TRAVELERS could face unexpected delays at airport security if they pack a “once in a lifetime” item incorrectly in their hand luggage.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US has reminded passengers that wedding dresses, while allowed in both carry-on and checked bags, may require additional screening at security checkpoints.
Travelers passing through major US airports, including those flying from UK destinations to the States, are being urged to prepare for possible inspections of their dresses at TSA checkpoints.
On its website, the agency advises: “You can bring a wedding dress through the security checkpoint for screening, but we strongly recommend that it is packed safely in a garment-style bag or other packaging to protect it during the screening process.
“We also recommend that you contact your airline to determine their policy for bringing and stowing the dress on the airplane, as well as how it fits into their carry-on bag limitations.”
The TSA added that if an X-ray scan is unclear, officers will likely pull the bag aside for a closer look.
It added: “If for some reason your dress cannot fit through the checkpoint X-ray machine for screening, alternate screening procedures will be taken to clear the dress and your garment bag will need to be opened.”
The rule is part of the TSA’s broader efforts to detect prohibited items that could be hidden inside what appear to be ordinary objects.
In recent months, US airports have faced longer wait times due to the rollout of the Real ID screening system and an uptick in summer travel, making it more important than ever to streamline security checks.
This warning comes alongside other recent TSA alerts, including a new ban on placing portable chargers and power banks in checked luggage, due to fire risks.
There was also a recent reminder about traveling with books.
Book screening highlights just how detailed security procedures have become — even seemingly harmless items aren’t exempt.
These items are prohibited from carry-on luggage
- Power banks.
- Cell phone battery charging cases.
- Rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries.
- Cell phone batteries.
- Laptop batteries.
- External batteries.
- Portable rechargers.
To stay prepared, the TSA recommends packing books near the top of your hand luggage, so they can be quickly removed if requested by a security officer.
Travellers are also encouraged to keep other items like laptops, tablets, and liquids separate and easy to access, especially when flying out of busy US airports such as JFK, LAX, or Atlanta.
You can view the TSA’s full list of prohibited items here.
