As holiday travel ramps up, the TSA is reminding passengers that the same glittery outfits that light up your living room may not make it through the scanner.
Avoid Sparkles at the Gate
The TSA posted a December 18 Facebook message warning, “TSA PSA: The body scanners don’t love sparkles. We don’t want to dull your holiday shine but we don’t recommend wearing your sparkly holiday sweater to the airport.”
Travelers should also be aware that sweaters and other bulky layers may have to be removed during screening. The agency lists light outer garments or bulky clothing-including windbreakers, vests, light jackets, pullover hoodies, large sweaters, cardigans, and ponchos-as items that could be taken off.
What You Can Pack
Belt, clothing, and shoes are acceptable to carry on or place in checked baggage. The TSA recommends packing bags in neat layers to give officers a clear view.
Items Allowed in Carry-On or Checked Baggage
- Bobby pins
- Body armor (officers decide final approval)
- Boxing gloves
- Hand warmers
- Handcuffs
- Headphones
- Heated jackets/sweaters (follow FAA battery rules)
- Helmets
- Jewelry (keep with you; “If you are traveling with valuable items such as jewelry, please keep those items with you at all times (do not put them in checked baggage),” the TSA says. “You can ask the TSA officer to screen you and your valuables in private to maintain your security.”)
- Life vest with up to two CO2 cartridges inside, plus two spare cartridges in your carry-on or checked bag (the TSA says, “You may not transport CO2 cartridges without the associated lifejacket.”)
- Night vision goggles
- Shock collars
- Shoe inserts
- Skates (including ice skates and rollerblades)
- Sports cleats
- Steel toe boots
- Wallet chains
- Brass knuckles (not accepted for carry-on but OK to check in; illegal in some states, and TSA must report if found in a bag that is opened)
- Wedding dress (see below)
Special Note on Wedding Dresses
“You can bring a wedding dress through the security checkpoint for screening, but we strongly recommend that it is packed safely in a garment-style bag or other packaging to protect it during the screening process,” the TSA says. “We also recommend that you contact your airline to determine their policy for bringing and stowing the dress on the airplane, as well as how it fits into their carry-on bag limitations.” If the dress cannot fit through the X-ray machine, the agency says, “alternate screening procedures will be taken to clear the dress and your garment bag will need to be opened.”
Holiday Travel Volume
AAA projects that more than 122 million Americans will travel for the holidays.
Key Takeaways
- Skip sparkly sweaters; they may be removed during screening.
- Most clothing, shoes, belts, and many accessories are allowed in carry-on or checked bags.
- Jewelry should stay with you, and special items like life vests and wedding dresses require careful packing.
The TSA’s guidance aims to make the holiday travel experience smoother for the millions heading to airports this season.
