Passing through airport security can often seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and knowledge of what to expect, you can breeze through the process efficiently. In this article, we’ll provide you with comprehensive guidance on what to wear and what to remove at airport security checkpoints to help make your journey hassle-free.
What Airport Scanners Detect
Airport scanners are designed to detect various items, particularly metallic objects, that could pose a security risk. Here’s a breakdown of common items and whether you should remove them:
- Belts: Metal buckles on belts can trigger metal detectors, so it’s best to remove them unless the buckle is made of plastic and not visible.
- Bobby pins: More than two bobby pins in your hair might set off metal detectors, so consider removing them if necessary.
- Jewelry: Items made from magnetic metals may trigger metal detectors. Expensive jewelry made of gold, silver, or platinum is generally safe to wear.
- Watches: Large or cheap metal watches may set off alarms, so remove them if necessary.
- Mobile phones: Most airports require you to remove mobile devices from your pockets for scanning.
- Smartwatches: These are usually allowed, but be prepared to remove them if requested.
- Underwire bras: Despite some claims, underwire bras typically do not trigger alarms.
- Hearing aids: These are generally fine to wear through security without setting off alarms.
- Wallets and purses: Non-metallic items in wallets are usually okay, but purses may need to be screened separately.
- Pacemakers: While they don’t set off detectors, hand-held scanners may affect them, so it’s wise to inform security.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs): These typically do not trigger detectors.
- Metal implants: Depending on sensitivity, metal in the body may set off alarms.
Items You Can Wear Through Security
Certain items are generally safe to wear through airport security:
- Shoes: Except for steel-toe caps, most shoes can be kept on unless requested otherwise.
- Jeans: Metal buttons and zips on jeans are usually too small to trigger alarms.
- Religious headscarves: These can typically be worn through security.
- Babies: If carried in a carrier, babies do not need to be removed.
- Wigs: These are typically not an issue for security screening.
Items to Remove at Airport Security
Some items should be removed before passing through security:
- Hats: Hats must be removed before passing through scanners.
- Outer layers: Jackets, hoodies, and cardigans may need to be removed and screened separately.
- Sunglasses: These are often required to be removed.
This comprehensive guide should help you navigate airport security with ease, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.