Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova, Republic of; North Korea, Democratic People's Rep; Russia; Israel

Travel Resources

Home

Your Holiday Vacation Checklist for Air Travel

Published | Updated {{article.date}}

Good cheer? Check. Presents for everyone? Check. Holiday travel angst? Check.

As hectic as it is to fly during the holidays, you can minimize travel stress if you're well prepared. This vacation checklist for holiday travel will help you remember what to pack and what to leave home.

Holiday Vacation Checklist: What to Pack

Going to visit family or friends for the holidays? Here are a few things you need to add to your vacation packing list.

The right-sized bag. During the holiday travel season, space is at a premium and airlines scrutinize carry-on bags to make sure they fit the requirements. Measure and weigh your luggage before you leave home. Read the carry-on rules for different airlines here.
Gift bags and tissue paper: The Transportation Security Administration allows wrapped gifts in luggage, but if an item is suspicious, they'll open the paper and inspect the gifts inside.¹ Don't expect them to redo your careful wrapping job. The best plan is to pack your gifts and wrappings separately.
Extra gifts: If you're traveling back home or to a large family event, it's a good bet you'll run into a relative or friend you weren't expecting to see. Cover your bases by packing some small, all-purpose gifts suitable for children or adults. Ideas include chocolate bars, tea samplers and, of course, gift cards.
Pies and cakes: Carrying a home-baked pie through security isn't the easiest feat, but it can be done. The TSA permits pies and cakes as carry-ons, but they are subject to additional screening.¹
Extra entertainment: Travel delays seem inevitable during the holidays. Winter weather, crowded airports and anxious passengers conspire to make travel more complicated. Prepare for delays by packing an extra crossword puzzle book or adding more magazines to your e-reader.
Lots of layers: You're chilly in the airport, sweating on the plane and freezing once you step outside. Pack several thin layers, from thermal underwear to a fleece vest to a waterproof jacket.
Wool socks: We're not talking about the thick and itchy variety, but thin, warm, moisture-wicking socks made of SmartWool or something similar.
Chapstick and sunblock: Protect your sensitive lips and skin from winter weather.
Travel insurance: This is a must-have on your holiday vacation checklist. Travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance includes severe weather as a covered reason for trip cancellations, trip interruptions or trip delays. Just don't wait too long to buy it — if you purchase insurance when a named winter storm is on the horizon, your plan won't provide coverage for claims related to that known event.

Holiday Vacation Checklist: What Not to Pack

Don't expect the TSA to get into the holiday spirit. The usual travel restrictions apply to everything you bring on board, including gifts.

Canned or jarred food gifts in your carry-on: Unless they're less than 3.4 ounces (which would make a measly gift), you need to place cans or jars of food in your checked luggage. The TSA provides a list of items you shouldn't bring on board:¹

Cranberry sauce
Creamy dips and spreads (cheeses, peanut butter, etc.)
Gift baskets with food items (salsa, jams and salad dressings)
Gravy
Jams
Jellies
Maple syrup
Oils and vinegars
Salad dressing
Salsa
Sauces
Soups
Wine, liquor and beer

Perfume or lotion gifts in your carry-on: Again, these are forbidden unless they're smaller than 3.4 ounces.
Snow globes in your carry-on: The TSA has a specific policy for bringing snow globes on board (believe it or not). Snow globes are subject to the same restrictions on liquids and gels. They're only allowed if they appear to contain less than 3.4 ounces (approximately tennis ball size) and if the entire snow globe, including the base, is able to fit in the same single quart-sized bag as your other liquid containers. We say skip the hassle and leave the snow globes.
Pets in checked luggage: The Humane Society urges pet owners not to travel with their pets during the holidays, because they're more likely to be handled roughly.² Alaska Air even bans pets in the cargo hold on certain flights during the peak holiday season.³

Print Checklist

Be sure to print our checklist and take it with you. Simply click the print link below and make sure to have your browser set to print background images so that you can see the checkboxes.
Print Checklist

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or customerservice@allianzassistance.com.