Travelers jetting across the country with gifts in tow this holiday season would be well advised to either ship their gifts or stow them, unwrapped, in their carry-on or checked baggage. That’s because the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reserves the right to unwrap any package to inspect its contents. So unless you want to slow down the work of the good men and women of the TSA, cause a backup at the security checkpoint and turn once-smiling travelers into an angry mob, you should skip the gift wrap until after you arrive.

A few other tips for holiday travel that will, as the TSA says, help you “simplifly” this season include:

• Packing in an organized fashion – in a regulation-sized carry-on bag. The TSA’s preferred method: A layer of clothes, then electronics, more clothes, and then any heavier items.
• Having your boarding pass and ID ready well before you get to the head of the security line.
• Following the 3-1-1 rule for packing liquids and gels.
• Removing your shoes, bulky sweaters, coats, jewelry and belts with metal buckles before you reach the conveyor belt will help avert delays and keep your time in line to a minimum.
• Being thoughtful will also go a long way toward getting you through security with a smile on your face. That’s because the TSA won’t tolerate belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes, or threats of any kind. If you go beyond the limits of good taste or common sense, they have the right to detain you – which may result in missed flights or being taken into custody by local law enforcement. 

In addition, arriving late, being in a hurry and forgetting to practice patience will all make the time you spend getting through security seem a whole lot longer. So be a good flyer this holiday season and go to the airport mentally and physically prepared for the masses flying far and wide to wish their own friends and family good cheer.