TSA warns holiday travelers to ditch sparkly sweaters as a way to make airport security smoother. In a Dec. 18 Facebook post, the agency said: “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.”
Why Sparkles Are a Problem
The TSA’s message is rooted in the way body scanners work. Sparkly or reflective fabrics can interfere with the imaging process, causing the system to flag the clothing as a potential threat. This can lead to extra screening or even removal of the garment. By avoiding reflective or sequined sweaters, travelers can reduce the likelihood of delays.
What to Pack and What to Leave
In addition to sparkles, the TSA advises that sweaters and other light outer garments may need to be removed during screening. The agency lists “light outer garments or bulky clothing” as items that might be taken off. Examples include windbreakers, vests, light jackets, pullover hoodies, large sweaters, cardigans, and ponchos.
Belt, clothing, and shoes are acceptable to carry on or place in checked baggage. “To help TSA officers get a clear look at your bag and reduce the need for additional screening, we suggest you pack your bag in neat layers,” the TSA states on its website.
Allowed Items List
Below is a concise list of items the TSA says can be placed in carry-on bags or checked baggage:
- Bobby pins
- Body armor – “Generally, body armor is allowed in carry-on or checked bags,” the TSA says. “Please note however that even if an item is generally allowed, our officers make the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.”
- Boxing gloves
- Hand warmers
- Handcuffs
- Headphones
- Heated jackets/sweaters – The TSA advises travelers to follow the Federal Aviation Administration’s regulations on batteries.
- Helmets
- Jewelry – “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 – “You may bring a life vest with up to two CO2 cartridges inside, plus two spare cartridges in your carry-on or checked bag,” says the TSA. “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 are not accepted for carry-on, but they are OK to check in. “Although these items can be placed in your checked baggage, they are still illegal in some states,” the agency writes. “Should the bag need to be opened for some reason and there is an illegal item in the bag, TSA will be required to report it to local law enforcement.”
- Wedding dress – 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. “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.'”
Special Items: Jewelry, Life Vests, Wedding Dresses
The TSA’s guidance on jewelry is clear: keep valuable items with you at all times and request a private screening if desired. Life vests are permitted only with the appropriate CO2 cartridges; transporting cartridges alone is prohibited. Wedding dresses can travel in carry-on or checked baggage but require careful packaging and may need alternate screening if they do not fit through the X-ray machine.
Brass Knuckles and Legalities
While brass knuckles can be checked, they remain illegal in certain states. TSA officers retain the authority to report illegal items if a bag is opened for inspection. Travelers should be aware of local laws before packing such items.
Tips for Smooth Screening
- Pack clothes in neat layers to give TSA officers a clear view.
- Keep jewelry and other valuables with you in carry-on luggage.
- If you are traveling with a wedding dress, use a garment-style bag and contact the airline for specific instructions.
- Avoid sparkly or reflective sweaters to reduce the need for additional screening.
- Review the TSA’s full list of allowed items before packing.
Key Takeaways
- The TSA advises against wearing sparkly holiday sweaters due to scanner interference.
- Light outer garments such as windbreakers and large sweaters may need to be removed during security checks.
- The agency provides a detailed list of items allowed in carry-on and checked baggage, including guidance on jewelry, life vests, and wedding dresses.
Final Thoughts
With more than 122 million Americans projected to travel for the holidays, according to AAA, following TSA’s packing guidelines can help travelers avoid delays and keep their holiday spirit intact. By planning ahead, packing strategically, and knowing what items are permitted, travelers can enjoy a smoother airport experience and focus on the joy of the season.
