As I look around when I travel I can tell that most people don’t consider airport security when they get dressed for the airport. If you don’t, smile – you’re that person who is holding up the line.
To avoid being that person, here is a list of things to not wear through airport security.
LET’S START WITH THE FEET:
Shoes must come off so wear shoes that come off and go back on easily. That means no laces or buckles that you have to undo. Slip-ons best but, you can also wear ones with a zipper. And, if you have TSA PreCheck and don’t have to take off your shoes, you may not want to wear boots because of the metal hardware or reinforced heel, they may set off the alarm and you’ll have to take them off. Now, I’m not saying you have to give up fashion for you fashionistas who must represent at all times. I’m sure that you have a great looking easy off, easy on pair of shoes. After all, it’s not cute to be clueless!
Talking about setting off the alarm, avoid large or a lot of jewelry. I once had a ring set off the alarm. The TSA agent was as surprised as I was. If you must wear it. Take it off before going through security and to make sure you don’t forget or lose them, put them in your bag or pocket instead of the provided bowl. Do this while you’re in line and don’t wait until you get to the belt. We’re trying NOT to be the poster child for holding up the line.
TOO MANY CLOTHES:
You may think it is a good idea to wear layers versus a big coat, and that is true for once you get to the destination, but unless you have TSA Precheck, all those topical layers will have to come off. It’s like undressing and having to get dressed again. Plus, it’s hot!
SOME SAY NO BIG COATS:
However, if it’s cold, bring the big coat, just don’t dress in layers underneath. Or you can pack it in your checked luggage or carry-on bag. The best type of coat is one that packs easily or compresses.
ANYTHING THAT LOOKS LIKE A WEAPON:
Including and especially items in your carry-on bag, if it shows up during screening, your bag will be pulled and checked. This includes jewelry, pins, key chains and the like. Rule of thumb, if it’s pointy, shaped like a weapon, big enough to be a weapon, leave it home.
HAIR ACCESSORIES:
Those wearing a braided updo beware! If your braided updo has lots of bobby pins, it will set off the detector. Let your braids fly when you fly. Also, leave the metal combs and other adornments behind or in your bag. The situation is that some machines are set higher than others so you never know what level of metal will set it off.
UNDERWIRE BRA:
Yes, it’s true. My underwire bra has triggered the detector. Some more than others. I know have a couple of go-to bras that I wear when I fly and that don’t trigger the detector. This is by trial and error. If the one you’re wearing set’s off the alarm, don’t wear it again. I’ve noticed the ones with more padding are better.
Yours truly,
Ja’Vonne, aka, Traveling Culturati