Do wrapped presents really get unwrapped?
Dec 18, 2007 | 6:44 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 801
Do wrapped presents really get unwrapped?
It would be so much easier for me if I could wrap my presents before I leave for my Christmas night flight. It's a redeye so I basically go straight into Christmas #2. Is there any real reason they say not to do this? I don't understand how the machines can see through suitcases but not through a piece of paper.
The only catch is that I'd like to carry some on with me (too valuable to check), and check the unbreakable/bulky presents. Do they really unwrap everything or just if something is suspicious? I've got my dad a GPS unit that I'm not going to wrap because I figure that could look funny on an x-ray, but things like shirts and books seem ridiculous not to wrap ahead of time.
The only catch is that I'd like to carry some on with me (too valuable to check), and check the unbreakable/bulky presents. Do they really unwrap everything or just if something is suspicious? I've got my dad a GPS unit that I'm not going to wrap because I figure that could look funny on an x-ray, but things like shirts and books seem ridiculous not to wrap ahead of time.
Dec 18, 2007 | 6:50 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SAT
Programs: WN RR
Posts: 171
Pre 9/11, when security was less uptight, I saw pax have to unwrap wrapped presents to send them through the x-ray machine. I can't imagine that it would be any easier today. If I were you, I'd ship the wrapped packages, rather than carrying them on.
Dec 18, 2007 | 7:16 pm
#4
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
No guarantee one way or the other. They don't have to unwrap them to get them through the x-ray and "see" what's inside. But if they decide it needs further examination then the wrapping will come off.
Dec 18, 2007 | 7:23 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 4
I've flown from Toronto to the Philippines via Hong Kong in October or November every year since 2003 and have always taken a suitcase full of wrapped presents. I've never had any problems and never been asked to unwrap them.
As with anything security related these days, YMMV and this is only my experience.
Derek
As with anything security related these days, YMMV and this is only my experience.
Derek
Dec 18, 2007 | 7:37 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,339
Simple solution: bring the gifts in its form through security without wrappers, but bring a roll of wrappers in your carry on... once past security, wrap your presents. That should work perfectly.
Dec 18, 2007 | 7:41 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: He who dies with the most miles wins!!
Programs: WorldPerks Demoted again to SE, DL 3.1MM Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 11,678
Dec 18, 2007 | 8:58 pm
#8
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Southern California
Programs: DL: 3.8 MM, Marriott: Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 24,575
Wrapped them, shipped them FedEx Ground and they are already at my sister's house in the BWI area.
No hassle and no overweight luggage issue for us when we hit the airways this weekend.
Plus it forces us to get the Christmas shopping done early rather than procrastinate.
Dec 18, 2007 | 10:03 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 801
However, I think my brother's 3 pound stick of beef is going to get checked and will have to wait to get wrapped!
Dec 18, 2007 | 10:26 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: AAdvantage, MileagePlus, SkyMiles
Posts: 4,339
Dec 19, 2007 | 10:01 am
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Doha, Qatar
Programs: Air Canada Aeroplan, Lufthansa Miles & More, Flying Blue, Hyatt Gold Passport
Posts: 1,894
We've been doing that for several years now.
Wrapped them, shipped them FedEx Ground and they are already at my sister's house in the BWI area.
No hassle and no overweight luggage issue for us when we hit the airways this weekend.
Plus it forces us to get the Christmas shopping done early rather than procrastinate.
Wrapped them, shipped them FedEx Ground and they are already at my sister's house in the BWI area.
No hassle and no overweight luggage issue for us when we hit the airways this weekend.
Plus it forces us to get the Christmas shopping done early rather than procrastinate.
Dec 19, 2007 | 11:25 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Finally back in Boston after escaping from New York
Posts: 13,684
Mike