Dress the Part

You can remove metal items at the security checkpoint and place them in the bins provided. The bins will be sent through the X-ray machine. You can save time, however, by not wearing metal items or by placing such items in your carry-on baggage before you get in line.

TSA Shoe Screening Policy

Passengers are not be required to take off their shoes before going through metal detectors.  However, if your shoes set off the metal detector, you will undergo secondary screening until the screener can locate the source of the alarm.

If you know your shoes contain metal, you may voluntarily take them off, place them in a bin, and allow them to be x-rayed.

TIP: Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry, or other accessories that contain metal when traveling:

• Jewelry (pins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, body piercings, cuff links, lanyard or bolo tie)
• Shoes with steel tips, heels, shanks, buckles or nails
• Clothing with metal buttons, snaps or studs
• Metal hair barrettes or other hair decoration
• Belt buckles
• Under-wire brassieres

Hidden items such as body piercings may result in a pat-down inspection. You may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search.

TIP: Avoid placing metal items in your pockets.

• Keys, loose change, lighters
• Mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs)

TIP: Instead, place jewelry and other metal items in your carry-on baggage until you clear security.

TIP: Pack your outer coat or jacket in your baggage when possible.

Outer coats including trench coats, ski jackets, leather jackets, overcoats and parkas must go through the X-ray machine for inspection. If you choose to wear an outer coat to the checkpoint, you will need to either place it in your carry-on or put it in the bin that is provided for you. You will not need to remove suit jackets or blazers unless requested by the screener.