Jazmin Li
Many people wonder whether they can carry their wallet through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends placing items from your pockets into your carry-on bag to reduce touchpoints between your items and checkpoint bins. This means that passengers are advised to remove their wallets from their pockets and place them in their carry-on luggage before passing through the X-ray scanner. However, some travellers report inconsistent experiences with this rule, with some being able to pass through metal detectors with their wallets in their pockets, while others have had their wallets flagged for additional screening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you carry your wallet through airport security? | It is recommended to place your wallet inside your carry-on bag or backpack to reduce touchpoints and avoid losing your belongings. |
| Where to place your wallet when going through security | Place your wallet inside your carry-on bag or backpack, or inside your jacket or pants pocket. |
| How to secure your wallet when travelling | Keep your wallet in a secure, zipped pocket or bag, or use a money belt to hold your wallet and other valuables. |
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What You'll Learn
Wallets in pockets will set off the metal detector
It is recommended that you do not carry your wallet in your pocket when passing through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that travellers remove all items from their pockets, including wallets, and place them into a carry-on bag. This is to reduce touchpoints between your belongings and the security bins.
If you are travelling with a wallet, it is best to place it inside your carry-on bag before passing through security. This ensures that your wallet, along with any valuable items inside, remains in your sight. It also reduces the risk of someone stealing your wallet as your belongings pass through the conveyor belt. In addition, placing your wallet in your carry-on bag can prevent it from setting off the metal detector.
Wallets that are left in pockets may contain enough metal to set off the metal detector, depending on their design and the number of metal items inside. For example, if you have a lot of coins in your wallet, this could trigger the alarm. To avoid this, it is advisable to remove your wallet from your pocket and place it in your carry-on bag before passing through the metal detector.
If you do accidentally set off the metal detector, you may be subjected to additional screening. A TSA officer may need to open your baggage and identify the item that caused the alarm. To avoid this inconvenience, it is best to follow the recommended procedures and remove your wallet from your pocket before passing through security.
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Wallets in hand luggage are allowed
Wallets are permitted in hand luggage when passing through airport security. However, you will need to remove your wallet from your pocket and place it in your carry-on bag before passing through the scanner. This is standard practice at US airports, and you will usually be reminded by a TSA officer to do so. It is also recommended by the TSA to place items from your pockets into your carry-on bag to reduce touchpoints between your items and checkpoint bins.
If you are concerned about the security of your wallet, there are several options. One is to place your wallet in an interior pocket of your carry-on bag. This way, it is less likely to fall out or be easily accessed by someone else. Another option is to use a purse or "man bag" with a zippered pocket, where you can keep your wallet, money, and cards secure and easily accessible.
If you are travelling with a lot of cash or credit cards, it is advisable to distribute them across different secure places. For example, you could keep some in your wallet and some in a money belt, which you can wear under your clothes for added security. This way, if your wallet is lost or stolen, you will still have access to some emergency funds and means of payment.
It is also worth noting that the TSA may ask you to remove your wallet from your carry-on bag for additional screening. This is a standard procedure and not necessarily a cause for concern. To reduce the risk of losing any items, you can place your carry-on bag on the conveyor belt just before you walk through the scanner, so it is not left unattended for too long.
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Download the myTSA app to check what you can bring
If you're unsure about what you can and cannot bring through airport security, the myTSA app can help. Named the Best Government Mobile App by the American Council for Technology and Industry Advisory Council, the app provides 24/7 access to frequently requested airport security information. Available on iTunes and Google Play, the app can be downloaded to your personal electronic devices.
The app includes a searchable database of items that can and cannot be brought onto an airplane in your carry-on or checked bags. You can also use the app to check how busy the airport is likely to be on your specific day and time of travel, based on historical data. This can help you prepare and plan for your trip, especially if you're travelling during peak times.
Additionally, the myTSA app provides information on TSA PreCheck® and how to sign up. You can also consult the TSA Guide for tips on how to prepare for and get through security quickly.
The app also offers live assistance through the AskTSA social media integration, allowing you to request real-time help from TSA representatives. Overall, the myTSA app is a valuable tool for travellers looking to streamline their airport experience and stay informed about what items they can bring with them.
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Keep your wallet in a secure pocket of your hand luggage
It is recommended that you keep your wallet in a secure pocket of your hand luggage when going through airport security. This is because you will need to remove all items from your pockets when walking through the security checkpoint, and placing them directly into your carry-on bag helps to reduce touchpoints between your belongings and the bins.
Some people feel uncomfortable placing their wallet in the plastic bin at security, as it contains personal information, cash, and credit cards. One way to mitigate this is to put your wallet inside your hand luggage instead. This way, it remains in your sight almost the entire time, and you can keep a close eye on your belongings. If you are concerned about someone taking your wallet, you could try placing it inside an interior pocket of your carry-on bag, or sliding it deep inside your backpack.
If you are travelling in Europe, you may wish to keep a money belt on your person, with most of your cash, credit cards, and travel documents inside. This can be worn under your clothes, so it is not visible to others, and you will always know if someone is trying to access it. However, be aware that this may set off metal detectors, so you may need to remove it and place it in the bin.
It is worth noting that some people have reported being able to pass through security with their wallet in their pocket without any issues, particularly if it is a small, slim wallet that does not contain much metal. However, this does not seem to be standard practice, and you may be asked to remove it and place it in the bin. Officers are generally reluctant to backtrack on their demands, so it is usually easier to comply with their requests.
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Keep wallet in a separate pocket from your passport
It is recommended to keep your wallet in a separate pocket from your passport to ensure easy access and security when going through airport security. Here are some tips to consider:
- Keep your wallet and passport secure: When going through security checks, it is advisable to keep your wallet and passport secure in a carry-on bag, such as a backpack, briefcase, or purse. This way, you can easily access them and reduce the risk of losing them. Place them in an interior pocket or deep inside your bag to make them less vulnerable to theft.
- Comply with TSA recommendations: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends removing all items from your pockets, including your wallet, and placing them directly into your carry-on bag instead of the checkpoint bins. This helps reduce touchpoints and potential cross-contamination during the pandemic.
- Avoid metal detection issues: If you carry your wallet in your pocket, be mindful that some airport security scanners are sensitive to metal. Consider placing your wallet in your carry-on bag to avoid setting off the metal detector and triggering additional screening.
- Separate your valuables: Consider separating your valuables, such as extra credit cards and travel documents, into different pockets or bags. For example, you can keep your day-to-day cash and one credit card in a shirt or blouse pocket for easy access, while storing the rest of your valuables in a secure pocket or money belt.
- Utilize the "money belt" technique: When travelling, you can use a money belt to securely store extra credit cards, cash, and travel documents. Wear the money belt on the small of your back, tucking it into your underwear to ensure that no one can access it without your knowledge.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your wallet and passport remain secure and easily accessible when navigating airport security checks.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is recommended that you place your wallet inside your carry-on bag.
You can place your wallet in a plastic bin, but this is not recommended due to the risk of theft.
If you are going through a body scanner or AIT Millimeter scanner, any items in your pocket will cause an alert for additional screening.
No, you need to place your wallet inside a bag or bin before going through the metal detector.
Yes, but it is recommended that you only carry one day's worth of money and one credit card in your wallet, and keep the rest of your valuables in a money belt or secure backpack.
