Jewelry at Airport Security: How to Avoid Delays and Keep Your Valuables Safe

Published: 23 Oct 2024

I have been working as a security officer at the airport for the last 10 years and so many people have asked me the same question: Can we travel with our jewelry and navigate through airport security easily? Most people ask whether their rings, necklaces, or bracelets can set off alarms and cause unnecessary delays. Some people even lose their valuables in this chaos of security checks. According to a report, almost 100000 cases of lost and found are reported every month at the airports in the USA. This article will definitely answer all your queries regarding jewelry at airport security, and some tips will also be shared with you for a safe and hassle-free journey with jewelry.

Table of Content

Can You Wear Jewelry Through Airport Security?
What Jewelry Can Set Off Metal Detectors?
What Happens If Jewelry Sets Off the Alarm?
Should You Pack Jewelry in Carry-On or Checked in Luggage?
Jewelry and Additional Screening
What to Do if You Lose Jewelry at Airport Security?
How Long Does Lost Jewelry Stay at the Airport Before It's Disposed Of?
Frequently Asked Questions
Final words

Can You Wear Jewelry Through Airport Security?

Yes, you can! Regular small ornaments like rings, earrings, bracelets, and so on are allowed through airport security and do not cause problems. This is due to the reason that fine jewelry made of gold or silver is non-magnetic and rarely triggers alarms in metal detectors. So, if you are wearing a wedding ring, small earrings, or a dainty necklace, you can confidently pass through security without taking them off.

However, if you’re wearing large or chunky pieces, like a heavy necklace or a thick bracelet, they might contain enough metal to set off the detector. In this case, it’s best to place them in your carry-on bag before going through the security check.

What Jewelry Can Set Off Metal Detectors?

From personal experience as a security officer working at the airport, I can say that larger-sized pieces of jewelry may trigger the metal detectors. Certain items can cause problems – for example, if you have large pieces of jewelry or if your items are made from less expensive metals. Cheap jewelry can have more metal than the costume but they are noticeable when you pass through a scanner at the airport. Additionally, wearing multiple pieces of jewelry at once can increase the chances of setting off the alarm. To avoid delays, try to keep things simple when going through security.

What Happens If Jewelry Sets Off the Alarm?

If your jewelry does set off the alarm, don’t worry! The security officers will ask you to remove the item and place it in a bin to be scanned separately. After removing the jewelry, you might also be asked to pass through the detector again. In some cases, the security officer may use a handheld scanner to check you for metal items or conduct a quick pat-down. It is a simple process, and once the jewelry is cleared, you can continue your journey.

Should You Pack Jewelry in Carry-On or Checked in Luggage?

Based on my personal experience, I would suggest you that keep jewelry in your carry-on. This way, your valuables would remain with you at all times, reducing the risk of loss or theft. Checked luggage can sometimes be delayed, damaged, or lost, and airlines do not take responsibility for valuable items. To protect your jewelry, it is always better to use a travel jewelry case to keep your pieces safe and organized and avoid placing them directly in the checkpoint bins, as small items could easily be misplaced or forgotten.

Jewelry and Additional Screening

Sometimes, relatively large pieces of jewelry and watches may be required to undergo further screening. TSA officers may request you to remove these things for further inspection. However, if you have valuable items, you can ask the company to conduct a separate viewing of the items because of privacy infringements. This is particularly helpful when you are holding something like an engagement ring and don’t wish it to be seen until the appropriate time!

What to Do if You Lose Jewelry at Airport Security?

The stress of losing jewelry at airport security can be minimized by following the steps given below:

Stay Calm and Report It Immediately
Remember! Whenever you lose anything valuable at the airport, report it immediately to airport security and register your complaint in the lost and found department. It is also good to ask the security officer to check CCTV cameras on the spot. The faster you act, the better your chances of recovery. Make sure to provide detailed information about the missing item, including a description of the jewelry and where you last had it.
Check the Area
Sometimes jewelry can slip through the cracks or get stuck in bins. Ask the security officer to take help from CCTV cameras and check the surrounding area. The CCTV record can identify if your jewelry items get mixed up with other belongings or taken by another passenger mistakenly.
Keep Records and Stay in Touch
When reporting lost items, make sure to keep track of your report number and provide your contact details. Also, have the contact number of the concerned dealing authority so that you can update yourself regarding the progress.

How Long Does Lost Jewelry Stay at the Airport Before It’s Disposed Of?

Generally, the airport authorities hold lost items, including jewelry, for a set period usually between 30 to 90 days. The exact time frame can vary depending on the airport’s policies. During this period, the lost and found department tries to locate the rightful owner. After this holding period, unclaimed items may be either disposed of, donated to charity, or sent to a central lost and found facility where they might be stored for a longer period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will jewelry set off the airport metal detector?

It has been usually observed that small jewelry, like rings or earrings, does not raise an alarm. However, large or bulky items may set off alarms.

Should I take off my wedding ring for airport security?

No, you don’t need to remove your wedding ring. Small rings and fine jewelry are fine to wear through security because these items do not set off metal detectors.

Can I pack jewelry in my checked luggage?

Yes, you can but it’s not recommended. Always keep your valuable jewelry in your carry-on to avoid the risk of loss or theft.

Can I bring expensive jewelry on a plane?

Yes, you can bring expensive jewelry, but always carry it in your carry-on bag. For more privacy, you can request the security officer for a private screening if needed.

Will I be asked to remove all jewelry at security?

It is not necessary to remove all your jewelry. Only large or metallic jewelry items might need to be removed, while small items like rings and earrings can usually stay on.

Final words

To sum up, wearing jewelry through airport security is simple and hassle-free. Most small items like rings etc, do not set off alarms. Whereas larger pieces can trigger an alarm. Therefore, it is always recommended to pack your precious jewelry in the carry-on in order to avoid any untoward situation. So, keep your valuable items close to you and stay prepared for any extra screening if needed. Happy travels!