Lois Larson
Whether you can keep your watch on at airport security is dependent on several factors. Most sources agree that you can wear your watch through airport security, and this is preferable to placing it in a tray, where it could get scratched, damaged, lost, or stolen. However, some airports may ask you to remove your watch before going through the metal detector, especially if it is a chunky watch with a metal bracelet, as this is more likely to trigger the alarm. If you are wearing a modern watch, you can also place it in a tray and put it through the x-ray without damaging it. However, if you are wearing a vintage watch, it may be sensitive to magnetic fields and could be affected.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I keep my watch on at the airport? | In most cases, yes. |
| Reasons to keep it on | To reduce the chance of losing or damaging it, or having it stolen. |
| Reasons to take it off | To avoid triggering the metal detector. Chunkier watches and timepieces on metal bracelets are more likely to set off the alarm. |
| Alternatives | Keeping it in your carry-on bag, inside a shoe, or in a watch case, roll, or pouch. |
| Magnetism | Modern watches will have no problem resisting the magnetic fields around airport security. Older, vintage watches may be more sensitive. |
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What You'll Learn
Metal watches are more likely to set off detectors
While it is possible to go through airport security wearing your watch, metal watches are more likely to set off detectors. This is especially true of chunkier watches and timepieces with metal bracelets or bands. Stainless steel watches are more likely to set off metal detectors than those made of other metals, such as gold or aluminium.
If you are wearing a metal watch, you may be asked to remove it before going through the detector. Some people choose to put their watch in their pocket or bag before going through the detector to avoid this. Others have reported that security guards have asked them to remove their watch, only to tell them to put it back on and move on.
If you are concerned about your watch setting off a metal detector, you can take it off and put it in a scanner tray or a watch case in your bag. Alternatively, you could wear a cheaper watch or one made of a different material, such as gold or aluminium, that is less likely to set off the detector.
It is worth noting that the sensitivity of the scanner can also play a role in whether or not your watch sets off the detector. Additionally, some people worry about their watches being scratched or stolen if placed in a scanner tray. In this case, you may want to keep your watch on your wrist and only remove it as a last resort if asked by security personnel.
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You may be asked to remove your watch for inspection
It is not always necessary to remove your watch when passing through airport security. However, you may be asked to do so if it is made of metal, particularly if it is a large watch with a stainless steel band, as this could trigger the metal detector. If you are wearing a valuable watch, you may prefer to keep it on your wrist to reduce the risk of damage or theft.
If you are asked to remove your watch, you will usually be required to place it in a tray to pass through the X-ray machine. Some travellers are uncomfortable with this, as it means their watch is left unattended, and there is a risk of theft or damage. To mitigate this risk, you could place your watch inside your shoe or a pouch before putting it in the tray. Alternatively, you could ask a travelling companion to watch your belongings as they pass through the machine, or keep it in your line of sight by holding it up.
If you are concerned about your watch being damaged or stolen, you may prefer to pack it in your carry-on luggage rather than wearing it through airport security. However, this also carries a risk of damage or theft, particularly if you are asked to check your bag due to plane size limitations. Some travellers choose to keep their watch in a secure pouch or case inside their bag to reduce the risk of damage.
If you are wearing a mechanical watch, you should be aware that strong magnetic fields can affect their accuracy. However, most modern watches have improved anti-magnetic properties, so you are unlikely to experience any issues unless your watch is vintage or delicate. Airport scanners should not damage your watch, but it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with your warranty policy in case of any issues.
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Watches can be worn through body scanners
In most cases, you can keep your watch on when going through airport security. However, some airports or individual members of staff may ask you to remove it before passing through the metal detector. This is to avoid triggering the alarm, which is more likely if your watch is particularly chunky or made of solid metal.
If you are wearing a vintage or delicate watch, you may want to consider removing it and placing it in your carry-on bag, as airport scanners can damage older timepieces. Modern watches, on the other hand, will usually have no problem resisting the magnetic fields around airport security.
If you decide to keep your watch on, be aware that you may be asked to go through the metal detector again if your timepiece sets off the alarm. This means your watch will be left unattended on a tray. To avoid this, you could keep your watch in your carry-on bag or wear it through a walk-in body scanner.
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Keep valuables in carry-on bags, not plastic trays
When going through airport security, it is recommended to keep valuables, such as jewellery, currency, electronics, and other expensive items, in your carry-on bag rather than placing them in the plastic trays provided for scanning items. This reduces the risk of theft or loss, as plastic trays are easily accessible to other travellers passing through security.
It is generally safe to wear a watch through airport security and onto a flight. However, if your watch is made of metal, it may trigger the metal detector, in which case you should remove it and place it in a scanner tray. To avoid this inconvenience, some travellers choose to remove their watch before passing through security. Additionally, chunkier watches and timepieces with metal bracelets are more likely to trigger an alarm, so you may want to consider wearing a smaller watch with a non-metal band during travel.
If you are travelling with multiple watches, consider using watch accessories such as cases, rolls, and pouches to keep them safe and organised in your carry-on bag. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with your warranty policy in case any issues arise during your travels.
Other items that are typically allowed in carry-on bags include small tools like nail clippers, pill cutters, bottle openers, and scissors with blades less than four inches long. Liquids, gels, and aerosols are also permitted in carry-on luggage but must adhere to specific guidelines, such as the 3-1-1 rule, which limits quantities and requires them to be stored in a clear, quart-size plastic bag.
It is worth noting that some airports may have varying procedures and restrictions, so it is always a good idea to check with the specific airport or airline beforehand to ensure you are compliant with their regulations.
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Some airports insist watches are placed in bags
It is not always necessary to remove your watch when passing through airport security. However, some airports will ask you to remove your watch before proceeding through the metal detector. This can be due to the size and material of the watch, with larger, metal watches being more likely to set off the alarm.
If you are asked to remove your watch, you may be asked to place it in a tray to be scanned separately. This can be a concern for some travellers, as it means leaving valuables unattended, and there is a risk of theft or damage. To avoid this, some travellers opt to place their watch inside their shoe or a pouch within their carry-on bag before passing through security.
Some travellers also choose to remove their watch before reaching the security checkpoint, wrapping it carefully and placing it inside their carry-on luggage, to avoid any potential damage or inconvenience during the screening process. This can be a prudent approach if you are travelling with a particularly valuable or delicate timepiece.
Ultimately, the decision to keep your watch on or remove it when passing through airport security may depend on the specific airport, the type of watch you are wearing, and your personal preference.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, in most cases, you can wear your watch through airport security. However, it depends on the airport, the type of watch, and the security staff. If your watch is a large stainless steel watch with a metal band, it is more likely to set off the metal detector.
If your watch sets off the metal detector, you may be asked to remove it and go through the detector again. Alternatively, you may be asked to put your watch in a tray and send it through the X-ray machine.
It is not recommended to put your watch in a tray and send it through the X-ray machine as it may get scratched, damaged, lost, or stolen. If you want to keep your watch close to you at all times, you can wear it through the walk-in body scanner or conveyor scanner without damaging it.
If you don't want to wear your watch through airport security, you can put it in your carry-on bag or backpack before going through security. Some people also choose to put their watch inside their shoe to avoid bouncing around on a hard surface.
