Whether we’re trying to look good on the plane, have a meeting or dinner awaiting us at our destination, or simply enjoy wearing jewelry, we all have our reasons for keeping items on when passing through security. I’ve found myself setting off my fair share of metal detectors when wearing my rings or necklaces. But are you allowed to wear jewelry when passing through airport security?
Well for starters, unlike shoes and electronics, there’s not a specified rule stating that you can’t wear jewelry when passing through airport security. Chances are it’ll be alright to wear jewelry when passing through, as long as you’re okay with doing a full body metal detector search if the security alarm goes off. However, not all jewelry will set off the alarm. Let’s take a look!
Key Takeaways
- In most cases, it’s okay to wear jewelry when passing through airport security, as most jewelry won’t set off any metal detectors due to the materials they’re made of.
- Larger jewelry items might set off the metal detector, so it’s recommended to remove them before going through security to avoid any delays or hassles.
- Once you’re through airport security, you can put your jewelry back on and wear it for the remainder of the traveling day. Jewelry poses no risk to the plane and won’t interfere with the flight.
What Can Be Worn Through Security?
In most cases, it’ll be okay to wear jewelry when passing through airport security. Most jewelry won’t set off any metal detectors due to the materials they’re made out of. Gold, platinum, and sterling silver will very rarely set off an alarm and if they do, it’s probably because they’re mixed with another metallic material. Pure, fine jewelry will likely pass through without a hitch.
Most earrings, rings, watches, and necklaces should be alright to keep on your person when passing through the metal detector. This allows you to avoid removing all of your jewelry and leaving it in a bin where it could get lost. There are a few exceptions to the rule, however, as too much material could still set off the alarm. Larger objects could still cause the metal detector to start beeping.
Removing Jewelry For Airport Security
If your jewelry is big enough to set off an alarm, we recommend removing it before stepping through the full-body scanner. If you wear it through the scanner, chances are you’ll set off the alarm and will be subject to a wand search or pat down. To avoid that hassle, take off your larger jewelry items and set them in the bin for luggage scanning.
You might encounter airport security agents that require you to take off your jewelry regardless. This is probably due to personal preference and not genuine fears of having the jewelry set off the alarm. If there’s jewelry, a false alarm can slow down the security process and become a headache for everyone.
Wearing Jewelry on a Plane
Once you’re through airport security, you can put your jewelry back on and wear it for the remainder of the traveling day. There’re no interferences caused to the plane by jewelry and it poses no risk of pressurization difficulties, so it should be perfectly fine to wear onboard the plane.
All in all, wearing jewelry through airport security should be totally okay. It likely won’t set off any alarms and even if it does, you’ll simply be asked to remove it and walk through again. Feel free to bring your jewelry along with you when traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear jewelry when passing through airport security?
Yes, in most cases it’s okay to wear jewelry when passing through airport security, as long as it won’t set off the metal detector.
What type of jewelry can I wear through airport security?
Most earrings, rings, watches, and necklaces should be alright to keep on your person when passing through the metal detector, as long as they’re made of materials that won’t set off the alarm.
What should I do if my jewelry sets off the metal detector?
If your jewelry sets off the metal detector, you’ll likely need to go through a secondary screening process. It’s recommended to remove larger jewelry items before going through security to avoid any delays or hassles.
Can I wear jewelry on a plane?
Yes, once you’re through airport security, you can put your jewelry back on and wear it for the remainder of the traveling day. Jewelry poses no risk to the plane and won’t interfere with the flight.
Why do some airport security agents ask me to remove my jewelry?
Some airport security agents may ask you to remove your jewelry even if it won’t set off the metal detector. This is likely due to personal preference or to avoid false alarms that can slow down the security process.
FAQs
To reduce the likelihood of an alarm that results in pat-down screening, remember to remove all items from your pockets before you go through screening. You should avoid wearing clothes, shoes and jewelry with a high metal content.
Are you allowed to wear jewelry through airport security? ›
TSA Guidelines for Jewelry
You may need to remove multiple pieces or bulky jewelry. In general, small pieces of jewelry like rings and earrings can be worn through TSA checkpoints without issue. However, heavy jewelry with bulky metal components or multiple pieces can trigger the scanner.
Will my bracelet set off a metal detector? ›
You are more likely to set off the alarm wearing cheap costume jewelry, frequently made with magnetic metals, than fine gold and platinum jewelry. It is often advised that you leave your fine gold and platinum jewelry on your person as it is unlikely to cause the security system to react.
Do you have to declare jewelry when flying? ›
Conclusion. In summary, when traveling to or from the United States, it is important to understand the customs regulations regarding jewelry. While you may not need to declare jewelry below the duty-free exemption limit, it is always recommended to accurately declare any jewelry you are carrying.
Can you wear Pandora bracelets through airport security? ›
Most fine jewelry and small pieces will go through airport security without a problem. Anything that's bulky or made of metal can trigger a wand-down, though, so make sure to remove those pieces and place them in your carry-on before going through security.
Does 14k gold set off metal detectors? ›
Yes, gold does trigger metal detectors. Metal detectors work by generating an electromagnetic field, which induces eddy currents in nearby conductive materials like metals. Gold is a highly conductive metal, so when it comes into the proximity of a metal detector, it generates a detectable signal.
What is not allowed on a plane to carry-on? ›
Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.
How to pack jewelry in carry-on? ›
Put your treasures in travel jewellery cases and travel-sized containers, enclosed in bubble wrap. You can carry your jewellery through the TSA trouble-free unless they are bulky and made of heavy metal content. Always put them in your carry-on, checking them in is risky.
Will a metal detector find jewelry? ›
What are the Best Metal Detectors for Finding Lost Jewelry? The two most common items found with a metal detector are coins and jewelry. Trash items like bottle caps, nails and soda cans are always an obstacle, but we're talking about actual targets.
What happens if you don't declare jewelry at customs? ›
Once the property is not declared, Customs will generally seize it at the time. Some days or weeks later, you should receive a notice of seizure letter by U.S. mail.
Why Declare Jewelry? Declaring jewelry when entering a country is a legal obligation that helps the customs authorities ensure the proper assessment of duties and taxes. It also serves as a means to prevent the unauthorized import or export of high-value items, including precious gemstones and metals.
How much gold jewelry can I bring on the airplane? ›
First things first, there's no limit to the amount of gold jewelry you can bring into the US. However, if the value of the gold coins or currency exceeds $10k, you'll need to fill out a FinCen105 form with US Customs and Border Protection.
Will TSA stop you for jewelry? ›
Checked Bags: Yes
If you are travelling with valuable items such as jewelry, please keep those items with you at all times (do not put them in checked baggage). You can ask the TSA officer to screen you and your valuables in private to maintain your security.
Do bracelets trigger airport security? ›
That means you can wear your rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets without raising any problems. The only "problem" is when your jewelry is too bulky or contains a lot of metal. Oversized and metallic jewelry can trigger the alarm, so it's best to put it in your carry-on, where it won't set off the metal detector.
Can you wear permanent jewelry through security? ›
The TSA typically does not make passengers remove fine jewelry, so your permanent jewelry should not cause problems when going through airport security. On the off chance that your permanent bracelet, anklet, necklace or ring triggers a metal detector, TSA may require additional screening.
Can you bring an engagement ring through airport security? ›
Some crafty travelers suggest wrapping a note around the box stating there's an engagement ring inside so the agent will be more discreet while searching through your bags. Rest assured, there's nothing illegal about traveling with an engagement ring, so there's virtually no risk of it being confiscated.
Will the Underwire set off at the airport? ›
Although some have claimed otherwise, there are thousands that wear underwire bras through airport security each day without setting off the alarm. If you really want to avoid setting off the metal detectors at all costs, consider wearing an underwire bra with plastic, a strapless bra or a sports bra.
