⌚ Smartwatch

Smartwatches will typically trigger the metal detector or body scanner alert because of their metal casing and internal components. Most checkpoints expect you to remove your watch and place it in a bin tray, just as you would with a regular metal watch. Removing it before you reach the scanner speeds things up considerably.

Smartwatches are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage everywhere, with no regional differences. The lithium battery inside a smartwatch is far below any regulated threshold. The only relevant rule is the standard request to remove metal items at the body scanner, which applies at virtually every airport worldwide.

Airlines do not restrict smartwatches beyond the standard electronics-in-flight-mode requirement. You will be asked to enable flight mode or disconnect Bluetooth and Wi-Fi during the flight on most carriers. Smartwatches with standalone cellular capability should have that feature disabled as well.

Remove your smartwatch before you reach the scanner and place it directly in a bin tray along with other metal items. This is quicker than walking through the scanner, triggering an alarm, and then being pulled aside for a wand check. Putting it in a small pouch or your jacket pocket in the tray prevents it from sliding around.