Flying in a kilt

[Smayniac]

Seems to me with the new devices they were testing in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago, it wouldn't matter what sort of nonthreatening metal was on your kilt because it actually maps what you are wearing. They had a little signboard at the head of the line showing us what the screener could see, so we'd know they weren't getting any cheap thrills.

Bob

[kilted in seattle]

These were the standard old WTMD (Walk Through Metal Detectors as they are called in the business). However, it'd be nice to have the ones that can tell the difference between a bunch of snaps on a UK and a true threat.

The procedure for screening a man in a kilt is identical to screening a woman similarly attired. In theory, all the male screeners know it but haven't done it since training.

Now I'm wondering how my USA Kilt would do. Less metal on the buckles than the multitude of snaps on my UK.

I don't wear kilt pins although I do wear my branch insignia (Field Artillery) from time to time on my USA Kilt. Probably not an issue.

One of the things I thought was really cool was the woman who complimented me on the kilt in front of her son (about 10 y.o). That's a good message to the boy.

[Riverkilt]

Have flown in both Utilikilts and USA Kilts. Found the USA Kilts more comfy because of the softness of the fabric and the extra fabric, which for me, is easier to get comfy in.

TSA stuff is always some sort of a hassle for me so don't worry much about the usual hang ups going through the security process....just deal with it.

Ron

[kilted in seattle]

You bring up an interesting point about the fabric.

Last time I wore my UK to work, I noted that sitting on the pleats all day can be a tad uncomfortable. Even with the padded airplane seats, I was aware of the pleats. Granted, it was less than the discomfort from the crotch of my jeans.

However, I did find myself thinking that one of my softer kilts would be better. Not sure when I'll have a chance to test that, but I'll keep it in mind.

[bikercelt1]

I'm always amazed to hear about people getting through the metal detectors in a Utilikit. I never get through the detectors without setting them off. The Utilikilt sets it off, the two buckles on my box pleat kilt from Matt set it off and the three buckles on a traditional kilt seem to signal the presence of weapons of mass destruction. When I go to Texas to spend Thanksgiving with my Daughter I plan to wear my Bear Kilt with velcro instead of buckles and my belt is a nylon police type duty belt with a plastic buckle. I'll put everything metal in my sporran and send it through the x-ray. I expect the detector to still go off. I must just have too much Iron in my blood. If it weren't for the challenge of the thing I'd just give up and resign myself to getting wanded, that's always great entertainment for the agents who like to manuever their buddies into having to search "the guy in the skirt".

As for comfort and being able to get seated without embarasing myself or creating an incident I think the Utilikilt is the best choice for flying.

Jamie

[BroosterB1]

For the first few year after 9/11 I set off the metal detectors every time I flew. Not because of the Kilt, I was not wearing it at the time, but rather because of my face. I have about 6 ft of surgical steel wire and 27 screws in my lower jaw and face. Got kicked by a horse (long story).

I have noticed that the last few time I flew, I did not set off the detectors. Donna know why, but I used to tell the TSA My Face, My Face! Now, nada.

[fluter]

...starting to realize how exasperated I get that he sets off every metal detector every time we travel, as he insists on wearing a kilt every time.

Hi Diane, (a belated welcome from the geometric center of South Carolina) ...

Get him a USA Kilts casual: no buckles, no snaps, lightweight and washable.

[kilted in seattle]

I'm always amazed to hear about people getting through the metal detectors in a Utilikit. I never get through the detectors without setting them off. The Utilikilt sets it off, the two buckles on my box pleat kilt from Matt set it off and the three buckles on a traditional kilt seem to signal the presence of weapons of mass destruction. When I go to Texas to spend Thanksgiving with my Daughter I plan to wear my Bear Kilt with velcro instead of buckles and my belt is a nylon police type duty belt with a plastic buckle. I'll put everything metal in my sporran and send it through the x-ray. I expect the detector to still go off. I must just have too much Iron in my blood. If it weren't for the challenge of the thing I'd just give up and resign myself to getting wanded, that's always great entertainment for the agents who like to manuever their buddies into having to search "the guy in the skirt".

As for comfort and being able to get seated without embarasing myself or creating an incident I think the Utilikilt is the best choice for flying.

Jamie

I flew out of PDX and Savannah. Same results both places.

I was cautious enough to ensure there was no other metal on my body. No watch, ring, nothing in any of my pockets.

I've never actually bothered to find out how those things actually work, but my guess would be the metal moving through the magnetic field alters the strength of the field. The faster you move, the more you will alter the strength of the field. Try moving slower.

Ultimately though, I figured if I did get wanded, it was a few minutes out of my life and that was it.

[BLAZN]

When we flying from Phoenix to Boston, I wore my Dress Stewart. I had everything off except my kilt and t-shirt. My buckles set off the detector, so I got pulled to the side for a more thourough searc. When the gent asked what I had underneath, I just gave him the "you know" look, and he responded with "You're free to go, Sir." lol

[beowulf67]

I seem to remember someone talking about having a kilt made with plastic buckles instead of metal just so they could get through security without issue. I was thinking it was made by USA Kilts but can't remember for sure, but it doesn't seem like it would be that hard to have the buckles swapped out.