I may be stupid - ? about metal detectors

[bdpa]

Good Morning all! This has probably been answered. I have not flown for a number of years. Do we have to remove ALL jewelry (earrings,wedding rings, toe rings)? I am most concerned about the toe ring - my daughter and I each have one. Should we remove these before we go? They are 14K(?) gold. Just want to be prepared. Thanks for your input.

10d:21h:0m:49s!!!!

 

[lsteadman]

Good moring and Happy Memorial Day to you!!!!!

It really depends on which airport you fly out of. I think some metal detectors are more sensitive than others. On the way out MSP airport, I walk through wearing a pair of 24K gold earrings and no buzz or beeping.

On the way back out of MCO, I walk through wearing the same pair of earrings and there was a lot of buzzing and re-walking through. I was also wearing a Pooh jumper outfit with metal clips. I had to take down my clips in order to keep the detector from going off. I thought my pants where going to fall down.

Another example, on the way back from Europe I almost had to get completely naked. My underwire kept setting it off. Even when he used the wand. The agent kept asking me what I had in my shirt. I told him I had on a underwire bra. He said okay and let me through. Lesson learned never wear an underwire back into the United States.

Your rings should be fine! Good luck and have a great trip!!!!

 

[MAKMOM41]

I don't think gold will set it off. I've seen men taking metal watches off. Try to wear shoes that do not have metal on them. Some shoes have metal in them. My husband always has trouble with this.

 

[CarolMN]

I never remove my wedding ring Generally, I do not take anything valuable with me on vacation (other than my wedding ring, which is probably worth way more to me than anyone else, LOL).

I do not remove my athletic shoes but I am sure there is no metal parts on them. Sometimes the TSA agent insists - they usually don't at MSP and MCO). FWIW, my advice is to wear socks and easily removable shoes when traveling by air - I for one do not want to walk barefoot anywhere in an airport - who knows where all those other people's feet have been, YCK! Anyway, something to consider regarding the toe rings.

FWIW, I put my watch, earrings and necklaces in a plastic bag and stuff it into my purse at home just before we leave. I put them on after I get through security. I do whatever I can to get through security as quickly as possible and try to minimize any chance of special security - I am paranoid that my things might get stolen while they are checking me. Usually send my DH through first with instructions to wait and catch my things if I'm not the very next person through, LOL. All he usually has is a wallet and shoes, LOL!.

Way more than you wanted to know, I'm sure. My advice is to not wear the toe ring or any valuable jewelry (except a wedding set) through security. If it gets you stopped for extra checking (even though you probably won't), it's just not worth the stress of worrying about your other things getting stolen.

Best wishes-

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

I think your jewerly will be fine.

Makmom is right about the shoes. So much easier to wear slip on shoes, and just plan on taking them off. Some airports just automatically have you take them off, and run thru the x-ray.

 

[lsteadman]

II do not remove my athletic shoes but I am sure there is no metal parts on them. Sometimes the TSA agent insists - they usually don't at MSP and MCO).
Best wishes-

We flew May 3 - May 10 and I had to take my shoes off at both locations. This was less than 30 days ago. I remember this distinctly because I wore sandals on May 3 and the floor at MSP is cold as heck at 6:00 a.m. in the morning.

On the way back from MCO. I wore tennis shoes and I had to take my shoes off and I was smiling because a gentlmen took off his shoes and his socks where flithy.

So wear clean socks!

 

[DebbieB]

I usually wear 2 rings, a watch, a bracelet, earrings, necklace, all 14K and I've never set off a metal detector. I don't wear an underwire bra.

Some airports are making you take off tennis shoes now.

 

[bdpa]

Thanks everyone - Just to be safe - I think we will remove them. Have a great weekend!!

10d:18h:13m:0s

 

[buckylarue]

When we flew to san Diego in February from MSP, everyone was made to take their shoes off going thru security.

 

[scoutsmom99]

In January I had to take my shoes off at MSP. Thank goodness I wore clogs!

 

[ducklite]

I never remove my rings, watch, or earrings. I do remove my charm bracelet.

I've never had my underwire set off the detector, and I don't own a bra without them. Most underwires are actually plastic these days.

Anne

 

[Pinnie]

I fly a lot and agree with CarolMN. I never remove my wedding rings but keep my other jewerly/watch in a little pouch inside my purse. Once I get through security and to my gate, I "dress up". DTW usually makes pax take off their shoes. I have had to remove my shoes at both the Smith (SWA, SPIRIT) and McNamara (NWA, Contintental, Delta) terminals. I have also seen signs at the Denver terminal to remove all shoes when I hvae flown there. So I guess it just depends on the airport at the TSA.


Have a gret flight!
pinnie

 

[dizanimator]

I have gotten through security wearing a few small sterling silver rings and didn't set off the metal detector. I was asked to remove my TEVA sandals at both DAY and MCO. It didn't sound much like a simple encouragement. It seemed more like an order for everyone to remove sandals and shoes, but I was not going to argue and try to get through wearing them. I didn't want the arguement to flag me for additional screening. This was May 17 and May 24.

According to TSA's websit I wasn't required to remove my sandals, but it sure seemed like I was.

TSA Shoe Screening Policy

You are NOT REQUIRED to remove your shoes before you enter the walk-through metal detector. However, TSA screeners may encourage you to remove them before entering the metal detector as many types of footwear will require additional screening even if the metal detector DOES NOT alarm.

Footwear that screeners will encourage you to remove because they are likely to require additional screening:

Boots
Platform shoes (including platform flip-flops)
Footwear with a thick sole or heel (including athletic shoes)
Footwear containing metal (including many dress shoes)

Footwear that screeners are less likely to suggest you remove includes:

"Beach" flip-flops
Thin-soled sandals (without metal)

TIP: Since a thorough screening includes x-ray inspection of footwear, wearing footwear that is easily removable helps to speed you through the screening process.

 

[amejr999]

Officially, you don't have to remove your shoes unless they contain metal or have soles greater than an inch. Unfortunately, many airports completely disregard this policy and require the removal of all shoes are you will be sent to secondary screening. The good part is that the MCO (Orlando) TSA is great about following all the policies.

But don't tell them I told you.

Also, some random TSA tips- if you get an SSSS written on your boarding pass, you've been selected for secondary screening. Congratulations!

If you are a selectee, you should demand that your luggage be within your view at all times. If you ever are made uncomfortable by a screener, ask for a supervisor or screening manager. You always have the right to a private screening should you desire one.

 

[lajones81]

On the way back out of MCO, I walk through wearing the same pair of earrings and there was a lot of buzzing and re-walking through. I was also wearing a Pooh jumper outfit with metal clips. I had to take down my clips in order to keep the detector from going off. I thought my pants where going to fall down.

Ha ha ha! That would totally happen to me!

 

[seashoreCM]

You should remove jewelry before going through the metal detector.

A fellow I knew had earrings that looked like non-removable birdbands. If you have a non-removable toe ring, you should at least expose that foot. Nipple rings -- (?).

At many airports you will be pulled aside for a more lengthy screening (called secondary) if you don't remove your shoes at their "suggestion". So far I have not encountered any delays of this kind at Boston or Orlando.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm