Passing through airport security

[LittleRobin]

perhaps something like this cabin bag https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00II72A...767431_TE_dp_1
i appreciate that it states unavailable but i'm sure there will be similar models available, If you look at the 2nd and 4th photos you will see a steel cable that locks any zip that it is passed thru. Find this quite useful.

[Spoonage]

I highly doubt he is calling people a liar. Just his experience. I also traveled for work multiple times a year both within the US and international for the last 12 years. I can count on one hand how many times I've been asked to take off my watch. I go through the scanner with it on all the time. If it poses any concerns they look at the watch on my wrist.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by Submariner SS

Those who pass with watches on while flying in the US, are you just regular flier or TSA Pre? Those in the Pre programme don't even have to take shoes off and their life is much easier.

Both ways.

[mgd55]

In the US, you can tell them you want a pat down instead and avoid the scanner and taking off the watch altogether.


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[mgd55]

In the US you can ask for a pat down and avoid the scanner and any need to remove your watch and the risk associated with it...


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[chevy9]

I've never taken mine off going thru US security. After the body scanner they just check my wrist.

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by hl65

i have never been asked to take my watch off and have been through scanner countless times. I fly all the time for work and again not once have i ever been asked to remove watch.

x2

[Submariner SS]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

IMO its not a pre check thing, its dependent on what equipment is being used to screen you.

Looks like this is the case. Thanks a lot

[Submariner SS]

Originally Posted by mgd55

In the US, you can tell them you want a pat down instead and avoid the scanner and taking off the watch altogether.

No thanks! With the way they fondle things and stick things up things I'd rather avoid it at any cost

[mgd55]

Originally Posted by Submariner SS

No thanks! With the way they fondle things and stick things up things I'd rather avoid it at any cost

I mean, pick your fun!


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[phez]

I fly though Salzburg airport, Austria several times a year and watches MUST BE REMOVED.

Tried to get through once and was sent back to put it in a tray, never ever tried again.

[lesfield]

I just place my two-tone Ceramic GMT in the plastic tray with my car keys etc. Never worry about it. I don't think someone would think about stealing anything there as the whole area is under CCTV and the airport is a very closed environment for a thief to get away with it.

That's in the UK anyway, and I've been doing this once a week for years (even more when I was a pilot - hence GMT).

[Rolexsd4000]

Traveled out to Bahamas and Mexico for Vacation never taken off my watch . Last year going thru body scanner the TSA agent looked at my left wrist . .
I do carry a nice size zip tie (2) in my bag and if you need to use it you can go right to the shops after TSA to buy a finger nail clipper to cut the tie wrap.
Also sign up for TSA precheck and global entry . No need to take off belt , watches , shoes , rings etc.


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[Easy E]

About half of the year I fly nearly every week, the other half is maybe once a month. I have never taken my watch off. I have even asked point blank "what about the watch," just to see what response I will get. I have had some TSA tell me never take it off, and others say best to remove. I ask just to size up what kind of agent I'm dealing with. Those that say take off I just shake my head and walk into the scanner. Point is, as mentioned above it depends on which of our very fine govt hall monitors are on duty. This is both through standard security and Pre Check. Again, I never remove.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Spoonage

I also traveled for work multiple times a year both within the US and international for the last 12 years. I can count on one hand how many times I've been asked to take off my watch.

Ditto, always leave it on my wrist, and i've done this with $100k watches, no worries. Only ONCE maaaaaannnnnnny years ago when TSA were being truly anal retentive. Must have been another gov overreach 'RAISE FEAR FACTOR OF TSA TO RED ALERT OMG ITS THE BIG ONE'.

LOL.

Just leave your watch on your wrist through TSA. Trust me guys, even if you take it off and hand it to TSA person.... you're all being videoed from at least two, perhaps three or more angles.

[Lol-x]

The security scanner is a metal detector that uses a magnetic field to activate the alarm if the metal quantity is significant.
The closer your watch is the perimeter of the archway (the sides) the more likely you are going to set off the alarm.
So the trick is when you walk through the archway to have your left wrist centralised and to do that just bring your watch wrist in front of you so it is centred between the two detection walls. You can do this easily.
I never take my watch off going through security checks.

[Ku5165]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

The security scanner is a metal detector that uses a magnetic field to activate the alarm if the metal quantity is significant.
The closer your watch is the perimeter of the archway (the sides) the more likely you are going to set off the alarm.
So the trick is when you walk through the archway to have your left wrist centralised and to do that just bring your watch wrist in front of you so it is centred between the two detection walls. You can do this easily.
I never take my watch off going through security checks.

This. I just got a sizable chunk of metal plate screwed in my left wrist after breaking it. Doctor and some friends have the same advise.

[Submariner SS]

Originally Posted by lesfield

I don't think someone would think about stealing anything there as the whole area is under CCTV and the airport is a very closed environment for a thief to get away with it.

Keep in mind that thieves aren't always other fliers. Security people themselves have been caught stealing many times.

[jhunter3]

Can someone elaborate on "Oakley vault" mentioned a couple of times in this thread?

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[77T]

Originally Posted by joli160

Use some ty-wraps instead of a wire.



If requested to take it off I just put the watch in the carry on without further locks. Theft in this situation is a minor concern for me.

Since your not allowed to take cutting tools inside carry-ons how would you free the watch from the ty-wrap?


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[www777]

I almost never have to take it off. When I do I put it in a zipped pocket within my carry on bag so impossible to fall out.

[Yobber76]

I wear a garmin fit watch on one wrist and a SubC on the other. I never take them off in airports. They don't set off the xray and when you go through the body scan they just ask to see my wrists. The chance of dropping them misplacing them or theft is always there when you remove a watch

[Ku5165]

Originally Posted by jhunter3

Can someone elaborate on "Oakley vault" mentioned a couple of times in this thread?

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CASEBUDi Watch Travel Case - Medium - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009EEQ55C..._xL-NAbDAJ2CXT

[77T]

Originally Posted by Submariner SS

Going through airport security checks is never fun, but when I'm flying with a Rolex it's even worse. I take it off and put it in the side pocket of the suitcase, and while I try to stay with the case until it disappears into the x ray box, most thefts actually happen on the other side when a person is stuck in the body scanner queue or having the extra pat-down.

Before talking about a product or suggested process to avoid such a risk of loss, let’s break this down a bit...I agree “most” thefts are on the other side of the scanner but...

First, what are the odds?
By that question I mean you are at such a reduced risk - only ticketed passengers and TSA are around. You’ve just eliminated 99.999% of thieves globally.

Next, who might do this to you?
Let’s say there are 100+ people in lines and milling around. The only ones who know you have a Rolex in your carry-on are:
1. TSA agents who may have seen you put it away, and
2. Passengers directly in front and behind you who see the same thing.

This eliminates another 90+% of the 0.00001% hypothetical thieves at the airport.

But this is still not theoretically 100% safe.

So...if wearing through the scanner isn’t an option for any reason...it would seem to be wise to discretely put the watch in the bag somewhere that nobody can see this happen. Do it before ever going into the TSA queue.

Now nobody knows but you...

Originally Posted by Submariner SS

I am looking for a product that can help quickly secure the watch in this situation. I initially thought about a cable lock that is heavily embedded into suitcase's body. I can quickly take the watch of, pass the cable through the bracelet then lock it. Would probably take less time than pulling out the laptop or taking off both shoes. After further research though I became worried that the cable itself would not be allowed on board since it could be used to harm someone, and I do not want to lose a cable every time I pass through.

Any suggestions about something I can do or buy would be appreciated

Simple...TSA approved...plastic-coated...short...and can be secured to something like a loop inside the bag...and the watch secured on the other end.





About $18 at REI


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[watchbowl]

I always get told to take my watch off so I just put it in my jacket pocket (flying from Manchester Airport)

[Speedbird-1]

[QUOTE=Swiss Mad!;8346725]So are you saying the people that say they have are lying?


A bit harsh!

[c41006]

I've never been told to take it off

[Speedbird-1]

I wrap my watch in a sock or two, and put it in the bottom of my carry-on, before I leave the aircraft.

[joli160]

I fly a lot and each airport has it's own rules. Even within the same country i.e. Mexico and Oman I experienced different security regulations. I just do whatever they want nowadays.

For the people who say no to removing their watches when requested by security to do so, remember it's not really a request.
Try to argue, hold up the line, piss everybody behind you off and congrats on catching your plane.

We all know the drill, be prepared, remove your belt, wallet, laptop and get through as fast as possible.

[Rashid.bk]

I've experienced both going through without issues and then have been asked to remove it.
Went through Dubai several times no issue then one occasion they asked to remove it, I said no, security gave me a pat down and asked to see my watch, handed it over, he looked it over and gave it back.
In South America(Argentina and Chile), no issues. Germany made me take it off, Spain no issues, Jordan no issues, Amsterdam have had both ways, Paris both ways, Italy no issues, Morocco no issuesI can name a few other countries but I think you get the point.

As some else said, it just goes to show the inconsistencies with airport security. Also it can even vary by airport. You may not have any issues ever at Atlanta's airport and then get raped at LAX.

Now what I do to avoid any drama or anxiety, I just put it in my Oakley watch vault when I leave home in my carry on and when I pass security I begin wearing it.