Can You Wear a Watch Through Airport Security?

If you don’t fly often, you might wonder: “Can you wear a watch through airport security?” And the answer might be more straightforward than you think.

Whether traveling on business or taking a well-earned break, you must take your watch. Watches are handy companions. They’re functional and look good. Maybe you’re taking more than one watch through security? A guy needs to have options when traveling. Every outfit deserves the perfect complimentary timepiece, after all. 

Are you ensuring you catch your connecting flight or checking how long you have left on a long haul? Glancing at your wrist is still easier than rummaging in your pocket for your cell phone. What’s more, there are watches with complications to help you track a different time zone. We’ll talk a little about GMT watches later. 

So, before we go any further, let’s tackle the main question surrounding watches and travel head-on. Can you wear a watch through airport security? Yes, you can. And here’s how to do it. 

Do Watches Set Off Metal Detectors?

In most cases, it’s doubtful that your watch will set off a metal detector. Most watches don’t contain enough metal to trigger like a potentially harmful metal object would. But it’s still possible. It depends on the watch you’re wearing and how the metal detector from each airport operates. 

Obviously, highly sensitive metal detectors may react to jewelry, watches, and belts. Anything with more than a few grams of metal can trigger the alarm. Don’t worry if you activate the alarm. These things sound off left, right, and center daily. If the officer thinks it’s likely the watch you’re wearing, they’ll clear the alarm or ask you to remove it. Then, walk through again and head to your gate – no big deal!

Just be aware that it might sometimes involve a quick visual inspection. You may need to remove your watch, and in some marginal cases, they may decide to frisk you. The thing is, you never know how the sensitivity of a metal detector is going to operate. So, if you want to get through security fast, remove your watch and put it in your carry-on bag for scanning. This way, it’s always on your person while you travel. 

It’s logical that if you don’t want to risk scratching or damaging your watch, keep it on you. The same goes for reducing the chance of losing it or someone stealing it. Most of the time, it won’t trigger the metal detector. If it does, show it or remove it as a last resort. Remember that chunkier watches and timepieces on metal bracelets are more likely to trigger an alarm. You can pre-empt this by removing it and putting it in a scanner tray. 

Can Putting a Watch Through a Scanner Damage It?

Putting a watch through a scanner will not damage it. Airport scanners are not bad for automatic or mechanical watches unless you wear a vintage or delicate watch. You can also wear your watch through a walk-in body scanner or conveyor scanner without damage.

As you may know, mechanical watches (be they hand-wound or automatic are sensitive to high magnetic fields. As a matter of fact, when subject to magnetic fields, mechanical watches can deviate from their regulated timekeeping property.

Metal detectors work by applying a magnetic field and detecting how much it changes when you walk through. But don’t worry; most modern watches can withstand relatively high magnetic fields without a problem. Without getting too technical, the magnetic field created by a metal detector is not strong enough to deregulate your mechanical watch. This is true even if you pass through the detector with your hand on the side of your body and at waist level. This is where the magnetic field of the metal detector is the strongest.

Here’s a cheat code for you. If you want to lower your mechanical watch’s exposure to magnetic fields, scratch your nose as you walk through. Your head sits right in the middle of the detector – where the magnetic field is weaker than at the sides. Generally, there is less magnetic activity around your head area for health reasons. However, you could head for a frisk if the officer thinks you’re trying to hide something. It’s your call!

What To Be Aware of When You Wear a Watch Through Airport Security

Watches made of plastic or resin (like a Casio G-Shock, for example) should not trigger the detector. You’ll be fine if you own such a timepiece or one made from ceramic or carbon. You can wear it and walk through the metal detector without a problem. 

Bear in mind that no one is exempt from a random screening, whether you own a metal watch or one made from carbon. It’s part of the security procedure, regardless of your nationality or where in the world you are. Don’t stress out if you have to go through additional security checking measures. This is a standard procedure and has nothing to do with the watch on your wrist. 

If you put your watch through the scanner, avoid placing your watch on a small tray with uneven shapes or heavy objects. Doing so can tip the tray, and your watch can fall out and get damaged. The last thing you want is to get your watch scratched up during security checks. Check that your watch is secure inside the tray before you send it on its way. This will ensure it won’t get stuck in the conveyor rollers. The same goes for any valuable jewelry items.

Also, be aware that everything you put in a tray for X-ray scanning might be tempting to thieves. It only takes a second of distraction for prying eyes to take advantage at the release end. Be vigilant at all times. If your watch is of very high value, consider taking out a good level of insurance that covers you for theft and loss. 

Let me state this again in case of any doubt: Always keep your watch on! Better safe than sorry. And if you do have to remove it, don’t take your eyes off it. 

Can I Wear My Watch On a Plane?

Yes, you can wear conventional watches, Apple watches, and other smartwatches when traveling on a plane. If you’re wearing a smartwatch, you can knock it into flight mode and use all other functions as usual. If you take more than one watch on vacation or business, you may consider using watch accessories. There’s a great range of watch pouches or watch boxes to explore. 

Traveling with multiple watches is not always the most practical idea. This is especially true if you only leave home for a few days. Some watches on the market are perfect for tracking time while racking up air miles. A quick search for travel watches online will give you an idea of the many designs out there. 

What Are Travel Watches?

When traveling, it’s important to prioritize functionality and durability. You may need to switch from an office meeting to the beach in a matter of hours, so you’ll need to pick your most versatile timepieces. One of the best multi-function watches is the GMT. The most recognizable of this genre is the GMT-Master II, especially the Pepsi watch.

GMT watches can track one or two time zones simultaneously, depending on the design of the bezel. Following a GMT watch is easy. It enables the wearer to track local time on the central hands and home time on a 24-hour scale. Doing so helps keep track of time differences when calling family members back home. It’s also a valuable tool for managing time differences while at work. 

Travel watches often feature a combination of water-resistant and time zone-tracking features. Since dive watches offer superb scratch, corrosion, and seawater resistance, they’re also some of the best durable timepieces for travel. 

How To Take Care of Your Watch When You Travel

One of the main concerns surrounding traveling with watches is how to keep them safe. Watch rolls, pouches, and wallets are all excellent options. Before traveling, consider getting a watch service. You don’t want it to malfunction while you’re away from home. Refresh yourself on your warranty policy, too, should the worst happen. Never pack your watches in your checked bag. Keep them on you at all times. 

When you arrive at your destination, be aware of your surroundings. Always ensure you have a lock box or safe at your rental or hotel. The same rules for arriving at your destination also apply to your trip back home. When traveling internationally, there is always a chance customs may stop you. Should this happen, it’s always a good idea to have your paperwork on you. 

The Takeaway 

The answer to “Can you wear a watch through airport security?” is pretty simple. Yes, you can, and this guide shows you how to do it safely. In most cases, you don’t need to remove your watch from your wrist when moving through security. If you do, it will only be briefly. Metal detectors shouldn’t sound over a watch but can if your timepiece is chunky and solid metal. 

You can also wear your watch on a flight and should always keep it with you. When traveling with multiple timepieces, use watch accessories like cases, rolls, and pouches. Consider a GMT to reduce the number of models you need to take on vacation. It’s surprising how versatile they are!

What are your tips and tricks for traveling through airport security with your watch? Let us know in the comments.