The Transportation Security Administration is held to uphold certain guidelines while screening passengers through their metal detectors. The TSA advises that you avoid wearing clothing that contains significant sources of metal such as common including metal snaps, as they may set off the metal detector. In this case, additional screening would be required. You are allowed to wear the following items that would possibly set off the metal detectors, but it is strongly discouraged. These include clothing with metal buttons or snaps; necklaces; bracelets; rings; watches; earrings; cuff links; snaps or studs; metal hair barrettes or other hair decorations; belt buckles; and under-wire bras.
To get through TSA without incident, officials advise wearing metal-free clothing. The omission of metals will allow your security screening to be as quick and smooth as possible, helping to ensure flights aren't missed. Shoes that are easily removed for screening are also recommended.
Wearing items that contain materials known to set off screening machines will result in additional security measures. TSA officers have a duty to identify any source of metal detected at the checkpoint. If you set off the alarm, you will undergo additional screening. This will include a hand-wand and pat-down inspection. Hidden items such as body piercings may be worn, but may result in your being directed to additional screening for a pat-down inspection.
Items containing metal -- such as keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers and personal data assistants -- may cause issues while being screened by the TSA. To avoid further screenings, remove all of these items from your pockets. Another way to still travel with things like heavy jewelry and other metal items is to securely place them in your carry-on baggage until you clear the security screening area.
