For the fourth year in a row, the San Diego International Airport will offer ticketed passengers free gift-wrapping service before they take flight.
Running from December 21 to 23, the service is meant to speed up time spent at security checkpoints because of the possibility that gifts may be opened during the screening process.
“I think people are coming to count on this service,” said Katie Jones, airport spokeswoman. “We are anticipating a small rise in traffic and it will get busier as we approach to Christmas.”
As an added bonus, artwork for this year’s wrapping paper is designed by students in partnership with the New Children's Museum's after school program, said Jones. “So, passengers will get a unique taste of San Diego under the tree this year,” she added.
Volunteers from the airport’s Volunteer Ambassador program, as well as airport employees, will take part in the program.
Last year, 56 staffers and volunteers donated 227 hours to wrap more than 2,000 gifts, according to airport officials.
As a general rule, the Transportation Security administration recommends that travelers wrap gifts after their flight or ship them before coming to the airport.