Traveling with the Rolex (TSA)

[reelestates]

My home airport is Miami and I primarily travel to the Caribbean, Central/South America, and Asia. I got into the habit a long time ago of while in the security line I slip my Rolex and platinum necklace/dogtag into a microfiber bag and into a compartment in my Tumi backpack. I also stash my passport, wallet and cellphone as to never be the cause of delays or security wranglings. As a Global Entry traveler, I have minimal security requirements in the US but no other country cares about any of that.

[scotttampa]

Never asked to remove my watch -- dozens of flights every year.

[huggie49]

I wear my old plastic Timex through the security area and then change to the steel watch on the other side. I had a conversation with a guy about it one time. His Rolex was grabbed by a guy in front of him...never saw either one of them again. It just seems easier and safer to leave it in a small case until I’m well and truly through.

[jsausley]

Originally Posted by RyanJ

Pretty simple. I fly internationally all the time.

Buy a small watch travel case, put watch in case before airport, put watch case in carry-on bag, and go through security without having to worry about it.

Hundreds of flights, 0 problems.

Did that with a watch roll and was told that on the x-ray machine, "small cylinders with metallic components inside them look like something we don't want to see."

I don't bring watch rolls anymore. I use one of those little travel cases now or just wear it on my wrist (I've also NEVER been asked to take my watch off and if they did say something I'd request a pat down instead of the scanner).

[r_afficionado]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

The only time I was FORCED to take it off was going trough security into a federal building.

Never at airport. Small case bud watch holder is a good idea to prevent issues and unwanted attention.


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Same here I was forced to take my Day Date off at a Federal building. I was asked in France to remove my DD at airport once, I refused and they let me through. Never been an issue at any US airport. On a flight minimum 2 times a month.

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[bravetony]

I never take it off.

[TK116710]

I've flown between Houston, LaGuardia, Baltimore, Louisville and San Jose in the last two months.. Was never asked to take it off.

[Syed117]

I let them know ahead of time that I am flying.

Then authorized TSA agents are dispatched and they carry my watch through security for me.

[Coldnore556]

The one and only time I was asked to remove my watch was at Durban International Airport in South Africa, I then stuffed it into my backpack.

[LandWatch]

I’ve never had to take it off for the US or Northern Europe. Southern Europe and elsewhere seem to require it for some reason. As I know this, I’m prepared, put it in a case well beforehand, and bury it deep in my carry on bag.

[calatravaquanautilus]

Originally Posted by MTBer

I actually had the opposite experience coming back from Vegas a few months ago. People could leave their watches on while going through the full body scanners, but had to take them off if going through a regular metal detector.

This has been my experience too. When I have had to take it off for a metal detector, I usually put it in my backpack, but I've also just left it in a tray by itself several times.

[RolyMoly]

I never take mine off. They never make me either.

[KBM]

Originally Posted by RyanJ

Pretty simple. I fly internationally all the time.

Buy a small watch travel case, put watch in case before airport, put watch case in carry-on bag, and go through security without having to worry about it.

Hundreds of flights, 0 problems.

This.

[RyanJ]

Originally Posted by jsausley

Did that with a watch roll and was told that on the x-ray machine, "small cylinders with metallic components inside them look like something we don't want to see."

I don't bring watch rolls anymore. I use one of those little travel cases now or just wear it on my wrist (I've also NEVER been asked to take my watch off and if they did say something I'd request a pat down instead of the scanner).

Ya, I don't bring watch rolls. I have a flat, 1 watch carrier.

[RichardF]

You can count on having to take your watch off in Charles de Gaulle, Paris and Cairo intl, Egypt.

[Mossback]

Domestic US flights I've always taken mine off after TSA got excited in SEA. Four times through Korea no problem. Hong Kong asked politely to remove once?
Also asked to remove for jury duty security in my small home town near Seattle.

[173rdabn]

I normally flew 45 weeks a year before retiring. Whether domestic or international, I've never taken off my watch. I always removed everything from my pockets as well as belt and it went into an interior pocket of my carryon. No issues with scanner.

[watchdawg]

Originally Posted by RyanJ

Pretty simple. I fly internationally all the time.

Buy a small watch travel case, put watch in case before airport, put watch case in carry-on bag, and go through security without having to worry about it.

Hundreds of flights, 0 problems.

This, is the solution if you are worried. I can’t remember the last time I was asked to remove my watch, but why take chances.

[ScottD]

Just went thru 2 different airports with mine on my wrist. Never a word.

[dwjez14]

I travel all the time and have never been asked to take it off. I have even had a tsa agent day we don’t want you to take that watch off keep it on.

[N5XTC]

I wear my rolex and tell them I am wearing it. my problem is i usually travel with at least two other expensive watches. i keep them in sun glass cases in my front pockets. i put them in the "bin" and just keep an eye on them.

[dberman3]

I never take my watch off and it’s never even once, been a problem.

[mr.president1]

Never been asked to take it off domestically or internationally. They sometimes check behind the clasp but other than that no issues

[drtii]

I'll be heading to LAX in a week or so and it will be my first trip with the Rolex. I've always been asked to take off watches, but I'm gonna give it a shot. See if I can walk through with the DSSD.

I highly doubt they won't notice the massive piece of 904L steel attached to my wrist.

[Chase3009]

Originally Posted by drtii

I'll be heading to LAX in a week or so and it will be my first trip with the Rolex. I've always been asked to take off watches, but I'm gonna give it a shot. See if I can walk through with the DSSD.

I highly doubt they won't notice the massive piece of 904L steel attached to my wrist.

I take my sub through on my wrist all the time. Never been asked about it. Just went through LAX with it last month.

[madgoal1]

Have only been asked to take off my watch one time, and that was leaving iceland.

Domestically never had an issue kept it on through the new body scanners and the old metal detectors. Flying literally all through the country Hawaii included.

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[rominvicta]

Yep, a friend of mine got it stolen from the bin. Fortunately the culprit was apprehended a bit later at the airport. Just try taking it off without being noticed and put it in a pouch somewhere in your hand luggage or inner pocket.

[rominvicta]

Originally Posted by RichardF

You can count on having to take your watch off in Charles de Gaulle, Paris and Cairo intl, Egypt.

And just to add a few more: Milano Malpensa, Munich, Frankfurt, Wien, Barcelona, Dortmund, Koln, Basel and rest of Europe.

[JR16]

Originally Posted by rominvicta

And just to add a few more: Milano Malpensa, Munich, Frankfurt, Wien, Barcelona, Dortmund, Koln, Basel and rest of Europe.

I’ve never had to take my watch off anywhere in Europe and that includes a few of the airports you listed..


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[andyvn579]

I took two Rolex, one Hublot, one Longines with me on a trip to Asia. I was wearing my Sub, the rest in my carry on. No questions ask. No problem at all