Roberta Aguirre
Metal detectors at airport security checkpoints are designed to be triggered by certain types of metals, such as steel, brass, platinum, titanium, aluminium, gold, and nickel. These detectors are sensitive to various factors, including the density and composition of metals, and can also be adjusted to target specific items, like guns, while ignoring others, like small objects. Understanding which metals can set off the alarm can help travellers prepare for a smoother screening process, avoiding unnecessary delays caused by items such as clothing with metal buttons or zippers, jewellery, watches, coins, body piercings, and electronic devices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Metals that beep at airport security | Steel, Brass, Platinum, Titanium, Aluminum, Gold, Nickel, Silver, Lead, Stainless Steel |
| Items that contain metals that beep at airport security | Clothing with metal buttons or zippers, metal coins, body piercings, watches, laptops, smartphones, beverage cans, jewelry, wallets, belts, dental work, electronic devices, headbands, chewing gum wrappers, inhalers, orthopedic implants |
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What You'll Learn
- Metal clothing items and accessories, like buttons, zippers, studs, and belt buckles
- Orthopedic implants, like joint replacements, are likely to be detected
- Dense, non-magnetic metals, such as gold, platinum, and titanium
- Electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops
- Coins, keys, and other small items containing metal
Metal clothing items and accessories, like buttons, zippers, studs, and belt buckles
Metal studs and rivets on clothing, such as jeans, jackets, or shoes, can sometimes set off metal detectors, especially if they are large or numerous. Belt buckles, especially those made of metal, almost always trigger metal detectors and must be removed before passing through security. Plastic buckles are less likely to set off alarms, but some security officers may still ask you to remove your belt.
Other metal accessories that can set off airport metal detectors include hair accessories like headbands and hair clips, which often have metal frames. Watches, especially those with metal bands or cases, can also trigger metal detectors. Jewelry made of certain metals, such as steel, brass, titanium, gold, or nickel, is likely to be detected, although high-quality jewelry made of precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum may not set off the alarm.
To avoid unnecessary delays at airport security, it is recommended to remove metal clothing items and accessories before passing through metal detectors. These items can be placed in the designated bins provided by airport security, or in some cases, sent through the X-ray belt ahead of you.
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Orthopedic implants, like joint replacements, are likely to be detected
Metal detectors at airports are designed to identify a wide range of metal objects to ensure passenger safety. While some metals, like gold, are not magnetic, they can still cause metal detectors to react due to their density.
People with orthopedic implants may face additional security checks, such as a pat-down or a full-body scan, which can be invasive and stressful. It is recommended to arrive at the airport early to allow enough time for these extra security measures. Communicating with security personnel is crucial, and passengers with internal medical devices like pacemakers or ICDs should inform security beforehand. While these detectors will not cause harm to the body, they may require an X-ray for further screening.
To ensure a smooth screening process, it is advisable to remove all metal items before passing through metal detectors. This includes items such as watches, jewelry, coins, body piercings, clothing with metal buttons or zippers, and electronic devices. Placing these items in designated bins helps avoid setting off alarms and delays.
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Dense, non-magnetic metals, such as gold, platinum, and titanium
Dense, non-magnetic metals such as gold, platinum, and titanium can set off metal detectors at airport security. Gold and platinum jewellery will usually be fine, but large, bulky pieces may trigger the detectors. Gold dental work may also set off the alarm, so it is worth informing security personnel beforehand if you have extensive dental work. Titanium is often used in aerospace applications, including aircraft parts, implants, and jewellery. As airport security measures have become more stringent, people with titanium implants may face greater and more frequent inconvenience with more invasive security checks.
Gold, platinum, and titanium are non-magnetic, but they can still set off alarms due to their density and composition. Metal detectors at airports are sensitive to metals, including orthopedic metal implants inside the body. The most commonly implanted orthopedic materials include stainless steel, cobalt chrome, and titanium. As metal detectors have become more sophisticated, they can discriminate between different implant metal alloys.
While some sources claim that gold and silver will not set off metal detectors, others state that gold can trigger the alarm due to its density. Gold jewellery or accessories may cause metal detectors to react, so it is advisable to inform security personnel if you are carrying valuable items. Watches are also likely to trigger metal detectors, especially those with metal bands or cases. It is recommended to remove your watch and place it in the security bin before passing through the metal detector.
In addition to jewellery and watches, other items that may contain gold, platinum, or titanium and set off metal detectors include coins, electronics, and dental work. Coins made from metal alloys like copper, nickel, or zinc can set off metal detectors, so it is wise to remove loose change before going through security. Electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches often contain metal components such as batteries, circuit boards, and connectors, which can trigger the alarm. While the amount of metal in dental work is usually small, it is possible for metal detectors to detect these materials.
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Electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops
Electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, can set off metal detectors at airport security. These devices often contain metal components, such as batteries, circuit boards, and connectors, which can trigger the alarm. It is recommended that you remove these electronic devices from your pockets and bags and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening. This helps the TSA officers get clear images on the X-ray machine and facilitates a smoother screening process.
Some smartwatches, like Apple Watches or FitBits, usually don't set off alarms and can be worn through scanners. However, due to varying policies across airports, you may be asked to remove them, especially if they are large or resemble other electronic devices. It is always a good idea to check with your specific airport before travelling.
Additionally, it is important to note that headphones, both over-ear and in-ear varieties, are often subject to different regulations. Large over-ear headphones usually need to be removed and scanned separately. In-ear headphones, such as AirPods, are typically allowed to be worn, but some officers may request that you remove them as a precaution.
To ensure a smooth screening process, it is advisable to have your electronic devices easily accessible and well-organised in your bag. This will help speed up the screening process and reduce any potential delays.
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that some electronic devices may contain metal components that are not immediately apparent. For example, some wallets now come with metal casings or components. It is generally recommended to empty your pockets at most airports, so it is safer to place your wallet in the tray provided during screening.
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Coins, keys, and other small items containing metal
Other small metal items that can set off the metal detector include body piercings, watches, jewellery, and clothing with metal buttons or zippers. Body piercings should be removed and placed in the designated bins. Watches, especially those with metal bands or cases, can trigger the metal detector, so it is advised to remove them and place them in the security bin. Jewellery will only set off metal detectors if it is made from magnetic metals or cheaper materials. Chunky or bulky jewellery with lots of metal may also trigger the metal detectors. Clothing with metal buttons or zippers can potentially trigger the metal detector, but these metals are usually too small to be detected. However, styles with metal studs or rivets may sometimes set off the scanners, so you may be asked to undergo a pat-down.
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free screening process, it is important to be aware of any metal items you may be carrying and remove them before passing through the metal detector.
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Frequently asked questions
Common metals that are likely to set off the metal detector at the airport include steel, brass, platinum, titanium, aluminium, gold, nickel, and stainless steel.
It is recommended to remove items such as watches, jewellery, coins, body piercings, belts with metal buckles, clothing with metal buttons or zippers, and electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Metal detectors at airports are sensitive to metals, including orthopedic metal implants inside your body. If you have metal implants, be prepared for additional security checks, such as a pat-down or the use of a handheld metal detector. Inform security personnel beforehand to streamline the process.
