The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) recommends that you dress in metal-free clothing, without large metallic buttons, snaps or decoration, although zippers are OK. Pack your underwire bra in your checked bag, and wear a slip-on sports bra. Wear natural fibers like cotton, because if there's a fire, synthetics will melt on your skin.
Avoid heavy jewelry like chains, cuff links and wrist watches that will set off the metal detector. If you wear body-piercing jewelry, you may be taken aside to remove it or be subjected to a pat-down search.
Pack large belt buckles and metal hair ornaments such as barrettes or headbands in your checked luggage or carry-on bag.
Head coverings worn for religious or other reasons, or large, loose garments that could conceal prohibited items, may get you additional screening, which will include a hand-wand search and possibly a pat-down of any body part that raises concern.
If you wear a ceremonial knife or dagger for any reason, pack it in your checked luggage, because it may not be allowed on the plane.
If you have a metallic implant or pacemaker, notify the screeners before walking through the metal detector, so you can be searched with a hand wand. Some airport metal detectors have proven safe for battery-powered medical devices, but there's no need to take a chance.
You must remove your shoes to be x-rayed, whether they have any metal or not, and walk through the metal detector barefoot. To keep the line moving and protect your feet, wear slip-on shoes and socks or stockings.
If you can, stuff outerwear, such as a coat, in your checked luggage before checking in. You'll have to remove it at the security checkpoint. Pack a shawl or sweater in your carry-on because complimentary blankets are disappearing from planes.
To keep your jewelry and small pocket items, such as keys, loose change, pagers and cell phones, from getting lost, put them in a plastic bag in your carry-on before you reach the checkpoint, so they can be x-rayed inside your bag, rather than dumping them into the inspection bins where anyone can pick them up if you're delayed by an extra search.
