Gift Items Through Security
 

Last minute panic. Will I have any problem taking a crystal bowl, Tiffany gift-boxed with ribbon only, through security? Box approx 8x7x7.5". Appreciate any/all responses. Thanks!

You'll be fine.

You might want to put that on the x-ray belt last so you can retrieve it right when it comes out, so bags don't crash into it.

LessO2, many thanks for your quick response. And thanks for the tip about putting package on last. Was concerned it would clear the x-ray belt. You put my mind at ease about everything! :)

When I flew home from Vienna last year with some lead crystal, TSA insisted on removing it from the box and verifying the contents when I went through security after customs.

Their explanation was that the lead crystal just shows as a black shape on the X-ray.

LostInAmerica, thanks for sharing that experience. The good folks at Tiffany included some extra ribbon if needed. Item is also bubble-wrapped, so I am prepared for box to be opened. If something odd happens, it usually happens to me, at the worst possible time.

If you're prepared for the box to be opened, you're in good shape. I feel sorry for travelers that don't realize that gift-wrapped items will be opened. It's upsetting, but thankfully it won't happen to you!

As pointed out, lead crystal will almost assuredly require TSA to open your bag. Then it becomes fair game.

Mrs. GHF ran afoul of the TSA screeners at one airport when carrying Lenox crystal figurines. The screeners insisted they be checked. With some perserverance and the interjection of a supervisor, she was allowed to carry them onboard. The whole incident reminded me of the occasion where a TSA screener told the CEO of my former employer's international operation that he "had to check his laptop or he would not fly that day". At their insistance he did, with predictable results.

Thanks for your post. Mrs.GHF must be very persuasive. Will go through security and hope for the best. Otherwise ask for (sympathetic) supervisor, and failing that, check gift through in additional luggage, hope it is intact at destination where it can be reunited with gift box and bow retied. Just proves the old adage--No good deed goes unpunished.

I have handcarried two large Tiffanys-wrapped/boxed vases in the last year or so. I would never check those items in. I haven't had any problems with TSA and I am sure they vases were leaded chrystal. The vases were carefully wrapped by Tiffanys, boxed with a nice ribbon and put in bag. I would never be able to get the ribbon back on as nice as they ever did so I was glad TSA didn't ask to see the vases.

I've had metal aircraft models bought from in-flight duty that always have to be plastically unwrapped and contents taken out from the box. Boxes would look beaten up by the time they put everything back together.

Everytime I take crystal as carry-on it is taken out of the box and inspected after x-ray. No exception.

What Happened
 

No problem in ATL, box was opened at OGG, and the interior of box was swiped with something (checking for residue of some sort?). A lot of trouble to carry but necessary this one time.