USPS announces holiday mailing deadlines Published Oct. 30, 2012 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- It's the holiday season once again, and the first postal deadline to mail out packages so they arrive in time for the holidays is only three short weeks away. However, by being aware of those deadlines and planning ahead, you can keep from missing that final mail-out date and finding out that the package you sent 10 days before Christmas makes it just in time for Valentine's Day. Below are the 2012 recommended holiday mail deadline dates for postal customers assigned to the European theater of operations. These dates are for mail originating in Europe and destined tfor locations in the United States. Stateside mailers sending letters and packages to European APO/FPO/DPO addresses should use similar deadline dates. Space available mail - Nov. 26 Parcel airlift mail- Dec. 3 First class letters and cards - Dec. 10 Priority mail - Dec. 11 Customers can avoid the historical long lines at the post office when they mail early and can take advantage of using the less expensive, space available mail service at the official document center. Space available mail service takes longer to arrive to the end destination, so it's important to keep that in mind. Packages transiting through any mail system are handled numerous times, making proper packaging important. The below mailing tips are provided to help packages arrive safely and undamaged. USPS Mailing Tips · Print addresses clearly. Print or type clearly with a pen or permanent marker. Avoid commas, period or other punctuation--it helps your mailpiece speed through USPS automated processing equipment. · Include all address elements such as apartment numbers, suite numbers and directional information for streets. · Put the delivery and return addresses on only one side of the package. · Select a box that is strong enough to protect the contents. Leave space for cushioning inside the carton. · Package contents with shredded or rolled newspaper, bubble wrap or plastic foam peanuts. Plain air-popped popcorn is also good for cushioning; it's inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Pack tightly to avoid shifting. · Always use tape that is designed for shipping; such as pressure-sensitive tape, nylon-reinforced tape, paper tape or glass-reinforced pressure-sensitive tape. · Stuff glass and fragile hollow items, like vases, with newspaper or packing material to avoid damage due to shock. When mailing framed photographs, take the glass out of the frame and wrap it separately. · Remove alkaline batteries from toys and other electronic items. · Do not use gift-wrapping paper, string, masking tape or cellophane tape. · Place an index card inside the package that contains the sender's address and the recipient's address along with a list of the contents. This will help postal employees to re-pack improperly wrapped packages and came apart during transport, certifying the package is either sent to its destination or back to the sender. · Use the Express Mail and Priority Mail boxes, envelopes and tubes your post office provides. Contact the Incirlik Official Document Center at DSN 676-6301 for questions about holiday mailing options.