Air Travel Jewelry: To Remove Or Not?

Airport security is a necessary evil, but with a little preparation, it can be considerably less painful. One of the most common questions travellers have is whether or not to remove their jewellery before going through security. The answer is that, in most cases, you can keep your jewellery on. However, if you're wearing large, bulky, or oversized jewellery with a lot of metal, it's best to remove it and put it in your carry-on bag instead of a checkpoint bin to avoid losing it. Small rings, earrings, and necklaces can usually stay on. Metal body piercings may cause an alarm at the metal detector, so you may want to remove these beforehand. Ultimately, if your jewellery alarms the detector, an officer will work with you to clear the alarm, which may involve a visual inspection or removing the item.

You can keep most jewellery on when passing through airport security

Small and delicate pieces of jewellery, such as wedding rings, earrings, necklaces, and wristwatches, can usually be kept on. There's no need to remove them unless they are oversized or contain a significant amount of metal. If you're wearing glasses, you can keep them on too. They are unlikely to set off the metal detector and it's safer to keep them on than risk stumbling through the checkpoint.

If you have body piercings, it's worth noting that they may cause the metal detector to alarm, resulting in additional screening. You may be asked to remove your piercings in private as an alternative to a pat-down search. Similarly, metal hair accessories like bobby pins can also set off the metal detector, so consider substituting them with wooden or plastic versions.

In summary, when passing through airport security, it's generally acceptable to keep small and delicate jewellery on. However, removing larger or bulkier pieces beforehand can streamline the security process and reduce the risk of losing your valuables.

If you're wearing bulky jewellery, it's best to remove it and place it in your carry-on bag

Additionally, placing your jewellery in a carry-on bag reduces the risk of losing it. It's easy for jewellery to fall off or get left behind in a bin at the security checkpoint. By keeping it with you in your carry-on bag, you can ensure that it remains safe and secure.

It's important to note that small, non-bulky jewellery, such as wedding rings, earrings, and necklaces, can usually be kept on during airport security. However, if you're wearing multiple pieces of jewellery, it may be more convenient to remove them and store them in your carry-on bag to speed up the screening process.

So, if you're travelling with bulky jewellery, remember to remove it before reaching the security checkpoint and securely store it in your carry-on bag. This will help ensure a smoother and faster airport security experience.

Metal body piercings may cause an alarm at the metal detector, so it's best to remove them

If you're wearing a lot of metal piercings, it's worth considering removing them before you reach the metal detector to save time. You can put them in your carry-on bag, which is a safer option than placing them in a bowl or bin, where they could be lost or stolen. If you'd prefer not to remove your piercings, be aware that you may be delayed at security while the screening agent works with you to clear the alarm.

It's worth noting that if you're wearing a lot of bulky jewellery with a lot of metal, it's best to remove it and put it in your carry-on bag. This will reduce the likelihood of it being left behind in a bin by mistake or falling out of the bin.

If you're wearing inexpensive jewellery, you can place it in a bin or bowl

When going through airport security, it's important to remember that you can keep most jewellery on. However, if you're wearing inexpensive jewellery, you can place it in a bin or bowl to speed up the process.

Keep Inexpensive Jewellery in a Bin or Bowl

If you're wearing inexpensive jewellery that you don't mind placing in a bin or bowl, go ahead and do so. This can help speed up the security process, as you won't need to remove the jewellery or have it inspected separately. Just be aware that bowls have been known to tip over on conveyor belts, so there is a small risk of losing your jewellery.

Remove Bulky Jewellery

If you're wearing bulky jewellery with a lot of metal, it's best to remove it and place it in your carry-on bag. This will reduce the likelihood of setting off metal detectors and having to undergo additional screening. It also ensures that you don't accidentally leave your jewellery behind in a bin or bowl.

Keep Small, Subtle Jewellery On

Small, subtle jewellery such as wedding rings, earrings, and necklaces can usually be kept on when going through airport security. There is rarely a need to remove these items, and they are unlikely to set off any alarms.

Prepare for Additional Screening

If your jewellery does set off an alarm, don't worry. A screening agent will work with you to resolve the issue. This may involve a visual inspection or, in some cases, you may be asked to remove the jewellery. Metal body piercings, for example, may require removal for private inspection to clear the alarm.

Keep Jewellery Within Easy Reach

If you choose to remove your jewellery and place it in your carry-on bag, make sure to keep your bag within easy reach. That way, you can quickly access your jewellery for inspection if needed and reduce the time spent at security.

Remember, the key to a smooth airport security experience is to be prepared and follow the instructions of the TSA officers. By following these tips, you can efficiently navigate security and be on your way to your destination.

If you're wearing jewellery that's not bulky, it's unlikely to alarm the detector

If you're wearing jewellery that isn't bulky, it's unlikely to alarm the metal detector. In most cases, you can keep your jewellery on when passing through airport security. This includes small rings, earrings, necklaces, and wristwatches. However, if you are wearing large or bulky jewellery with a lot of metal, it is best to remove it and place it inside your carry-on bag. This will reduce the likelihood of accidentally leaving it behind in a bin or having it fall out of the bin.

If you are wearing metal body piercings, they may cause the metal detector to alarm, resulting in additional screening. You may be asked to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to a pat-down search. It is also important to note that wooden or plastic versions of items are less likely to cause problems during screening. For example, using wooden or plastic bobby pins instead of metal ones can help streamline the process.

Additionally, if you are wearing jewellery that could be considered a weapon or threatening item, such as brass knuckles or jewellery made to look like guns or knives, you may be asked to remove it or undergo additional screening.

Overall, when travelling through airport security, it is advisable to wear subtle jewellery that will not set off the metal detector and to pack any statement pieces in your carry-on luggage.

Frequently asked questions