(Lebanon, N.H. – November 26, 2024) Nearly half of the world’s most experienced travelers will embark on a trip during the winter holiday season, and one out of 10 will mistakenly pack wrapped gifts in their carry-on luggage, according to the Fall 2024 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

The TSA doesn’t prohibit wrapped presents in carry-on baggage, but they recommend keeping gifts unwrapped in case TSA agents need to inspect them. “While it’s tempting to wrap presents before a trip and tuck them into your carry-on suitcase or backpack, it may cause delays at security checkpoints,” said Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and associate director of security at Global Rescue.

When TSA or other airport security personnel see a wrapped item, they may need to open it to inspect its contents. This can lead to frustration, delays, and destroyed wrapping. “The best approach is to pack wrapped gifts in checked bags or travel with unwrapped gifts in carry-on luggage and pack wrapping paper separately. You can easily wrap the items when you reach your destination,” says Bush.

“Security is always a top concern during peak travel seasons,” Bush added. “Minimizing unnecessary complications at checkpoints, such as unwrapping gifts, makes the process easier for travelers and airport staff.”

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Contact  

Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 (202) 560-1195 (phone/text) for more information.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey  

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,100 current and former members between October 1-20, 2024. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.  

About Global Rescue  

The Global Rescue Companies are the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue