I wonder whether it makes a difference, in being selected or not for secondary screening, whether you go through the magnetometer or the newer backscatter machine. All of my kilted flight has been since getting a structural upgrade on my hip at the end of February last year, and I just automatically go for the backscatter thingie because I know the new joint will set off the magnetometer.

The one time I got the pat-down was after doing the backscatter thing a couple of times, and it was alarming at the same points every time which -- I could see it on the image -- sort of happened to coincide with the positions of the three kilt buckles and a neck-chain with a heavy silver Celtic cross medallion. I pointed these things out, but it seemed the screeners were new enough to the equipment or otherwise unsure of themselves that they wouldn't exercise any discretion regarding whether or not to do a secondary screen. I just went with it; and the guy who did the search was totally professional.