Sachin Walls
Many people wonder whether they can wear their watches through airport security. The answer depends on the watch you’re wearing and the type of metal detector at the airport. Metal detectors may react to jewellery, watches, and belts, with anything containing more than a few grams of metal potentially triggering the alarm. Some people prefer to put their watches in their carry-on luggage to avoid this, while others keep their watches on their wrists. In most cases, you won't be asked to remove your watch, but if you are, it will only be briefly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do you need to remove your watch at airport security? | In most cases, you don't need to remove your watch from your wrist when moving through security. If you do, it will only be briefly. |
| What happens if you don't remove your watch? | Metal detectors shouldn't sound over a watch but can if your timepiece is chunky and solid metal. If the alarm goes off, an officer will clear the alarm or ask you to remove your watch. |
| What happens if you want to keep your watch with you? | You can also wear your watch through a walk-in body scanner or conveyor scanner without damage. |
| How do you keep your watch safe at airport security? | Keep your watch on your wrist, place it in a pocket and close the pocket with a lock, or put it in a pouch, backpack, or carry-on bag. |
| What happens if your watch is damaged or stolen? | It is recommended to keep your watch with you at all times. |
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What You'll Learn
Do watches set off metal detectors?
It depends on the type of watch you're wearing and the sensitivity of the metal detector at the airport. Metal detectors at airports are typically sensitive, and even a few grams of metal can set them off. Therefore, it is recommended to remove your watch and put it in your carry-on bag for scanning if you want to get through security quickly.
However, some people choose to keep their watches on while passing through metal detectors and only remove them if asked by security personnel. This is because, in most cases, watches do not trigger metal detectors, and it is rare for security personnel to ask travellers to remove their watches. Additionally, some travellers are concerned about the risk of scratching or damaging their watches, losing them, or having them stolen if they are placed in a scanner tray.
If you are wearing a chunky or solid metal watch, it is more likely to set off the metal detector. In this case, you may be asked to briefly remove it and place it in a scanner tray for inspection. To reduce the chance of setting off the metal detector, some people choose to wear plastic or less metallic watches while travelling.
It is worth noting that some airports have full-body scanners that you can pass through with your watch on your wrist. Additionally, putting a watch through a scanner will not damage it, and airport scanners do not generate magnetic fields that could magnetise your watch. However, if you are wearing a vintage or delicate watch, it is recommended to be cautious as mechanical watches are sensitive to high magnetic fields.
Overall, while it is possible to keep your watch on while passing through airport security, it is recommended to remove it and place it in your carry-on bag to expedite the process and reduce the risk of damage or loss.
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Do watches need to be removed at airport security?
Whether or not you need to remove your watch at airport security depends on the airport, the type of watch you're wearing, and the type of metal detector in use.
Some travellers prefer to keep their watches on their wrists when passing through airport security, while others choose to place them in their hand luggage or pockets. In most cases, you don't need to remove your watch when moving through security. However, if your watch contains metal, it may trigger the metal detector, in which case you may be asked to remove it. To avoid this, some travellers choose to put their watches in a plastic basket or tray, which will then be scanned separately.
If you're wearing a metal watch, it's a good idea to check with the airport security staff beforehand to see if you need to remove it. Additionally, if you're travelling with multiple watches, consider using watch accessories like cases, rolls, or pouches to keep them safe.
It's worth noting that some travellers have expressed concerns about potential theft or damage to their watches during the security process. To mitigate these risks, you can keep your watch on your wrist, place it in a secure pocket, or keep it within your sight as it goes through the scanner. Ultimately, the decision to remove your watch or not at airport security is influenced by personal preference, the airport's policies, and the characteristics of your timepiece.
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What happens if a watch sets off a metal detector?
Most watches are made of metal and, in theory, could set off a metal detector. However, many people report that they have been able to wear their watches through metal detectors without any issues. Some people are asked to remove their watches, while others are not. It seems to depend on the airport and the security system in place.
If you are concerned about your watch setting off a metal detector, there are a few things you can do. Some people recommend taking your watch off and putting it in your pocket before going through security. You can also put it in a zipped-up pocket or a pouch inside your carry-on bag. This will help protect it from scratches or theft. Some people even wrap their watches in a sock and put them in their carry-on, so they are less likely to be scratched or stolen. If you are worried about your watch being stolen, you can try to keep it in your sight at all times. Some people put their watches in a basket and ask the person behind them in line to keep an eye on it as they go through security. Others hold their watch up in the air, pointing it at the camera that is watching them.
If you do not want to take your watch off, you can try to walk through the metal detector without setting it off. Some people report that newer metal detectors mark a little box over their wrist on the screen, but they are still allowed to move on. If the metal detector does go off, you can play the "aw shucks, stupid me" card and take your watch off if asked.
It is important to note that X-ray machines will not magnetise your watch. So, if you put your watch in the bin with your other belongings to go through the X-ray machine, you do not have to worry about it being magnetised.
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Do watches get damaged by airport security scanners?
Millions of watches go through airport security scanners every year, and it is difficult to find a definitive answer as to whether modern scanning technology can harm your wristwatch. Most types of electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and “hard” radiation like gamma and x-rays, don’t affect mechanical watches. The real concern is magnetic fields, which can cause mechanical watches to deviate from their regulated timekeeping properties.
Walk-through or handheld metal detectors do generate magnetic fields, but the fields are too weak to affect modern watches with Nivarox-type balance springs. A 2003 study from the journal Health Physics found that the magnetic fields generated by walk-through scanners were "up to 299 A/m [amperes per meter]" and 6 A/m for handheld, wand-type detectors. Modern Nivarox alloy balance springs are compliant with the standard for non-magnetic watches, ISO 764, which specifies that for a watch to be “anti-magnetic”, it must run with no more than a ± 30-second daily deviation in rate, after exposure to a magnetic field of 4800 A/m, which is much stronger than anything a watch will be exposed to at airport security.
Additionally, X-ray machines are commonly used for scanning hand luggage, shoes, and other personal items at airport security. However, X-rays do not generate magnetic fields, and thus will not magnetize your watch.
While there is no specific recommendation from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on wearing a watch through airport security, some people choose to keep their watches on their wrists during the security screening process to avoid potential damage or theft. Others prefer to remove their watches and place them in a secure pocket or bag before reaching the checkpoint to avoid triggering the metal detector and ensure their watches are not out of their sight. Ultimately, the decision of whether to wear a watch through airport security scanners depends on individual preference and the specific security procedures at the airport.
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How to keep a watch safe at airport security
While travelling with a valuable watch, it is natural to be concerned about its safety. Here are some tips to ensure your watch remains secure at airport security:
Keep it on your wrist
In most cases, you can keep your watch on your wrist when going through security. This is a good idea if you are worried about it getting scratched or stolen. Metal detectors should not sound over a watch, but they can if your timepiece is large and made of solid metal. If you are asked to remove it, politely decline, stating your preference not to.
Place it in a secure pocket
If you would prefer to remove your watch, place it in a secure, zipped pocket within your hand luggage. A locked pocket will ensure the watch does not fall out and get lost or damaged. You could also put it in a pouch or wallet within your bag, making it harder for thieves to access.
Keep an eye on your belongings
Always remain vigilant and keep an eye on your possessions as they go through the X-ray machine and come out the other side. If you are travelling with someone, ask them to watch your valuables as they go through the scanner, and keep an eye on their possessions, too.
Get insurance
If your watch is particularly valuable, consider taking out insurance that covers theft and loss. It is also a good idea to refresh yourself on your warranty policy.
Keep it with you
Never pack your watch in checked luggage, where it is more likely to get damaged or lost. Keep it with you at all times, and consider investing in a watch roll or pouch to keep it safe during your trip.
By following these steps, you can ensure your watch remains safe and secure when navigating airport security.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, in most cases, you can wear your watch through airport security. However, you may be asked to remove it, especially if it is made of metal. Metal detectors shouldn't sound over a watch, but they can if your timepiece is chunky and solid metal. If you don't want to risk it, put it in your carry-on bag or pocket and lock it.
No, the X-ray machines at the airport will not damage your watch. They don't generate magnetic fields, so they won't magnetise your watch.
If you don't want to put your watch in the tray, you can ask the security staff to hold it for you while you go through the scanner. Alternatively, you can put it in your carry-on bag or a secure pocket and walk through the scanner yourself.
Keep your watch with you at all times. If you must put it in your luggage, keep it in your carry-on bag and keep an eye on it at all times. You can also put it in a lockable pocket or a pouch inside your bag.
