WASHINGTON — It’s the busiest time of year at airports and that means longer lines at security checkpoints.

How can travelers make sure they’re not one slowing things down?

The Transportation Security Administration has a list of recommendations of what to do and not to do to ensure a smooth trip.

Presents

Packing presents in carry-on luggage? Don’t wrap them until arriving at your destination. If the gifts look suspicious to TSA officers, they’re going open them up to see what’s inside.

However, snow globes are a potential problem gift even if they are unwrapped. Because they contain liquid, they are held to the same standards of other liquids and that means just 3 ounces are allowed. So, unless the snow globe is smaller than a tennis ball, it can’t fly in a carry-on.

Tools may make great presents, but they don’t make good carry-ons. Tools and similar items cannot be packed in carry-on luggage.

Food and Drink Items

Because liquids and gels have to be in 3 ounce (or smaller) containers, fliers can’t pack jams and jellies, bottles of wine or other similar items into carry-on bags. If you baked a pie or cake you want to take along, you can carry it onto the plane but it could be inspected.

General Guidelines

Liquids, gels, creams and pastes can only be carried onto the plane if they are in containers of 3 ounces or less. Also, all of those types of items need to be placed in a clear 1-quart bag and removed from your carry-on at the security checkpoint.

Guns and knives are still off limits. The TSA has seen a rise in the number of these items at security checkpoints this year. In many cases, travelers forgot or didn’t realize the item was even in their bag. So, the TSA recommends that travelers check their bags thoroughly before packing them for an upcoming flight.

If you still aren’t sure if something can be put in your carry-on, visit TSA’s website and use the “Can I bring my …” search box at the top of the page.