Security Gone Too Far?

**Ayin McFye** · 6th May 08, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by Nighthawk

When we were getting on the plane to come home, security actually took me aside into a room and searched every single pleat in my kilt.

Maybe he was admiring your kilt and checking the craftsmanship.

Trying to see how many pleats you had and how deep they were.

**Arlen** · 5th May 08, 03:41 PM

I've never had a problem with my kilt pins in Glasgow airport but I always have to put my belt and sporran through the metal detector regardless.
Considering that I've had nail-clippers confiscated, I've never tried even a Sgian Don't.

**Ryan Ross** · 5th May 08, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

I am always required to remove my sporran and belt and put them through the x-ray machine at security but then after I have been through the metal detector and been frisked I always get them returned before flying.

Ditto. The funny part about this happening in the states, is the way the male security person looks at you, before he goes to it with the metal detector wand... I don't think they train the male guards to sweep "unbifurcated" garments, as he went over and had a talk with one of his female coworkers, before proceeding.

...but seriously, it wasn't funny.

**Kiltman** · 5th May 08, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by Ryan Ross

Ditto. The funny part about this happening in the states, is the way the male security person looks at you, before he goes to it with the metal detector wand... I don't think they train the male guards to sweep "unbifurcated" garments, as he went over and had a talk with one of his female coworkers, before proceeding.

...but seriously, it wasn't funny.

Love it! TSA just isn't ready for us.

**McClef** · 6th May 08, 02:27 AM

Consistency in security does not exist and Glasgow might be more sensitive than it was 12 months ago because of the failed attack.

I always err on the side of caution and do not wear kilt pin or sgian when flying - they can't confiscate what you are not wearing in the first place.

My next flight is booked - Barcelona from Cardiff at the beginning of June.

**Hamish** · 5th May 08, 05:34 PM

John, I am afraid I have to agree with Alex. Back in 2000 I was flying from Aberdeen to Gatwick when, after going through all the security (such as it was back then), I was called back because someone noticed my Sgian Dubh. On close inspection the blade was found to be 3/4" too long for me to wear on the plane. It was confiscated for the flight, travelled in the cockpit (or so I was told) and was returned to me on my arrival at Gatwick.

Although I do wear a faux Sgian, more often than a bladed one now, I have never since then flown with anything tucked in my hose. My Sgian and kilt pin are always packed in my checked-in luggage, and I expect to have to remove my sporran and belt when passing through the security arch - but they have always been handed back to me immediately after they have been through the X-ray machine.

I am, of course, sorry to hear that you lost your faux Sgian, and I hear what you are saying, but I always tell myself that these guys are only putting us through these added security measures for our own safety. I do not object to them at all. My policy is to co-operate in good humour and I invariably find I am treated similarly in return.

As others have stated: I guess we must be thankfull that it was not an expensive, genuine Sgian that you forfeited.

Take care,
Ham.

**Jock Scot** · 6th May 08, 02:35 AM

A sign of the times,I suppose.The alternative option is not too good.

**Freedomlover** · 6th May 08, 04:11 AM

I suppose that everyone would agree: security is a good thing. But it is absolutely impossible to have it provided for us. We can be safer, but not safe. I think that such ridiculous measures as confiscating nail clippers, bottles of toiletries, and no-blade plastic knives are mere busy work--'see how diligent we are?' And as proof that the rules are idiotic I offer this: in the U.S. they will confiscate your Zippo or your Bic, but you are welcome to carry as many as four (4) books of matches on your person.

Back in '06 I had a nasty experience at the Asheville airport. Now I show up in cotton shorts and a tee shirt. No metal on me at all. After waltzing through security I head straight for the men's room and get properly dressed. Evidently you can carry a kilt outfit through security without problem or comment, but actually wearing one is another matter.

**Galician** · 6th May 08, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by Freedomlover

Back in '06 I had a nasty experience at the Asheville airport. Now I show up in cotton shorts and a tee shirt. No metal on me at all. After waltzing through security I head straight for the men's room and get properly dressed. Evidently you can carry a kilt outfit through security without problem or comment, but actually wearing one is another matter.

I had to stop at the Asheville airport in Nov 2001 to exchange a rented car which was giving me trouble. Coming from NYC and having experienced the destruction of the WTC firsthand, the degree of security struck me as mindboggling, given what to me was a very out of the way locale. It seemed that there was a whole troop of machine-gun bearing soldiers on duty there.

The priest who was riding with me wasn't even allowed to stay in the car and enter the airport grounds with me. He had to wait at the entrance to the airport grounds till the exchange was complete and I could pick him up on the way out.

**Finn** · 6th May 08, 05:37 AM

Never tried to fly kilted. I'll take all this under advisement. Had a tiny pair of hygiene scissors confiscated.
In the '80's I flew Lufthansa from Nuremberg to Chicago (connected in Frankfurt) and security was VERY heavy. Those security people were actually Polizei and highly professional and well-trained.
Sometimes airport security seems arbitrary. I hope that DHS starts treating those people with more respect and training.