Overview
- In a Dec. 18 Facebook post, TSA advised travelers not to wear sparkly holiday sweaters because body scanners "don’t love sparkles."
- When asked whether the warning covered sequins or sparkles, the agency replied "Both," confirming the guidance applies to either embellishment.
- Millimeter-wave scanners and metal detectors can flag metallic threads, sequins, rhinestones, large buckles, underwire bras, and even wet clothing, prompting secondary checks or pat-downs.
- TSA recommends simple, comfortable clothing and notes some outer layers may need removal at checkpoints, while urging travelers to pack in neat layers and use tools like MyTSA, "What Can I Bring," and TSA Cares.
- The reminder comes during a heavy travel period, with TSA projecting about 44.3 million passengers between Dec. 19 and Jan. 4, and travelers widely reporting extra screening tied to embellished attire.