How to Travel With an Engagement Ring — Without Your Partner Noticing

There are all sorts of reasons why you'd want to propose to your beloved during a trip — perhaps it’s a place with special, sentimental meaning for the two of you, or it’s a time when he or she will least expect it. Or maybe you want a spectacular backdrop for the big moment. At any rate, additional complications are bound to arise when you’re secretly traveling with an engagement ring. What happens if the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decides to start rifling through your baggage or you accidentally set off a metal detector? And once you get there, where in the hotel room should you hide it?

Here's our guide to traveling with an engagement ring, with answers to some of your biggest questions so you can focus on the most important part of the trip — the actual proposal.

How do I pack an engagement ring?

The most important thing to remember when traveling with an engagement ring is to keep your precious cargo in its box for maximum cushioning. If you’re still worried about it banging around in your baggage, tuck the box inside a sock and stuff it in a dress shoe — just don’t forget which sock it’s hiding in. As with all valuables, do not put the ring in your checked bag. Instead, pop it in your carry-on, ideally a small backpack that won't be at risk of being gate-checked if the overhead space fills up on your flight.

How do I get an engagement ring through airport security?

If you're trying to sort out how to travel with an engagement ring, the idea of getting through the security checkpoint without causing any unwanted attention (from TSA or your partner) probably sounds pretty intimidating. But it doesn't have to be. As we said above, keep it tucked away in your carry-on since you’re more likely to set off the metal detector if the ring is in your pocket. Be sure to follow every TSA regulation to a tee — pay attention to the 3-1-1 liquids rule and don't forget to pitch any water bottles before going through the line — to avoid additional complications. You may also want to join a separate security line from your partner, just in case.

What if a TSA agent wants to go through my luggage?

If you're apprehensive about being randomly selected for an extra luggage search at security, don't worry too much. Some crafty travelers suggest wrapping a note around the box stating there's an engagement ring inside so the agent will be more discreet while searching through your bags. Rest assured, there's nothing illegal about traveling with an engagement ring, so there's virtually no risk of it being confiscated.

Do I need to declare the engagement ring at customs?

If you purchased your engagement ring in the U.S. and plan on bringing it overseas and back, there's no need to declare it since it's considered a personal good. If you're worried about being questioned, register your ring before you leave the country. Better yet, take a photo of yourself with the ring ahead of your trip so you can prove it was not acquired abroad. It's also a good idea to have it inspected and insured beforehand in case anything happens to it during your trip.

Where should I store the engagement ring?

This is the one time we don’t recommend storing your valuable item in the hotel room safe, if only because your significant other might look at you strangely or start to get suspicious when you won’t share the code. Instead, sneak downstairs and ask the hotel concierge if there’s a separate safe they can keep it in. When you need to retrieve the ring, pretend you’re planning ahead and getting directions for the day. Or, if you'd rather keep it close by, wrap it in an article of clothing and stash it in a corner of your bag where your partner won't think to look, like that socks-in-the-shoe trick we mentioned earlier.

How do I make sure I don’t lose the engagement ring?

If a ring box is too bulky while you’re on the road, there are a few ways to secure the engagement ring safely on your body. You can wear it on a chain around your neck, safety-pin it to the inside of your pants pocket, or place it in a small, discreet container (like a sunglasses case) and keep it zipped in your jacket pocket. Better yet, plan to propose soon after you arrive, such as dinner on the first night. It’ll alleviate the stress of carrying the ring around and is sure to set a great tone for the rest of the trip.