Traveling is a great way to spend your time and gain some new experience. However, for most people with body piercings, traveling can also be their source of stress. What with all the airport security checks and metal detectors, it can be quite frustrating to go to one place to another. If you're wondering what happens at airports and what else you need to know when traveling with body piercings, then read on.

Setting Off Detectors

It's only natural to worry about setting off metal detectors in airports or other places with the same security protocol if you have body piercings. Security even intensified following terrorism reports in many areas, so going through security checks have become a way of life. Depending on the place and the people, security personnel can respond differently to people with body piercings. Some areas may also have a different way to check for such.

Mostly, you will hear two sides of the story. Some people will tell you that you went through airport security and similar checks without so much as a bleep while other accounts say that they have to endure strip searches or requests to take off their body jewelry before they ride the plane.

Tips

You can get rid of all the fuss that your piercings can understand if you follow the next tips:

1. It is best to tell your travel companions about your piercings. This will get rid of unnecessary trouble or awkwardness if you suddenly need to disclose your piercings during the security screenings.

2. If you don't want to reveal your piercings for a specific reason or don't want to create any trouble or stress for anyone, opt for nonmetallic jewelry for the moment. Take note that fine metal body jewelry should be non-ferromagnetic. It should spare you setting off the metal detectors once you walk through.

Note: Be extra careful of handheld wands though. They are usually more sensitive. What metal detectors won't see may not pass through these sensors.

Don't worry, and security personnel won't force the jewelry out of you - at least not since 2008 when someone had a dispute with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Now, you have the choice to ask for visual inspection in place of removing your body jewelry.

Depending on where your body piercing is, you can be examined in a secluded or private room. There is also the option to be examined by a security officer with the same gender. If you want your travel arrangements to proceed as planned, then it is best to be as cooperative and calm as possible. Of course, you also need to be assertive to avoid abuse.

You should research your rights and any law related to body piercings and security checks. The more informed you are, the better the chances you can avoid trouble. If you also know people with body piercings and have traveled already, then ask for their tips.

As much as possible, don't wear long spike-style jewelry. Security checks, sometimes, consider these things are weapons. They can end up confiscating it, and you risk losing your precious jewelry. The trick is to be careful and informed, and you never have to worry about traveling with body jewelry.

Pin Me For Later!