What not to wear to the airport: The items of clothing most likely to spark a security delay revealed

  • Hair pins are not a fliers best bet if they're on a mission to avoid queues
  • Cartier bracelets are an issue - they can only be removed by a screwdriver
  • Former TSA agent, Kimberly Pruitt, reveals the four most surprising items

If you're heading through airport security and you don't fancy the thorough patting down - you may want to rethink your outfit of choice, a former TSA agent has warned.

Clothing items including flowing maxi skirts and comfy cargo pants could see you pulled to one side for a security check - and you're better off leaving those flyaway hairs free, because bobby pins will set off the metal detectors.

Former Transportation Security Administration agent, Kimberly Pruitt, reveals the four most surprising items that seem to cause an issue and a delay when passing through an airport.

Clothing items including flowing maxi skirts and comfy cargo pants could see you pulled to one side

Clothing items including flowing maxi skirts and comfy cargo pants could see you pulled to one side

Maxi dresses and skirts

Speaking to fashion trend website, whowhatwear.com, agent Pruitt said that wearing a maxi skirt or dress is not a flyers best bet if they're on a mission to avoid delays. 

The loose fitting nature of the garment is likely to see you pulled to one side by an officer who will need to ensure that nothing is hidden beneath.

After spending more than five years working at Los Angeles International Airport as a security officer, Pruitt picked the clothing item as one of the worst for a speedy journey through security.

Pruitt said that wearing a maxi skirt or dress is not a fliers best bet if they're on a mission to avoid delays

Pruitt said that wearing a maxi skirt or dress is not a fliers best bet if they're on a mission to avoid delays

Bobby pins

'Believe it or not, too many bobby pins will set off the metal detector alarm' warns the former agent.

She explained that the little metal grips that hold hair into place are one of the worst for setting off the alarms and will book you an appointment with an awaiting security officer.

Kimberly also added that passengers who are looking to maintain a hair style and get dolled up for a flight should do so after passing through security if they do not want to be stopped and held up. 

Metal jewellery 

Large metal bracelets and necklaces will set off the metal detector - and just like bobby pins they're usually worn to airports.

Kimberly revealed: 'The biggest problem item is the Cartier Love bracelet. These bracelets can only be removed with a screwdriver, so they become an issue when going through security. It might be wise to put your jewellery on after screening to avoid a pat down.'

Large metal bracelets and necklaces will set off the metal detector - and just like bobby pins they're usually worn to airports

Large metal bracelets and necklaces will set off the metal detector - and just like bobby pins they're usually worn to airports

Cargo pants

Cargo pants are one of the most difficult items of clothing to wear to an airport, Kimberly states.

The entirety of the garment causes issues, and they almost always set off an alarm because of the different pockets and buckles.

Agent Pruitt said: 'Cargo pants and shorts are one of the most difficult items of clothing at the airport. When being told by an officer to remove everything from your pockets, there is always a lighter or set of keys that you've forgotten in a hidden pocket.'

 

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