As millions of Americans take to the skies to head home for holidays, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has offered advice to travellers to avoid last minute travel fuss at airport security lines.
The TSA has cautioned travellers against wearing sparkly attire at the airports.
“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,” read a post on the agency’s Facebook page.
Why did the TSA caution travellers against wearing sparkly clothing?
According to Fox News, TSA suggested that wearing shimmery clothing at the airports could trigger extra screening or additional checks at the security checkpoints at airports.
In addition to avoiding sparkles, travellers should be aware that sweaters may have to be removed during the screening process, specifically what the TSA defined as light outer garments or bulky clothing. These outer clothing layers can include windbreakers, vests, light jackets, pullover hoodies, large sweaters, cardigans and ponchos, according to Today.com
What else has TSA cautioned against?
On its website, the TSA said passengers can reduce setting off an alarm by removing all items from pockets to avoid a pat-down screening.
“You should avoid wearing clothes, shoes and jewellery with high metal content…The officer will advise you of the procedure to help you anticipate any actions before you feel them,” TSA said.
The TSA also said brass knuckles are not accepted for carry-on, but they are okay to carry in checked in luggage. “Although these items can be placed in your checked baggage, they are still illegal in some states,” the agency said. “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,” it added.
Travellers can bring a wedding dress in carry-on or checked baggage.
If the dress cannot fit through the X-ray machine, the agency said alternate screening procedures will be taken to clear the dress and the garment bag will need to be opened.
‘Don’t wear pajamas to airport’
Last month, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has also spoken up against casual dressing norms that he claimed have crept into airports and cabins in recent years, urging commuters to abandon pajamas, slippers, and other overly relaxed attire during air travel.
There has been no formal dress code issued by the government, nor have any penalties been imposed yet on airlines or travellers for not complying with the directive.