Flying in a kilt

**Snowbear** · 8th November 08, 02:47 PM

I don't know about a UK (since I only wear tartan), but if you wear a tartan kilt you might want to think trough a small thing: I flew from Scotland, via London and to Norway two weeks ago. As usual I did wear my kiltpin. In Scotland it was fine, in london I had to wait for them to telephone their boss to approve I was wearing it because of the sharp ende, treathning object, etc. Back in Norway I can't even fly with it attached to my kilt. So be a little carefull when wearing a pin, and have a backup plan in case they stop you.

Otherwise, flying with kilts are a very plesant experience.

**BruceK** · 8th November 08, 03:18 PM

I'm having Rocky make a 5-yard wool kilt for me but with velcro instead of buckles. Without the buckles I figure the kilt won't set off the metal detectors.

**Riverkilt** · 8th November 08, 06:26 PM

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** · 8th November 08, 08:03 PM

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** · 9th November 08, 02:34 PM

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** · 10th November 08, 12:28 AM

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.

**kilted in seattle** · 10th November 08, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 10th November 08, 03:18 PM

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** · 10th November 08, 03:20 PM

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.