“Ask for Harry” campaign helps partners keep the proposal a secret as they go through airport security.
Picture this: You’re about to jet off to the romantic destination of your dreams with your partner. The ring is tucked securely into your carry-on, ready for the moment you’ll get down on one knee. But just as you approach airport security, your stomach drops—what if they flag your bag and reveal the ring or watch? Is your carefully planned surprise about to come crashing down in the TSA line?
If you’ve felt this anxiety, you’re not alone. A recent poll by lab-grown diamond experts Queensmith found that 76% of proposers traveling abroad stress about getting the ring through airport security. But fear not! A new initiative called “Ask for Harry” is here to save the day—and your surprise proposal.
Launched by Queensmith in support from London Luton Airport, the “Ask for Harry” campaign is a game-changer for couples planning to pop the question abroad. The premise is simple: If security pulls aside your bag containing a hidden engagement ring, you discreetly ask, “Does Harry still work here?” This clever code lets security staff know to handle your bag with extra care, ensuring your partner—and your proposal—remains blissfully unaware.
Why Proposing Abroad Comes With Extra Stress
Proposing while traveling is one of the most romantic gestures imaginable, but it comes with its fair share of logistical challenges. Queensmith’s survey revealed that 53% of Brits plan to propose abroad, with popular destinations like Paris, Santorini, and Bali leading the charge. Unfortunately, security checks can turn into a minefield when trying to keep the engagement ring a surprise.
Searches for “how to get engagement rings through airport security” have surged by 25% in the past year, highlighting just how many proposers are sweating bullets over this part of the process. With 90% of people hiding their ring in hand luggage or a pocket, it’s no wonder the stress levels are so high. That’s where “Ask for Harry” steps in to take the pressure off.
Clare Armstrong, Head of Guest Experience at London Luton Airport, perfectly summed up the campaign’s importance, “The last thing we want is to spoil a well-planned proposal by accidentally revealing the surprise before they even board the plane. That’s why we’re so excited for Queensmith’s ‘Ask for Harry.' After all, there are far more romantic places to pop the question than our security hall!”
How It Works
It doesn’t get much easier than this. If your proposal accessory-bearing bag is flagged at security, you simply ask the staff, “Does Harry still work here?” This subtle code alerts them to handle your luggage discreetly, avoiding any awkward reveals. From there, the ring (or watch!)—and your surprise—remains safe.
Currently, the campaign is live at London Luton Airport, but Queensmith is calling on other airports to adopt the initiative. The hope is that “Ask for Harry” will become a standard across airports, sparing countless couples from unwanted spoilers.
Easing the Journey to the Proposal of Your Dreams
We love a clever idea that takes the stress out of one of life’s most joyful moments. Proposing is already nerve-wracking enough—you shouldn’t have to worry about the logistics of getting the ring from Point A to Point B without your partner catching on. Laura Suttie, Engagement Ring Expert at Queensmith, explains why “Ask for Harry” is so important:
“At Queensmith, we believe everyone should have the proposal of their dreams. Instead of stressing about the big question, we want proposers to focus on one of the best moments of their lives. ‘Ask for Harry' takes the fear out of popping the question abroad, and we hope more airports will adopt this initiative.”
By addressing one of the most common pain points for couples planning a destination proposal, the campaign is turning engagement anxiety into pure excitement.
Tips for Traveling With an Engagement Ring
While “Ask for Harry” takes care of the airport stress, here are a few other tips to make traveling with a ring smoother:
- Keep It Close: Never pack the ring in checked luggage. It’s safer and easier to access in your carry-on.
- Opt for a Slim Travel Box: Bulky ring boxes are hard to hide. A compact travel box is your best friend.
- Choose Your Bag Wisely: Pack the ring in a spot that’s accessible to security but unlikely to draw your partner’s attention.
- Enlist a Friend: If you’re traveling with friends or family, see if someone can hold the ring for you.
- Stay Cool: Confidence is key! If you’re acting nervous, your partner might start asking questions.
A Campaign With Heart
Beyond its practical benefits, “Ask for Harry” captures the kind of thoughtfulness that makes the wedding world so special. It’s not just about getting a ring through security—it’s about preserving the magic of a surprise proposal and helping couples start their forever story in the most joyful way possible.
As the campaign gains momentum, we’re rooting for more airports to join the movement. The ultimate goal? Ensuring that no proposer ever has to hear the dreaded phrase, “Excuse me, we need to open this bag,” at the security checkpoint.
So as engagement season heats up, let’s hear it for “Ask for Harry”—the secret code turning travel anxiety into happily-ever-after moments. Here’s to fewer spoilers, more surprises, and the proposal of your dreams!
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