Carry-on bags
Checked luggage
Rules for Flights in the USA
Decorative pins and badges are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage when flying in the United States without any restrictions.
Rules for Flights in Other Countries
Canada and New Zealand
Similar to US flights, on Canadian and New Zealand flights decorative pins are also allowed on planes in hand and checked luggage without any restrictions.
United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia
The UK, European, and Australian flight authorities haven’t mentioned any specific rules for decorative pins and badges. Although the EU even states that all sharp objects are banned from hand luggage, decorative pins are usually allowed without any restrictions both in hand and checked luggage. That said, the final decision always rests with each security officer, so they might be confiscated in hand luggage if the officer decides that it may be a security concern.
China and India
The Chinese and Indian flight authorities are usually much stricter when it comes to sharp items in hand luggage. Although both of them haven’t mentioned decorative pins and badges specifically, it’s advised to only pack them in checked luggage, because there’s a high likelihood that they will be confiscated when going through security.
Sources: For writing this article, we took information only from official sources, like airline regulators, government websites, and major airlines. If you want to confirm that our information is accurate and up to date, click on any of the links mentioned above. We linked out to where we found this information for each country.
Disclaimer: The final decision of whether you can bring decorative pins and badges onboard airplanes always rests on the security officer. Some airlines also have additional rules that may be different.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing Pins and Badges on Planes
Are all types of decorative pins and badges allowed on planes (button, lapel, enamel)?
Theoretically, all types of decorative pins are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage on flights in the United States. The TSA specifies stick pins and safety pins are welcomed aboard a plane. But, button pins and badges are similar, and therefore safe to pack in a carry-on. Lapel and enamel pins are sometimes different in style from button pins but are usually considered a type of jewelry and are allowed onboard.
Can I have decorative pins on my backpack or suitcase?
Yes, you can have decorative pins attached to your backpack or suitcase when traveling in the United States. Pins are welcomed in carry-on and checked baggage on United States flights. Just keep in mind that if you check your baggage, your pins might get torn off by getting stuck on the conveyor belts. They could also be stolen, so it’s best to attach pins only to hand luggage.
Read Next: Can You Bring Can Openers on Planes?
Can I wear pins and badges when going through airport security?
Travelers can wear pins and badges on their clothes when going through airport security in the United States. Although not obliged, it’s best practice to remove them and place them in a bin when going through the security checkpoint to avoid triggering the metal detector.
You should also read: Can I take a telescope on a plane?
Do I need to take out pins and badges when going through security?
You don’t need to take pins and badges out of your bag when going through airport security in the United States. However, if you’re wearing them on your clothes, it’s best to take them off and place them in a bin with your belongings to avoid problems with the metal detector.
Are safety pins also allowed on planes?
Safety pins are allowed on planes in the United States. Travelers can pack them both in hand and checked luggage, or wear them in their clothes. This accessory storage box is great for storing your decorative enamel pins and badges in your suitcase.
Read Next: Can You Bring Hangers on Planes?
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