As the holiday season approaches, travelers might want to rethink their fashion choices, especially when it comes to festive attire on flights.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a seasonal advisory, urging passengers to avoid wearing glittery or sparkly clothing if they wish to move smoothly through airport security checkpoints.
The TSA’s recent social media post humorously stated, “TSA PSA: The body scanners don’t love sparkles.” It further suggested that while holiday cheer is welcome, a sequined sweater might not be the best travel companion.
The agency explained that garments adorned with sequins or metallic elements can trigger the body scanners, potentially leading to additional screening procedures.
The post sparked a lively discussion among travelers, who shared their own experiences and opinions about the TSA’s reminder in the comments section.
Travelers chimed in with their thoughts on the Yule-tide warning in the comment section.
‘Sparkles or sequins? Cause those are two different things darling,’ one user wrote.
‘I thought we were supposed to dress up to fly,’ protested another.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) posted a festive reminder not to wear sparkly clothes while flying this holiday season – unless you want to be held up at security
A third person wrote: ‘Your body scanners are grinches then lol.’
Others shared their own experiences of shining too brightly at the airport.
‘Did this with a metallic scarf once. Never again. I think the scanner lit up like a Christmas tree based on the pat down I got,’ laughed someone.
TSA uses millimeter wave advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors to screen passengers.
According to the TSA website, millimeter wave advanced imaging technology safely screens passengers without physical contact for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives, which may be concealed under clothing.
The website also warned that passengers could be asked to remove their outer garments when moving through the scanner.
This can include windbreakers, vests, light jackets, pullover hoodies, large sweaters, cardigans and ponchos.
TSA recently answered a slew of burning questions about what you can and can’t bring through airport security ahead of Christmastime, sharing the vital advice for those traveling with gifts on its website.
The website also warned that passengers could be asked to remove their outer garments when moving through the scanner, which could include festive sweaters (stock image)
Holiday sweaters can sometimes feature sequins or metallic materials, which can set off the scanner and lead to extra security screening (stock image)
‘TSA encourages passengers traveling with gifts this holiday season to use gift bags, which they can easily open, or gift boxes with lids they can remove, so TSA officers can inspect those gifts, if necessary, and avoid the possibility of opening fully wrapped presents,’ it said.
In addition, it reminded fliers that snow globes, a popular item this time of year, must go in checked bags, not carry-ons.
The government agency also addressed concerns about whether or not you’re allowed to get on a plane with the popular festive flower, poinsettias, via X, formerly Twitter.
It assured customers that yes, you are allowed to travel with live plants on planes – and that includes the poinsettia.
Planning to treat someone with a colorful poinsettia for the holidays?’ the post read.
‘Live plants and flowers are allowed when traveling within the domestic US,’ the informative post continued.
For specifics, travelers are advised to contact the airline they’re traveling with to ‘understand their policies on size and carry-on allowance.’
‘Check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane,’ the TSA website reads.
