When you go through the TSA security checkpoint, the goal is to get through it as quickly as possible. That typically means making sure your pockets are empty, you’ve removed your coat, your liquids are in compliance, and having your larger electronics at the ready (if you’re in the regular line), etc.
But some people could be well-prepared and still seem to get stopped by TSA every single time.
It could be because of something obvious, like a brace, prosthetic limb or other medical condition that flags the scanner or metal detector. Or it could be because of what they’re wearing – we went through the list of typical clothing items that seem to cause the most problems in this post.
TSA’s latest warning: sparkly sweaters
So now what happens? TSA has added another item of clothing to the list.
This is what they posted on social media late last week – and it came just in time for holiday travel.
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.
What travelers said in the comments
Seems like sound advice. And apparently several people chimed in to agree with them:
- I learned this lesson years ago when the pockets on my jeans had embellishments and I had micro bead extensions in 😅 – never again — Dania T.
- 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 — Erin R.
- Learned this the hard way wearing a sequined Steelers shirt on game day. Got a lil pat down! — Erika J.
- I did that once…. had the coolest TSA lady. She did the required stuff but then finished off with an awesome neck rub. There are some good ones out there and I never forgot to check for sparkles during the holidays. — Ann S. (I wonder if she had the same cool TSA lady I had?)
- NEVER WEAR SEQUINS I was topless and wiped for bomb residue twice thanks to a bedazzled star wars shirt! (twice because the first airport never told me why I was selected for this special treat, and I wore the same shirt home… sigh) — Katie C.
Sparkles vs. sequins: does it matter?
Someone asked TSA to clarify if they meant sparkles or sequins, because they’re technically not the same.
And, of course, some folks clarified the clarification:
- if it reflects lights its gonna equal a patdown — Daniel M.
- I had some tinsel in a silver sweater and lit up like a Christmas tree at TSA one time! — Jordan V.
- well… darling… they’re both metallic based and just like an MRI… they don’t like them. Hope that helps. — Teigan B.
- avoid clothing with ANY metallic embellishment of any kind when traveling by airplane. I have a sweater with a gold thread running through it that sets off the machines and triggers getting wanded by an agent — Rachel W.
- No sparkles, no sequins! Trust me! You’re in for the pat down of your life with the back of that ladies hand 😂😂 — Sarah C.
Plus, of course, there were the wise-a$$es in the mix, LOL:
- Sequins are appropriate for this time of year, tell your scanners to get with the program as we spread Yule tide cheer! 😂 — Sonya T.
- Sooooooo can we go back to wearing our pajamas then ?! — Cynthia H.
And the smart advice one person had:
- I say bring your sparkly, sequins, glitter tops…in your carry-on…just put them on AFTER you clear us. Win-win! Mele Kalikimaka! Merry Christmas! — Shannon M.
Feature photo created with assistance from AI
Want to comment on this post? Great! Read this first to help ensure it gets approved.
Want to sponsor a post, write something for Your Mileage May Vary, or put ads on our site? Click here for more info.
Like this post? Please share it! We have plenty more just like it and would love it if you decided to hang around and sign up to get emailed notifications of when we post.
Whether you’ve read our articles before or this is the first time you’re stopping by, we’re really glad you’re here and hope you come back to visit again!
This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
