How to Travel With an Engagement Ring & Not Spoil the Surprise

Whether you're driving three hours to the beach or jetting off to Paris to pop the question, you'll need to know how to travel with an engagement ring to keep everything a surprise. And, you can't overlook getting the ring to your proposal city safely. Yes, unfortunately, your work isn't done after hiding the engagement ring in your home for months because you still have to conceal it leading up to the big moment. Since you're traveling, you'll need a strategic "Mission Impossible"-type plan, but it's not complicated as long as you think ahead. We break down how to bring a ring on a plane and tips for traveling with an engagement ring without spoiling the surprise.

In this article:

• How to Pack the Engagement Ring Safely
• How to Hide an Engagement Ring Through Airport Security
• How to Protect Your Ring (and Yourself) Financially

How to Pack the Engagement Ring Safely

No matter if your grandmother gave you her engagement ring or you spent a pretty penny on a new one, protecting the ring before the proposal is key. Below are tips on how to travel with an engagement ring so it doesn't get lost.

Pack the ring in your carry-on bag.

If you're flying to your vacation spot, pack the engagement ring in a carry-on bag. You never want to put something valuable in a checked bag because it'll be vulnerable to theft. Plus, checked luggage is more prone to damage once it's out of your hands. It's best not to let the precious gem out of your sight, so put the ring in a small box and wrap it tightly in your carry-on. We suggest putting the box in a pair of socks and then tucking it into the innermost pocket of your carry-on for extra padding and security.

You might think keeping the ring on your person (like in pants or jacket pocket) is the best idea, but it can get tricky when you have to remove it during airport security. The worse thing that could happen is you might forget the ring is in your pocket, which might set the metal detector off—a sure way to ruin the surprise. So just be safe and keep it in your carry-on luggage.

Get a travel engagement ring holder.

Whether you're traveling overseas with your engagement ring or your adventure is domestic, consider purchasing a container to hold the ring until you're ready to propose. Lots of sites sell travel engagement ring holders that are discreet and small, which is a worthy purchase if you're worried your partner will spot a traditional ring box in your luggage. We encourage you buy one a few weeks in advance to ensure it's what you want.

A few of our favorite travel ring holders.

Below are three sturdy and unassuming travel engagement ring vessels you should buy. One of them, you can even personalize to make it a stylish jewelry-related gift for your soon-to-be spouse.

• Travel Engagement Ring Keychain

Photo: LionLatch

Lion Latch is a keychain ring box made by a woman-owned company. The case is made of durable plastic that customers love and come in 10 colors like fluorescent yellow and mint. And if you're wondering, "Can you travel with an engagement ring?," the answer is yes. This product, featured on "Shark Tank," doesn't unscrew or unzip and instead requires someone to remove the carabiner to take off the lid, making it extra secure and great for trips.

• Waterproof Engagement Ring Travel Case

Photo: Amazon

Ring Thing is a plastic container made for storing your small jewelry. The item comes in four colors and is waterproof, airtight and floats which means it'll be safe if you accidentally drop it in a body of water. A clip is attached to each Ring Thing, so you can keep it on your belt loop if necessary.

• Petite Travel Engagement Ring Case

Photo: Mark & Graham

Another way you can travel with an engagement ring is by putting it in this best-selling case. It has a zipper closure, and its pebbled vegan leather exterior comes in four colors. The interior is made of soft linen and has tabs to hold your rings and other jewelry. For an additional fee, you can customize the case with foil-debossed monogramming, which means you can eventually reuse the item for your storage needs or give it as a gift to your partner.

How to Hide an Engagement Ring Through Airport Security

Yes, you can bring an engagement ring through airport security. The real hassle is ensuring your significant other doesn't notice the ring while going through security. Keep reading to learn the best ways to be sneaky.

Research airport security rules.

Discreetly getting an engagement ring through airport security is possible, it just takes preparation ahead of time. Do your best to follow all TSA security rules to reduce your risk of being stopped and searched––that means throwing out that water bottle before sending it through the x-ray machine. If you're worried about getting called by officials for a closer check, have the ring in a nondescript, medium-size box rather than a recognizable ring box. If you have to unpack your bag in front of your partner, stay calm. You don't want to give away the surprise by getting visibly nervous.

Join a different airport security line than your partner.

The airport security line can feel chaotic at times, so take advantage of the confusion and join a separate line from your partner. This allows you to have space between you and your soon-to-be spouse if your bag is searched (you won't have to worry about them looking over your shoulder) and gives you time to tell security you're trying to keep the ring under wraps.

How to Protect Your Ring (and Yourself) Financially

Once you've gotten through whatever travel obstacles you might endure, you'll still need to safeguard the ring before the proposal. Learn what two things you need to do after arriving at your destination.

Look into engagement ring travel insurance.

Some insurance companies offer travel engagement ring insurance. If this interests you, contact your broker to learn about options included in pre-existing plans you already have. Frequent travelers should consider investing in jewelry insurance early to prevent future problems. Travel engagement ring insurance generally protects the gem if it's lost or stolen, though specific details will vary differently among insurance companies and policies. Be sure to ask your broker if travel coverage is available worldwide since some insurance policies have limitations, so be aware of what your package covers before purchasing.

Find a discreet safe.

Once you've arrived at your destination, keep the ring hidden until the special moment. Unfortunately, a hotel room safe isn't the most secure because your partner might want to use the safe or wonder why you're being so secretive about what's inside. To avoid this, ask the concierge if the hotel has a separate safe you can use, then retrieve the ring when it's time. But if your significant other doesn't need to use the room safe, make sure to make a pin they won't easily guess, just in case they get curious.

If that's not an option, keep the ring stored in its box in your suitcase for as long as possible. If you've taken extra precautions by keeping it in an indiscreet box and wrapping it up in a piece of clothing, your partner likely won't catch on. Then, when it's time to propose, they'll be shocked and ask you how you hid it so well.