HOUSTON — Houston airport employees are helping passengers ahead of the holidays to avoid having their wrapped gifts ripped open and security.
Beyond the check-in and security lines at Bush Intercontinental Airport's Terminal A amid the hustle and bustle of holiday travel, there's a helping hand from a man gifted at what he does.
Alton DuLaney is considered the greatest gift wrap artist.
"Just with a little bit of paper and a little bit of tape and a little bow, you can really brighten someone's day, so that's a great thing to be able to offer someone," DuLaney said.
On a normal day, DuLaney is the public art curator at IAH, but for the past few weeks and on Wednesday, for the last time this season, he served in another capacity.
"I am the world's most famous gift wrap artist," he said.
And he's not bragging. He's got his own gift-wrapping show on QVC, so he knows what he's doing. He also knows how to put a smile on the faces of the people whose gifts he's wrapping.
"Gift giving is a celebration," DuLaney said. "After all, you're giving something to someone to show your appreciation for them that you put some thought into it."
On Wednesday, airport employees and passengers alike learned the tricks of the trade, from clean folded edges to the proper tape placement...and, of course, how to get those crisp corners.
To DuLaney, it all matters. He said it may be easier to avoid wrinkles and tears if you wait to wrap your gifts once you reach your destination...if you don't happen to meet any gift wrapping experts on the way there.
"I wrap gifts. I have fun with it. I interact with the passengers and everyone has a good time," DuLaney said.
While the gift wrapping is finished for the season at Bush Airport, there is still more fun at the airport. Santa is paying a visit on Thursday.