Travelling with an engagement ring
The only thing that can feel more anxiety-provoking than proposing is travelling with the engagement ring! From figuring out where to hide it to getting it through security and flying with it…it can feel like a lot (we get it)! The good news is we’re here to help with five tips to make your engagement ring’s ride to your destination panic-free and successful. 💍
Here at Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore a city with a local photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever — and ensure your proposal is beautifully captured! Whether you want to hire a photographer or are just looking for tips for travelling with an engagement ring, read on for the best ways to keep the ring safe and hidden while on your journey.
TLDR
Photo: Rachael in Paris for Flytographer. Benedict and partner capture memories in Paris with a proposal photoshoot at Trocadéro.
1. Stowing in carry-on luggage vs. a checked bag
Let’s talk ring stowage. 🧳 The most common question about travelling with an engagement ring is whether to store it in a carry-on or secure it in your checked bag. The answer depends on your personal circumstances, but there are risks with either option.
If you prefer to have the ring with you (as most tend to), this means stowing your ring inside your carry-on luggage. Utilizing your carry-on can be nerve-racking if your bag is inspected and your significant other catches a glimpse of the ring during the inspection, but it’s the best choice if you want to maintain a level of control and accessibility throughout your journey. Note: see Tip #2 for how to easily navigate the trek through airport security.
Hiding the ring in your checked bag is risky because of possible theft, delay, or bag loss. Should your bag(s) be delayed or lost, your plans for proposing at your destination could be spoiled. Note: if you decide to stow the ring in your checked bag, see Tip #4 regarding engagement ring insurance to cover any potential financial ramifications.
No matter the baggage option you choose, remember that the ring should not be kept in pants, shirts, or jackets, as TSA agents will most certainly request all pockets to be emptied with zero exceptions. However you decide to pack your ring, make sure it is not on your person as you go through security!
Photo: Gerald in Santorini for Flytographer. Jermaine and partner capture memories in Santorini with a proposal photoshoot in Oia Village.
2. Prepare for airport security
You’ve made it to the airport, and you’re officially zigzagging through the security checkpoint. What now? Remember the usual TSA rules ahead of time so you don’t get hung up on a silly stressor — this includes emptying water bottles, making sure liquids are the right sizes and grouped together, and having electronics ready to be taken out of your bags. 🫡 If possible, choose a different security line than your significant other. Airports and terminals can vary, so if there was ever a time to be overly prepared, now is that time. Remember: if you are searched, stay calm!
Photo: Claudia in Cancun for Flytographer. Hannah and partner capture memories in Cancun with a proposal photoshoot at Playa Delfines.
3. Disguise the engagement ring holder
Using a disguise is one of the best ways to ensure an engagement ring stays a surprise – disguises that aren’t those notorious large square ring boxes. Alternative ring storage solutions are available all over the internet and will not only help you hide rings from TSA agents but also from your partner should they catch a glimpse inside your open luggage. Remember to utilize cushioning like socks 🧦 and underwear to protect the ring (and the ring box) from potential party-pooping attention.
Photo: Bayu in Bali for Flytographer. Amir and partner capture memories in Bali with a proposal photoshoot.
4. Look into engagement ring insurance
For the ultimate form of protection, you can insure your engagement ring! 💻 While getting the right travel insurance can be an upfront hassle, it will give you peace of mind when it comes to keeping your engagement ring safe en route.
Photo: Masa and Asami in Kyoto for Flytographer. Minh and partner capture memories in Kyoto with a proposal photoshoot at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
5. Get a temporary substitute engagement ring
A great solution if you’re worried about losing that prized diamond ring is to get a temporary substitute ring! 💎 Not only is this a smart approach if you are uncertain what real ring to invest in for your love, it’s also practical, as your partner can use the substitute ring on future trips after you’re married. A travel engagement ring can both provide relief in your planning and serve as a fun bit of bonus bling.
Photo: Darine in Lake Louise for Flytographer. Enrique and partner capture memories in Lake Louise with a proposal photoshoot at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
6. FAQs
Can I travel with an engagement ring? Absolutely! There are no rules against travelling with an engagement ring.
How do you carry an engagement ring at the airport? You should carry an engagement ring through the airport in a bag that you will keep as close to you as possible without drawing attention.
Where can I hide my engagement ring during a trip? A special camouflage ring box, which can be purchased online, is a great way to make your surprise nondescript.
How do I keep my ring safe during vacation? Utilize your hotel room safe (do not forget the locking code!) and try to propose sooner than later to save yourself from prolonged stress.
Do diamonds show up on airport scanners? Generally, no. Diamonds typically appear transparent on X-ray machines, and having a piece of fine jewellery in your luggage isn’t going to cause any alarm as it goes through airport metal detectors.
Photo: Nicole in New York City for Flytographer. Kendall and partner capture memories in New York City with a proposal photoshoot at Central Park.
Capturing the proposal
Whether you’re planning to pop the question in New York City, Lake Como, Florence, or another destination around the world, proposing during a trip is unbelievably romantic and memorable! Flytographer has captured over 7,000 proposals, and we’d love to help you capture yours.
Our photographers have the best tips for planning the perfect proposal, including how to arrange a destination proposal and proposal outfit ideas.
We hope you’re feeling empowered and excited about travelling secretly with that engagement ring — you’ve got this! Congratulations in advance! 🎉
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“Alexandra made incredible photos of our surprise proposal in Samos. Her attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile made all the difference during the (kind of nervous) preparations. The photos Alexandra created are more than images; they are tangible memories that will always make us smile. We’re normally not really people to do photoshoots, but we would 100% recommend. Thank you!”
Thomas
Pythagorio
“Working with Mattia was great! While setting up the plan for my proposal, Mattia was a lot of help, as it was my first time in the area, and in Italy for that matter, so he has helped relieved a lot of stress for me. The photos came out amazing, everything is positioned just like a post card although the whole thing was a surprised to my fiance, and I’m always proud to show them to my friends and family!”
Brendon
Varenna
“I’m so grateful to have had such an amazing photographer like Claudia to capture our special day! From the day I booked with her to our photoshoot, Claudia was extremely responsive and easy to work with. Claudia is incredibly knowledgeable of Lisbon and when the best times to take photos are and it really showed. Thank you so much, Claudia, we are obsessed with the incredible photos you took!”
Diego
Portas do Sol Square and the streets of Alfama
