If you're planning on flying and bringing gifts with you, especially around the holidays, plan ahead so you don't encounter airport security problems.

The ideal way to handle it is to ship wrapped packages ahead of time at the UPS Store or Kinko-Fedex. You'll have less to carry and your gifts will arrive hassle free.

But if you're a last minute type, then heed this warning. Don't wrap your gifts before you go. Wait until you arrive at your destination.

This avoids the hassle of watching the TSA unwrap a gift or two if they can't see what it is on x-ray. You'd rather not add this to the list of TSA screening problems.

By the way, if you need to carry wrapping materials and scissors, pack the scissors in checked baggage. The TSA is loosening rules on scissors but not all airports treat them the same way.

The goal is to avoid having any of your stuff confiscated.

By planning ahead you'll ease your passage through the airport and arrive at your destination with gifts and psyche intact.

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