Body piercings & Airline security--how scary will it be?

Question

I'm flying out of Newport News VA and afraid of how the metal detectors will react to my nipple piercings (12g stainless barbells). Anyone gone on a plane lately with these? Is it going to be a huge big mess culminating with me taking my clothes off in front of security people?

Cause that would really suck... >.<

Answer 1

You should take them out and then when you get to your destination you can put them back in, otherwise you will have to show them but they will have a woman look at the piercings, not a man. Sometimes they will just let you keep them in after a security person looks at them and sees what they are or they will tell you to remove them, it just depends.

Answer 2

I have both nipples pierced and travel frequently. I&#039;ve never had a metal detector go off. It&#039;s about the equivalent to keeping your wedding ring on or a small chain necklace - which I also keep on.

I wouldn&#039;t worry about it, but yeah, if you&#039;re really worried about go ahead and take them out. I don&#039;t know how new the piercings are, but if they&#039;re close to a 6 months or more, you&#039;ll have no problem putting them back in again later. If it&#039;s newer, I wouldn&#039;t take them out.

Answer 3

So take them off before you leave for the airport!  Duhhh!

Answer 4

beat box is right there was this huge issue with this lady who&#039;s now suing the airline but i&#039;ve flown when i&#039;ve had my nipple ring about 3x and the metal detectors never went off for me and if it matters is was after 9/11, but to be 100% sure if i where you i&#039;d buy plastic ones you know those clear ones, they have other colors too, just to be safe

Answer 5

Security, airlines, airports, readers, tsa

TSA Forces Woman To Remove Nipple Piercings

http://consumerist.com/tag/security/?i=3...

&quot;Your nipple piercings are a threat to national security. A Texas woman says she was in tears, and pain and left feeling humiliated after TSA employees made her remove her nipple piercings before being allowed to pass through security. In response, a TSA spokesman said that if an alarm goes off, &quot;until that is resolved, we&#039;re not going to let them go through the checkpoint, no matter what they&#039;re wearing or where they&#039;re wearing it.&quot;

Airline Security: Tips and Reminders

http://www.passporter.com/articles/secur...

&quot;Passing Through the Scanners  ÃƒÂ‚­ The metal detectors are more sensitive than they used to be. Here are some of the items that routinely trip the alarms: Small change, keys, eyeglasses, belt buckles, jewelry and body piercings, underwire bras, surgical implants (orthopedic screws and plates included), shoes with metal shanks (you often won’t know this until the alarm goes off), and clothes with metal studs or buttons. If you’re wearing a coat you’ll have to remove it and send it through the X-ray scanner. We suggest transferring all items in your pockets into a purse, waist pack, briefcase, zippered coat pocket or similar item before your reach the checkpoint, to speed your progress through the line. If you know your shoes will trip the alarm, remove them and run them through X-ray. And who needs an uncomfortable underwire poking into her ribs anyway? Consider a sports bra, and travel in greater comfort.&quot;

Answer 6

there was a news story about a woman who was made to take her nipple ring out when she went through security and she was outraged...rightfully so!! they might accept your explanation for what they are, worst case scenario they&#039;ll take you somewhere private with a female security guard to check them out.