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Galley Gossip: A question about packing jewelry
Dear Heather,
I meant to ask you before my vacation -- what's your secret for packing jewelry? In what do you pack it and how? Some outfits I have look better with gold, and some look better with silver. Then there's a myriad of "fun" jewelry that include bracelets, necklaces with different charms, earrings to match, etc. The thing about the "fun" jewelry is that it causes the security alarms to go off in some places, so I try not to wear it on days of travel, wearing either gold, silver or nothing at all, which means I'm forced to pack it. Just curious as to how you did it so it wouldn't get broken, tangled or lost.
Angela
I meant to ask you before my vacation -- what's your secret for packing jewelry? In what do you pack it and how? Some outfits I have look better with gold, and some look better with silver. Then there's a myriad of "fun" jewelry that include bracelets, necklaces with different charms, earrings to match, etc. The thing about the "fun" jewelry is that it causes the security alarms to go off in some places, so I try not to wear it on days of travel, wearing either gold, silver or nothing at all, which means I'm forced to pack it. Just curious as to how you did it so it wouldn't get broken, tangled or lost.
Angela
Dear Angela,
My secret to packing jewelry is simple. I don't pack it. Ever. When I'm working a trip I wear my wedding band, a necklace and a nice watch. When I'm traveling for pleasure I might pack a cheap bracelet and a few pairs of earrings that wouldn't cause me distress if they were to become lost, stolen, or broken. But I always leave the good stuff at home. When it comes to traveling, I firmly believe that less is more and that includes the jewelry. I mean do you really need all that silver and gold to go with all those outfits? And where will you hide it all after you've checked into your room? I ask because I'm not so sure I'd trust the hotel safe with something really valuable. I've used the safe on several occassions, and while I've never had any problems, I can't help but wonder who many people out there have access to the code.
I decided to contact an expert who deals with security and high net worth. When I told him your question about traveling with jewelry, he had this to say...
I assume this is more than one piece and would be considered valuable. Couriers are told the same as I will tell you. You never pack your jewelry. Hand carry only. If you put it in your suitcase TSA will screen it and G-d knows who else. If its stolen from your suitcase you will get a few hundred dollars based upon their limit of liability which should be on the back of your ticket. No evidence, no suspects, no police investigation, no crime scene, no responsibility and if you by chance ever proved it, you will be in court with the Dept of Homeland Security until you grow old.
My secret to packing jewelry is simple. I don't pack it. Ever. When I'm working a trip I wear my wedding band, a necklace and a nice watch. When I'm traveling for pleasure I might pack a cheap bracelet and a few pairs of earrings that wouldn't cause me distress if they were to become lost, stolen, or broken. But I always leave the good stuff at home. When it comes to traveling, I firmly believe that less is more and that includes the jewelry. I mean do you really need all that silver and gold to go with all those outfits? And where will you hide it all after you've checked into your room? I ask because I'm not so sure I'd trust the hotel safe with something really valuable. I've used the safe on several occassions, and while I've never had any problems, I can't help but wonder who many people out there have access to the code.
I decided to contact an expert who deals with security and high net worth. When I told him your question about traveling with jewelry, he had this to say...
I assume this is more than one piece and would be considered valuable. Couriers are told the same as I will tell you. You never pack your jewelry. Hand carry only. If you put it in your suitcase TSA will screen it and G-d knows who else. If its stolen from your suitcase you will get a few hundred dollars based upon their limit of liability which should be on the back of your ticket. No evidence, no suspects, no police investigation, no crime scene, no responsibility and if you by chance ever proved it, you will be in court with the Dept of Homeland Security until you grow old.
I would put the jewelry in a sandwich bag and hand carry it in your carry on. Leave it on top but put a few things over it. Watch the bag go through the x ray before you pass the metal detector. If they want to look at the bag ask for a private screening. Also ask for a supervisor or second screener to be present. You will not be allowed to touch your bag but they will be able to see the jewelry through the sandwich bag without having to touch it either. Do not leave the bag unattended for any reason during the inspection. Maintain hand or sight of the jewelry at all times even if you are asked by an agent to move. You are never to separate yourself from your property until the bag is returned to your custody.
Hope that helps, Angela! If you (or anyone else) have another question feel free to email me at Skydoll123@yahoo.com
Happy travels!
Heather Poole
Photos courtesy (Suitcase) Remon Rijper (Woman) Simone Koster
Hope that helps, Angela! If you (or anyone else) have another question feel free to email me at Skydoll123@yahoo.com
Happy travels!
Heather Poole
Photos courtesy (Suitcase) Remon Rijper (Woman) Simone Koster
Filed under: Gear, Airlines, Galley Gossip
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
masanddjs May 15th 2009 10:04AM
I agree with Heather. I hate lugging around jewelry.However, if you are a young, single woman, who is going on a vacation to party, jewelry might be a very important part of her wardrobe!
frank96 May 15th 2009 11:56AM
Through the years, I've heard of numerous flight attendants being attacked or jumped on layovers. Traveling with expensive jewelry increases that risk. Along with going out late at night, drinking alcohol and not knowing your whereabouts.
In 2000, I had my identity stolen. I think I can trace it back to a hotel in BWI. That day, I went to work out in the hotel gym, leaving my wallet in the room unattended. While my room wasnt attended to, I think someone came into my room (hotel employee) and took my Social Security information. I had it in my wallet at all times. (Huge mistake, never leave it in your wallet, as your wallet may be stolen or lost, giving someone the opportunity to steal your ID.
Needless to say, I spent several years, hundreds of hours dealing with my Identity issue: shutting down accounts, dealing with banks, internet sites and finally freezing my credit reports.
Same with jewelry in a hotel. The Maids could steal it and the hotel will fight you for reimbursement. Leave it at home. Travel with the cheap stuff. I've even heard of flight attendants having their CARRY-ONS pilfered by passengers inflight, so carry-ons are not safe either.
Jessica May 21st 2009 8:25AM
I always wear really simple outfits, then bring a few fun long strand necklaces (usually cheap from places like target) to dress the outfit up. But they always would seem to get tangled in each other. So now I tend to wrap them individually in some toilet paper or a paper towel. Really simple and quick, but keepys them from getting tangled, lost or broken.
Alyson May 23rd 2009 9:57AM
I make and sell jewelry - so of course I have to take it when I travel! I might make a sale right off my neck! My secret to packing my jewelry - everything goes into plastic baggies. All matching pieces go into the same bag and all the little bags go into one giant plastic bag. And that bag goes into my carry on. You can also use one of those plastic containers that Glad makes for leftovers from dinner. It travels very well.
Joe Jun 9th 2009 10:26PM
I found out about gemvelopes, which are small envelope/pouches to keep your jewlery organized in. It seems like something that would be very good for a person who needs to travel around with jewelery that they do not wear all the time, or when bringing jewelery on a trip. You can go to gemvelopes.com to see what they're like.
Um... that sounded a little too much like an ad... still, it's worth showing everyone about this handy invention.