Air travel can be a hassle, especially when navigating airport security. For those who love accessorizing with jewelry, knowing whether or not to wear your favorite pieces through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints can add another layer to an already stressful process. 

When boarding a plane, the TSA doesn’t typically prohibit jewelry but may require additional screening or removal of your pieces, depending on the circumstances. If you are wondering, “can you wear jewelry through TSA,” reviewing TSA guidelines on jewelry can help you prepare for your upcoming trip and make it through security with ease and style.

Typical TSA Security Process

The TSA is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of passengers and their belongings at airports across the United States. When you go through a TSA  metal detector checkpoint, you can expect several security measures before boarding your flight:

• Show ID and boarding pass: You must show your government-issued ID and boarding pass to TSA agents for verification.
• Remove items: Electronics larger than a cell phone, liquids, gels, and aerosols must be removed from carry-on bags and placed in separate screening containers. Shoes, belts, and jackets must also be removed and put into screening containers on a conveyor.
• Walk through scanner: You must walk through an FDA-regulated X-ray machine, which uses advanced imaging technology to detect prohibited items. If the scanner alerts a TSA officer, you may be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down search.
• Retrieve belongings: After passing through the airport metal detector checkpoint, you can retrieve your belongings from the bins.
• Proceed to the gate: Once you gather all your belongings, you can proceed to your gate to board your flight.

“During any security check, a TSA officer has the final say on what items are allowed through a scanner or onto the plane. When you wear jewelry to the airport, you run the risk of having to remove it for the screening agent.”

TSA Guidelines for Jewelry

If you are wondering, “can you wear jewelry on a plane,” passengers are allowed to wear their engagement or wedding rings, through airport security, as these pieces do not pose a threat to the safety and security of other travelers. However, there are a few tips you can keep in mind when moving through airport security metal detectors to ensure the process goes smoothly:

• You may need to remove multiple pieces or bulky jewelry. In general, small pieces of jewelry like rings and earrings can be worn through TSA checkpoints without issue. However, heavy jewelry with bulky metal components or multiple pieces can trigger the scanner. If you are wearing bulky gold, platinum, or sterling silver pieces, you may need to remove them to avoid setting off the metal detector alarm.
• Place jewelry containing liquid in a separate bin. If a piece of jewelry contains liquid, such as a perfume or oil, you’ll need to remove it and place it in a separate bin for screening as per the TSA liquids rule. If your jewelry contains a solid balm perfume, it may require removal and screening. 
• Jewelry may trigger additional screening. Even if the jewelry does not contain a large metal object or liquid, it can still trigger the metal detector or body scanner. If this happens, you may be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down search. 

During any security check, a TSA officer has the final say on what items are allowed through a scanner or onto the plane. When you wear jewelry to the airport, you risk having to remove it for the screening agent. 

Although you don’t typically have to take jewelry off for TSA checkpoints, it’s important to check ahead with the TSA for specific regulations if you plan to wear or bring valuable items that you do not want to take off or be screened.

Can You Take Jewelry on a Plane Carry-On?

In some cases, you may want to pack jewelry into your carry-on bag. For instance, you are planning to propose, or you want to bring jewelry to wear during a special event you’re traveling to. Carry-on bags remain with you throughout your stay at the airport, including TSA checkpoints and on the plane. This means that any fine jewelry you put in your bag will go through the same screening measures as when you wear jewelry through airport security.

When you move through the TSA scanner, you will place your bag on the conveyor, allowing an agent to screen it with a computed tomography (CT) device. Similar to walking through the scanner, this lets TSA officers see what’s in your bag and ensure it is safe to travel. Any precious jewelry you put in your carry-on may be examined if you are chosen for additional screening. 

Most jewelry should be allowed in your carry-on and onto the plane unless it contains liquids or is designed as a self-defense tool that could harm another passenger.

Can You Put Jewelry in Checked Baggage?

Although the TSA allows jewelry in checked baggage, they advise passengers to keep all valuable jewelry items with them when traveling. Airlines often lose, damage, or delay baggage, making it unsafe to pack high-dollar pieces into checked luggage. In April 2022, U.S. airlines mishandled over 220,000 checked bags; on average, airlines lose 2 out of every 1,000 bags. 

These numbers indicate that wearing jewelry rather than packing it in your bags is the safest option when taking your pieces with you on a trip. If you must place your jewelry in a checked bag, the TSA recommends asking an officer to screen it in private to maintain your safety and security.

Should You Get Insurance When Traveling With Jewelry?

Whether wearing an important item on a domestic flight or taking expensive jewelry overseas, insuring your pieces ensures they are protected during your trip. 

• Homeowners’ Insurance. If you have homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, you may have around $1,500 in coverage for a standard policy. While this might cover a portion of your items, it likely won’t replace them. It also might not apply if your ring disappears due to a lost checked bag or mishandling by the TSA. 
• Travel Insurance. You can also get travel insurance to cover your jewelry. Some travel insurance covers lost or delayed baggage or personal effects. However, it may not cover the full amount of your piece. For example, many policies cover around $3,000 for the entire lost bag’s contents, including any high-value items.  
• Specialty Jewelry Insurance. The best option to protect your jewelry is a specialty jewelry insurance company like BriteCo. BriteCo jewelry insurance offers comprehensive coverage for up to 125% of your item’s appraised value. 

It covers all jewelry, such as luxury watches, fine jewelry, and vintage pieces, for damage, loss, theft, or mysterious disappearance. Additionally, BriteCo offers worldwide coverage, so your pieces are protected no matter where you travel.

“If you lost a piece of jewelry, filing a claim may feel stressful, but with BriteCo, it’s easy and only takes a few minutes. Our convenient online system means you can easily file from anywhere in the world instead of waiting until you get home”

How to File a Claim With BriteCo for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Pieces

If you lost a piece of jewelry, filing a claim may feel stressful, but with BriteCo, it’s easy and only takes a few minutes. Our convenient online system means you can easily file from anywhere in the world instead of waiting until you get home:

• Click the claim link. To get started, click the claim link on our site. This will take you to a simple form to fill out.
• Follow the prompts. Once you’re on the claim form, simply follow the prompts to provide the necessary information about your claim. You’ll need to include details like your policy number, the type of loss, and a description of the item.
• We’ll follow up right away. After you’ve submitted your claim, we’ll follow up with you right away to make sure you get a repair or replacement promptly. Our team of experts will work with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth and stress-free claims process.

We automatically update the value of your piece each year based on market prices for gems and metals. This means you don’t have to worry if your item has a recent appraisal. With BriteCo, we will replace the full value of your precious jewelry at up to 125% of the current appraisal value.

Protect Your Items When Traveling With BriteCo

To protect your high-value and sentimental jewelry pieces when traveling, you need full coverage jewelry insurance. With no deductibles, low monthly or yearly payments, and safe storage discounts, BriteCo is an affordable, convenient way to make sure your items are safe when you explore the world. 

At BriteCo, we offer comprehensive coverage to keep your jewelry safe from loss, theft, or damage, whether it happens during a TSA screening, on the airplane, or due to lost luggage. Our worldwide coverage also gives you peace of mind that wherever you go, you can replace your missing or damaged pieces. 

Get a quote for your items today to find out how easy it is to have them covered before your next trip. 

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