Travel Tips

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Can You Bring Jewelry on a Plane? (TSA's Guidelines & Recommendations)

Learn TSA guidelines on flying with jewelry. Pack smart & keep valuables safe. Tips for security & carrying jewelry on planes for travelers.

Tobi Miles
August 6, 2022

It is common to wear jewelry, so why shouldn't you wear it when you go on a plane? Jewelry is sometimes a necessity and an everyday item you might want with you on your travels. From wedding rings to necklaces, people love to accessorize, but can you bring jewelry on a plane?

The TSA says jewelry is allowed on the plane and often can go through security without issues. It's okay to wear most jewelry as you enter the metal detector without removing any items. You can pack jewelry in your checked baggage, but if it’s of substantial value, you should keep it in your carry-on. You can ask the TSA to scan your jewelry privately, so you don’t need to display it.

With rules and regulations being what they are, the TSA does not see jewelry as a threat. However, if they see something potentially hazardous or unsafe, they may scan it. You may be required to take it off and have it go through the bins, but usually not.

A Quick Look at the TSA’s Rules for Jewelry 2022

The TSA website has straightforward rules regarding wearing jewelry as you go through security. Most metal that is in jewelry will not set off the metal detectors, so it is very common to wear it through. You should know and understand the value of your jewelry and determine the best route.

  • If you have any jewelry of substantial value, you should keep it with you. Utilizing your carry-on bag for valuables is key to getting to and from your destination with valuables in hand.
  • Putting jewelry in your checked luggage can be dangerous if they are not in a secured lock box.
  • You can ask the TSA agents to scan your carry-on and any jewelry privately. This will allow them to thoroughly examine your bag without displaying your valuables for all to see.

Is It Okay To Bring Jewelry On A Plane?

From earrings, rings, and necklaces, there is not a piece of jewelry that you can not bring with you. You can walk right through the metal detector since most jewelry is a different kind of density. If the TSA does have any problems with the metal detector, the agent may ask you to step aside.

They can do extra scanning and x-ray to check your body for any hidden items. But rest assured your jewelry is safe, preferably on your person or in your carry-on.  You can carry all valuable jewelry of any type with you in your carry-on.

This also allows you to ask a TSA agent, if needed, to scan your bag separately or in secret. If you tell the TSA agent what you have within your bag, they can screen appropriately. The TSA wants to make sure that you and your jewelry are safe.

Related Read: Can You Wear Jewelry Through Airport Security?

Do I Need To Take Off My Jewelry To Go Through Airport Security?

As stated before, jewelry is typically less dense or a different type of metal, so you can wear it through security.  Rest assured that as you take off shoes and place electronics in the bins, your jewelry can stay in place. This goes for all your ladies or even men’s wedding bands, which should stay securely fastened to you or within your bag.

You can take off your jewelry if needed but be sure to place them in the dish the TSA handles. Typically this dish holds your wallet and AirPods if required. The metal detector is usually only sensitive to questionable materials.

The rule is only to take off your jewelry to place it safely in your carry-on for security scanning.

Will My Jewelry Set Off The Metal Detector?

No, your jewelry will not usually set off the metal detector. Jewelry does not set off metal detectors on you or in your bag. However, if the metal detector goes off, you can bet the TSA agent will ask you to remove your jewelry.

The TSA agent will ask you what you have in the bag or on you that may have set off the detector. You can tell the agent that you have jewelry and wish for it to be searched privately and away from people. You may also need to step aside for additional scanning or a personal search.

The TSA will often search your jewelry in a confined area to prevent on-lookers from admiring your jewelry.

Related Read: How Many Fluid Ounces Can You Carry On A Plane?

How Should You Pack Jewelry In Checked Luggage?

The TSA says that you shouldn’t pack jewelry in your checked luggage. Your checked baggage goes through its own screening, and the TSA nor the airlines can guarantee its safety. If you have to pack your jewelry in your check bag, there are a few things you can do.

If you have valuable jewelry in your checked luggage, it is best to have it in a safe. A small travel safe may ensure your jewelry goes with you, but it may look suspicious. This will cause a TSA agent to look through or examine your bag and cause your bag a delay.

What Is The TSA’s Recommendation For Packing Jewelry For Air Travel?

Packing your jewelry with you on your person or your carry-on is best. Nothing is safer than having your jewelry on you as you travel. You will always know where it is and prevent yourself from losing track of it.

The TSA and most airlines suggest packing your valuables in your carry-on to prevent lost luggage and stolen goods. If you have it in your carry-on, be sure it is in a secure zipped-up pouch or jewelry box. To prevent it from being misplaced or lost, you should always keep your carry-on with you.

You can get a jewelry organizer that allows all jewelry to be separated and safe during travel. Having jewelry in a bag or box within your carry-on will give you the security of knowing where it is.

It will also ensure that it goes through security and may not even have to leave the bag. Since metal detectors do not pick up jewelry, it will be scanned and safe with you.

Related Read: How to Choose an 18x 14x8 Bag

What If My Jewelry Gets Lost During Travel?

If your jewelry gets lost during travel, it is purely up to you to help the TSA locate it. If you had it on you and it was lost during security, a TSA agent will help to find it the best they can. It is usually by fault or an accident if you lose your jewelry past security, be sure it is secure.

Contacting security is the best bet if your carry-on is lost or misplaced. You need a description of your bag and jewelry to be able to give a vivid description to any agent. When it comes to checked luggage, the airlines can try and locate it, but it may be a lost cause.

What Is The Best Way To Travel With Expensive Jewelry?

Regarding your expensive jewelry, the TSA and you may agree that keeping it with you is best. The TSA and airlines do not wish to be solely responsible for your expensive jewelry. The recommendation is to pack your expensive jewelry with you in a carry-on.

You can also wear expensive jewelry on your flight if you see fit. Knowing that your jewelry is with you is comforting enough. Here are a few tips on traveling with your expensive jewelry.

  • Have it insured. When traveling, there is no guarantee that your jewelry will come out the other side.
  • Check on it often. A visual verification can instill peace of mind as you travel.
  • Keep it secure, don’t flash it. It is tempting to wear your best jewelry when you travel, but keep your expensive jewelry hidden. This will keep it safe.

How Much Jewelry Can You Bring On An International Flight?

You can bring up to about $10,000 worth of jewelry on your international flight. So whether you’re jetting off to London or Finland, you can bring your jewelry on a plane. Depending on how bulky some pieces may be, placing them securely in your carry-on is best.

You can walk through international security with smaller, thin, or minute pieces, like a necklace or ring. The bulkier or bigger the jewelry pieces, the higher the possibility of a wand-down. Be sure to remove any big, pointy, or bulky jewelry pieces before going through security.

You can tell any agent at security that you have a lot of jewelry in your carry-on. You can also tell them you wish for it to be searched separately.

Can The TSA Take My Jewelry?

The TSA is not one to take away any type of jewelry. Unless the jewelry can also act as a weapon or is one, the TSA does not see jewelry as a threat. Bigger items or sharp pieces should be in checked baggage or with you in your carry-on.

The TSA may restrict how much jewelry you can wear through security. If jewelry or valuables are taken, there are rules on how this is handled and how to retrieve it.

Still Not Sure If You Can Bring Jewelry On A Plane? Ask the TSA

If you’re still unsure if you can bring jewelry on a plane, check the TSA website. By clicking on the TSA link of “what can I bring?” you will see a search bar. By searching, you can see if you can bring certain items like jewelry or an inhaler on a plane.

You can always call the support line if the website is confusing or too difficult to navigate. In connecting with someone via the support line, they can assist you on how to navigate the sight. You can also ask the assisting agent your question directly.

You can also find assistance at the airport if you need it. Any TSA agent at the security checkpoint and throughout the airport will be happy to assist. You can also call the airlines you are flying with to ask for restrictions.

Related Read: How Big Can My Toiletry Bag Be To Fly? Quart-Size Bags

Summary

So be sure to bring your jewelry with you on a plane. You can most often wear it through security without any problems. You can also carry it with you in your carry-on for safe keeping as you travel.

Most jewelry will not set off the metal detectors, but if it does, you can ask for it to be searched individually. You will be wand-downed and also have your jewelry securely checked. You can also travel confidently, knowing your jewelry is with you and safe at all times.

If you are flying internationally, know that you can still take some jewelry with you without a problem. You should know that the TSA will help ensure your valuables are safe and won't take them. If you have any questions or concerns, you can check out the TSA website or ask for help.

Tobi Miles
Article updated:
March 28, 2024
A nomadic wordsmith savoring the world's flavors and penning stories that turn every journey into an epic.
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