Airport Security Scanners: Piercing Concerns For Travelers

Many people with piercings worry about setting off airport security, especially when their travel companions are unaware of their piercings. Metal detectors emit an electromagnetic field that flows until it comes across something metallic, which disrupts the flow and triggers an alarm. While piercings are made of metal, they are usually too small to set off the metal detector. However, if you have a large amount of piercings or large jewellery, you may be more likely to set off the alarm. If you do set off the metal detector, you may be required to remove your piercings or submit to a pat-down.

Metal piercings may set off airport security

The likelihood of your piercings setting off the alarm depends on the number and type of piercings you have. A few piercings, even if grouped together, are unlikely to set off the alarm. However, the risk increases with more piercings or larger jewellery, such as hoops or gauges. Additionally, while walk-through metal detectors are unlikely to pick up on piercings, handheld wands are often more sensitive and may react to metal body jewellery.

If you are concerned about your piercings setting off the alarm or being discovered, you can consider removing your jewellery or replacing it with non-metallic alternatives. Plastic retainers or bioplast jewellery, for example, are cheap, flexible, biocompatible, and difficult to notice. However, be aware that removing jewellery from a new or healing piercing is generally not recommended, as the hole may close up. In this case, it is probably best to simply leave your piercings in, as the chance of setting off the metal detector is slim, and piercings do not pose a security threat.

Private inspections are an option

As of March 2008, passengers have had the option to request a visual inspection instead of removing their piercings. If you choose to keep your piercings in place and the metal detector is set to a high level of sensitivity, you may be asked to undergo a pat-down or private inspection. During a private inspection, a security officer of your gender will examine you in a separate room. It's important to remain calm and cooperative during this process.

If you're worried about setting off the metal detector, you can opt for non-metallic jewellery. Quality metal body jewellery is non-ferromagnetic and won't trigger the walk-through metal detectors. However, handheld wands are more sensitive and may sound an alarm when scanning directly over metal jewellery. In this case, you may be asked to remove your piercings or undergo a private inspection.

It's worth noting that airport security is primarily concerned with finding dangerous objects like weapons, explosives, and knives. Your piercings likely pose no security threat, and an oversensitive metal detector would make finding actual threats more challenging.

Handheld wands are more sensitive

While it is unlikely that piercings will set off airport security, it is not impossible. This is especially true when it comes to handheld wands, which are often more sensitive than walk-through metal detectors. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses security metal detectors to look for dangerous objects like knives, guns, explosives, and other weapons that could threaten people's safety on a flight. These detectors can be adjusted to be more or less sensitive, depending on the level of security needed.

Handheld wands are often more sensitive than the walk-through metal detectors and are more likely to sound an alarm when scanning directly over metal body jewellery. This increased sensitivity means that even a small amount of metal can set off the alarm, including piercings. In one case, a woman was required to remove a nipple ring with pliers in order to be permitted to board her plane. This incident sparked a lawsuit and a change in policy by the TSA. As of March 2008, passengers have the option to request a visual inspection instead of removing their body jewellery.

If you are concerned about setting off airport security with your piercings, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, you can wear non-metallic jewellery, as quality metal body jewellery is non-ferromagnetic and will not set off the large walk-through metal detectors. You can also try jewellery made of bioplast, a flexible, biocompatible plastic that is comfortable in piercings. Additionally, if you have a new piercing, it is recommended that you do not remove your jewellery unless absolutely necessary, as this can cause the piercing to close up.

Avoid piercings with spikes

It is not uncommon for piercings to set off airport security metal detectors. Metal detectors emit an electromagnetic field that flows until it comes across something metallic. The metal object disrupts this flow, and the detector is designed to give an audible signal when the field is disturbed.

However, the risk of this happening depends on the number of piercings and the size of the jewellery. In general, a few piercings—even if grouped together—usually do not pose a threat of setting off an alarm. But, with heightened security, it is always a possibility.

If you are concerned about your piercings being revealed during travel, it is best to avoid piercings with spikes. Spiked jewellery is sometimes construed as a weapon and may be confiscated. Additionally, if you are worried about setting off metal detectors, you can opt for non-metallic jewellery. Quality metal body jewellery is non-ferromagnetic and will not set off the large walk-through metal detectors.

If you do choose to wear piercings with spikes, be prepared for the possibility of additional screening. You may be asked to remove your piercing in private as an alternative to a pat-down. Alternatively, you can request a visual inspection instead of removing your body jewellery.

Bioplast jewellery is a safe alternative

Bioplast Jewellery: A Safe Alternative

Body piercings are a common concern for travellers passing through airport security. Metal piercings may set off the metal detectors commonly used in airports, resulting in a pat-down or additional screening. To avoid this, some people choose to remove their piercings before passing through security. However, this may not always be possible, especially for newer piercings that are still healing. In such cases, opting for Bioplast jewellery can be a safe and suitable alternative.

Bioplast® is a medical-grade material that is certified biocompatible and safe for initial piercings. It is flexible, can be cut to any length, and is easy to thread. Bioplast jewellery can be autoclaved (sterilised) and is hypoallergenic, making it comfortable and non-irritating even for those with sensitive skin. It has a melting point between 97ºF-120ºF, which is important to consider when passing through security. The flexibility of Bioplast jewellery also makes it easy to insert and remove, reducing the risk of injury or discomfort.

Bioplast jewellery is available in various forms, including labret studs, nose rings, belly rings, septum retainers, and earrings. It is often recommended for first-time piercings due to its flexibility and biocompatibility, which can aid in the healing process. The material can be combined with other materials such as SS316L, titanium, silver, or gold, offering a range of aesthetic options for consumers.

When travelling with piercings, it is always a good idea to check the latest guidelines from official sources, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). While Bioplast jewellery may reduce the chances of setting off metal detectors, each situation is unique, and additional screening or removal of jewellery may still be required in certain cases. Nonetheless, opting for Bioplast jewellery can provide peace of mind and help ensure a smoother travel experience for individuals with piercings.

Frequently asked questions