Which Festive Garment Does TSA Urge Travelers to Skip at Airport Security?

December 25, 2025 at 03:14 PM•3 min read

TSA issued a holiday travel warning advising passengers to avoid wearing sparkly sweaters, as glitter and sequins can trigger body scanners, causing

Key Points

1TSA advised travelers against wearing sparkly holiday sweaters, citing that glitter and sequins can trigger Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanners.
2The warning is critical during the holiday season, which is projected to see a record 8.03 million air travelers in the US, according to AAA data.
3Bulky clothing, including large sweaters, hoodies, and ponchos, may also need to be removed during screening, contributing to security delays.
4Avoiding high-metal-content or bulky attire is the best way to ensure a faster transit through airport security checkpoints.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a specific warning for passengers traveling during the busy holiday season. The agency advises travelers to avoid wearing sparkly holiday sweaters at airport security checkpoints. This guidance aims to help expedite the screening process during a period of record-high air travel.

Sparkles and Scanners: The Security Conflict

In a recent social media post, the TSA explained the reason for the unusual caution. The agency stated that its Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanners are not compatible with glitter and sequins. The metallic properties in these embellishments can trigger an alarm on the scanners. This results in the need for additional screening or a pat-down, which significantly slows down the security line for everyone. According to AAA, a record 8.03 million travelers were expected to fly across America during the year-end holiday season, making checkpoint efficiency critical.

"TSA PSA: The body scanners don't love sparkles," the agency wrote. "We don't want to dull your holiday shine but we don't recommend wearing your sparkly holiday sweater to the airport."

Beyond Sparkles: Bulky Layers and Delays

The warning about sparkly holiday sweater attire is part of a broader recommendation to wear simple clothing. The TSA notes that bulky or layered clothing often triggers additional checks at the checkpoint. Items defined as light outer garments or bulky clothing airport security flags include windbreakers, vests, light jackets, pullover hoodies, large sweaters, cardigans, and ponchos. Removing these items helps TSA officers get a clearer image during the screening process, which speeds up the flow of passengers.

Tips for Faster Security Screening

To ensure a smooth experience and avoid TSA holiday travel warning delays, the agency suggests several best practices:

Minimize Metallic Items: Avoid clothes, shoes, and jewelry with high metal content, as these can trigger the metal detector or AIT scanner.
Pack Smart: The TSA recommends packing bags in neat layers. This helps TSA officers get a clear look at the contents, reducing the need for a physical bag search.
Know the Rules: Travelers should check the official TSA website for a detailed list of allowed and prohibited items before heading to the airport.
Valuable Items: For valuable items like jewelry, the TSA advises keeping them in a carry-on bag and asking for a private screening if preferred.

This guidance on airport security clothing is crucial for passengers. Simple choices can help manage the high passenger volume and maintain efficiency for airlines and airports alike. For more commercial aviation news and travel updates, visit flying.flights.