December 27, 2025 | 09:28 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Clothing can unexpectedly slow travelers down at airports, especially shiny or embellished attire. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a warning for holiday travelers to avoid glittery or metallic clothing that may trigger body scanners.
“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,” the agency said, as cited by the New York Post.
Sweaters or tops with sequins, metallic threads, rhinestones, or glitter can cause scanners to beep, leading to extra security checks. Many travelers have shared experiences of delays due to such clothing.
One parent noted that their teen wearing a shirt with scattered shiny threads had to undergo a thorough pat-down because nothing appeared on the scanner.
Another recalled jeans with embellishments and micro-bead extensions triggering additional screening, while a third mentioned metal buttons on shorts leading to an unexpected pat-down.
Tips for Airport-Friendly Travel Attire
Experienced traveler Jo Kessel advises dressing to minimize extra security checks. She avoids belts and beaded necklaces and opts for simple, comfortable clothing.
For long flights, she recommends:
Clothing: Long pants and long-sleeved tops made of breathable, sweat-absorbent materials like cotton. Avoid tight-fitting clothes and opt for elastic waistbands to accommodate cabin bloating.
Footwear: Comfortable, closed shoes or sneakers with socks. High heels should be packed, and flip-flops or bare feet should be avoided due to unsanitary cabin floors.
Compression socks: Useful to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long periods of immobility. Kessel wears them before takeoff and removes them after landing, noting that elevated seating in business class may reduce the need.
“Airport scanners can be unpredictable, so dressing simply and comfortably not only speeds up security checks but also helps you stay relaxed during the flight,” she said, cited by the Daily Mail.
By choosing the right clothing and footwear, travelers can save time at security while staying comfortable throughout their journey.
Read: 4 Easy Ways to Get Better Sleep on Long-Distance Flights
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