Airport Security Alert: The Fashion Item That Triggers Scanners Every Time
Airport security procedures can be stressful enough without your clothing choices adding to the hassle. Yet one popular fashion item is consistently causing problems for travellers passing through security scanners across UK airports.
The Tracksuit That Stopped Security
One traveller recently learned this lesson the hard way when her comfortable travel outfit turned into a security headache. "I was told to never wear one item again after making a faux pas," she explained, describing how her Juicy Couture tracksuit with diamante detailing triggered security scanners at Manchester Airport.
The incident occurred during a routine security check when staff noticed the sparkling "Juicy" lettering on her tracksuit. "They chuckled to themselves and said I'd definitely be getting stopped when I passed through the scanners," she recalled. True to their prediction, the scanner flagged an anomaly, leading to additional checks.
Not an Isolated Incident
This experience is far from unique. Multiple women have taken to social media to share similar stories about their Juicy Couture items causing security delays:
- One woman reported: "My bedazzled Juicy Couture track pants set off the airport security scanner and I had to get a pat down and an explosives test."
- Another shared: "I went through airport security in my Juicy Couture pants, and the bum got flagged."
The common denominator appears to be the metallic or metal-like components in the diamante detailing, which security scanners detect as potential anomalies requiring further investigation.
Security's Direct Advice
After the additional screening, security personnel offered clear guidance to the traveller: "The person working for security advised me not to wear my Juicy tracksuit to the airport again if I didn't want to be stopped."
This advice highlights an important consideration for all travellers - what might seem like harmless fashion embellishments can appear suspicious to sophisticated security equipment designed to detect metallic objects and anomalies.
The Broader Airport Security Experience
The incident raises broader questions about passenger experiences with airport security. While some travellers describe security procedures as "a humiliation ritual," others note that polite, professional staff can make the process much smoother.
"I really don't mind being stopped at the airport when the person searching me is polite and friendly," the traveller noted, adding that Manchester Airport staff are typically "pretty jovial and are just there to do their jobs."
Practical Travel Considerations
This situation serves as a reminder for all travellers to consider their airport outfits carefully. While comfort is important for long journeys, certain materials and embellishments can inadvertently cause delays:
- Metallic threads or decorations on clothing
- Excessive jewellery that might need removing
- Clothing with substantial metal components
- Footwear that requires additional screening
The traveller admitted this wasn't her first security issue, noting she's frequently stopped "usually because of jewellery." However, she assumed the tracksuit's diamantes were plastic rather than metal-detecting material.
Industry Response and Recommendations
Manchester Airport has been approached for comment regarding specific security protocols concerning fashion items with metallic embellishments. While awaiting their official response, security experts generally recommend:
- Choosing simple, minimally decorated clothing for airport travel
- Removing jewellery before reaching security scanners
- Being prepared for additional screening if wearing items with metallic elements
- Allowing extra time for security procedures when wearing potentially problematic clothing
As airport security technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, travellers need to adapt their packing and dressing habits accordingly. What seems like a harmless fashion statement could turn into an unexpected delay during your journey.
