling internationally, plants are almost always subject to strict customs rules. Most countries ban plants in soil of any kind (due to their potential for transmitting disease), while cut flowers are allowed but need to be declared and presented at their point of entry.

Last week, the TSA also made an X post telling travelers that sparkles and sequins on clothing also tend to setting off body scanner alarms. With that in mind, travelers who do not want to be slowed down with an inspection should save those flashy outfits for when arrives to the destination.