how to carry ring on flight to paris?

[rexism]

Hi all - now that I finally got the ring, I have a trip planned for Paris, where I was planning to propose to my GF. She will be travelling with me, and I was going to carry the ring in my carry on luggage. Will this be an issue at the metal detectors/xrays? I''m worried about security asking me to pull out the ring, ruining the surprise for my GF. Anyone ever have problems with this? Many thanks!!

 

[AtlantaC]

One piece of jewelry usually doesn't set off a metal detector. When I travelled to Hawaii (not international), I put the ring in the pocket of my cargo pants. No ring box, just wrapped the ring in some foamy paper to hide its shape in case she slapped me on the leg. It was the only piece of metal on me when I went through the detector and I didn't beep. I figured worst case scenario if I got singled out for a search was just to tell the guy and make the whole thing as discreet as possible.

 

[Hest88]

I've gone through airport metal detectors wearing both my wedding set and my platinum right hand ring without setting them off. I think the pocket idea is probably the best. That way if they have to go through your carry-on you won't risk having your GF see the ring box and you also won't risk having it stolen.

 

[hoorray]

If you carry it in a pocket, be careful about any other metal on you that might set off the detectors and initiate a wand search, which would buzz on it. Jewelery has never set it off for me, but other things will.

 

[foundnemo]

FYI, you might want to bring your receipt with you and declare the ring at U.S. Customs in the airport before you leave so they won't tax you when you come back.

My mom brought two pieces of jewelry, a ring and a necklace, with her when she traveled internationally. She always carried the jewelry box to put the ring in when she slept at night. When she returned to the States, somehow she was searched and, since she didn't have a receipt to prove that they were purchased here, was charged a duty on her jewelry!

Not saying it's going to happen to you, but it *can*.

 

[Iceman]

I wear a heavy Bracelet and necklace and some bling on my fingers and I get passed the detectors, it only alerts them on base metal not gold. I guess the man with a golden gun can make it through!

 

[Kiz]

I proposed to my Fiancee in Paris last year. I also was worried about the airport security and having my carry-on randomly checked in front of her. If she would have seen the box, I would've had to propose in Newark airport instead of Paris
But I went through with no problem. I had the ring in the ring pouch and on me in a money/passport belt. So all I had to do was to put the belt through the x-ray. The box itself was wrapped in a bag inside my toiletry kit.
I insured the ring and made sure that my policy covered ovrseas.

 

[Brian Knox]

Hi,

If the ring is in a metal ring box (most are metal with velvet or suede coverings) it absolutely WILL set off the metal detectors. I am postitive of this.

Maybe you can stash it in a pocket or your carryon, make it easy to open and inspect like in a small plastic zip lock bag, wrapped with a note begging whoever to not blow the secret if you are searched, etc.

 

[fire&ice]

----------------
On 6/1/2004 4:32:32 PM Kiz wrote:

I had the ring in the ring pouch and on me in a money/passport belt. So all I had to do was to put the belt through the x-ray. ----------------

Belts are the big thing that will set off the detector. If you need to wear one, remove it before you go through.

Yeah, good catch on having the documention of receipt of purchase. Also, as noted, do make sure that the insurance covers you abroad. Most do; but, ask the question.

Good Luck!

 

[headlight]

I know that my DH's watch always sets it off. I am just concerned about the ring going through security and not coming out the other end. My DH travels internationally on a regular basis and has nice things stolen, such as money clips. You just keep you eyes peeled on the case that the ring is in, and check it immediately when it comes out the other side of the machine.

 

[phoenixgirl]

Hello!

My fiance and I got engaged in Paris on April 7th.

My fiance was worried about that too. It didn't set off the metal detector. You should be fine. The ring box doesn't have some kind of weird metal in it, right?

He did ask me, a bit obviously, if my other jewelry set off the detector as we were in line.

I also noticed that my fiance made a point never to leave me with his carry on bag. He left me with his coat a bunch of times, but never his bag.

Hey, we girls notice these things, especially when we're in Paris . . .

 

[rexism]

Great thanks alL! So basically if the box is wooden then no probs with my carryon? And if stopped try and get a quick word in with security before all is blown!! Oh, and thanks for the advice on customs and insurance.

 

[robbe]

hello rexism, besides all good advise written above, i would like to inform you that the french customs are very very strict when it comes to 'importing' jewelry. even if you have the invoice with you, even if you tell them it's going out of the country when you leave, they may tax you at entry on french soil because they fear you are going to sell it on the black market. worst, if you don't declare at entry and they catch you, they may confiscate the item. i hate to scare you with such extreme example however it has happened before. paris is probably the best place to propose, but i would personally hide the ring in my pocket with money, tissues and other rubbish. i would not recommend to take the box. good luck. robbe

 

[AtlantaC]

I agree on not bothering with the box. My appraiser gave me a nice velvet ring pouch.