Kilts and airport security

[TechBear]

Yes, I know this subject gets kicked around a lot, but I have two specific issues on US airport security procedures I'd like some comments on, as I will be flying to San Diego in three weeks to visit family.

Specifically, I'm wondering how to deal with belt and shoes, as the Seattle airport requires that both be removed before going through the security checkpoint. I wear a UK and the belt is kind of a requirement to keep the garment off the floor. As for the shoes, I can slip them off and probably crouch to pick them up without giving any peep-shows, but I'd rather not have to walk a quarter mile in socks to find a chair where I can put them back on (I usually sit on the floor just past security, but I don't see that as an option in a kilt.)

Sitting in a tiny airplane seat for several hours wearing pants usually leaves me uncomfortably "bunched up," which is why I'd like to wear the kilt. Any suggestions / first hand experience you'd like to share?

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

TechBear, is the belt really a requirement for keepng the UK up or will it just slide down your hips a bit? I have one that is big in the waist without a belt, but would not fall all the way down with out some help from me. I have flown in both my UK's and never had a problem. For the shoe/boots, when approaching security, I list my foot up, bending that leg at the knee, and hold it near the opposite knee and loosen the laces, then repeat for the other foot. Then I just slip them off when I get to the conveyor belt and through them in a bin with the belt, pull the laptop out and put it in a bin, then push the carry-on bag and laptop bag through the scanning machine. I then step through the X-ray, and retrieve my stuff. I put the belt on first, then put the shoes on the floor and slip them back on, but don't bother to tie them at that point, get the laptop back in its bag, grab the other carry-on and head toward my gate. I will either tie my shoes once I get to the gate and can take a seat, or if I see a bench or other low surface that I can rest my foot on, I will stop, put my foot on the surface and tie up the shoes. I am also able to tie my shoes by just bending over and tying them. I have never given anyone an eyefull while doing so (at least I have heard no laughs or sniggers!), but if you are concerned, bend your knees a little bit while using that approach. Just think through what you need to do, and you will have no problems.

All in all, I find getting my 6' 3", 225lbs butt into the airplane seat while trying to sweep the pleats is much harder than going through security!

[JayFilomena]

Specifically, I'm wondering how to deal with belt and shoes, as the Seattle airport requires that both be removed before going through the security checkpoint?

I have learned to dress down going through post 9/11 airports. I have switched to sandles when I fly, and this will also increase foot comfort. Many people complain of foot swelling when flying and restricting shoes cause foot discomfort. Loose fitting sandles are great for foot comfort. Please wear some kind of foot deoderant, and spray sandles with lysol the night before flying.
about the belt. I have a Blackhawk "duty Belt". http://www.blackhawk.com/product_det...uct_id=2001&d= It is all nylon and has no metal parts. It closes with velcro, and is a thick 2+ inch belt and looks good with my kilts. With the kilt on, and no metal, I dont get asked to take the belt off.
Blue skies
Jaybird

[arrogcow]

With the belt, you're on your own, but if your UK falls off when you take the belt off, you are wearing too large a size. Since you need a new UK anyway, get a survival since it has waist snaps (and you can just take the pockets off and drop them in the metal detector). No matter what you do, don't overload the pockets. They tend to get caught on armrests (at least back in steerage where I fly), and the more stuff in them the less comfortable.

As for shoes, why not sit on the floor like usual (if that's how you have to put on your shoes). I have two small kids, and am sitting on the floor in a UK most of the time it seems.

Adam

[Raphael]

You can always put the kilt in the carry on bag and change to it after you pass the security check point. The snap buttons will set off the alarm.

[Riverkilt]

I've noticed most airports had a chair just past security for folks to use while putting their shoes back on.

I too fly in sandals for comfort. Wear my Survival UK for the pocket removal trick you folks taught me. No way my UK is gonna fall down without my belt...my hips are too big.

My Survival UK has made it through the dealie without a belt. Workman's sets it off. Survival is more comfortable to fly in than Workman's.

Some airports used to give out those footie things...a few years ago Pittsburgh had everyone walking a long way barefoot on cold linoleum. Have flown out of Sandy Eggo kilted, don't recall any problems.

In fact, only time I've been wanded while kilted was at security to visit my local dam - Glen Canyon Dam. Don't remember being wanded flying yet.

Ron

[way2fractious]

I've found that security usually requires the removal of all footwear, even sandals, rather than argue with every passenger about whether they will set off the gate or not. Climate permitting, sandals are definitely easier to remove and replace and are definitely more comfortable when traveling. Retying boots is a pain, but facing a wall and going down on one knee while retying the other foot's boot maintains modesty. I'm more self-conscious about replacing my sporran than retying my boots.

Most of my traveling kilts have belts made of 2-inch cotton/nylon webbing and 2-inch plastic side-snap buckles. Never any grief about those.

I was once asked to remove one leather belt with metal buckle. When I insisted that doing so would expose the entire area to pure white moon rays, they allowed me to hold the belt ends in my hands while they wanded everything. Every other passenger there (and I) was wondering how far up my legs the security agent going to pass that contraption.

Such are the joys of traveling.

[michael steinrok]

I have discovered slippers! I keep my shoes in my carry on. You may wish to consider either suspenders for your UK or buying a new one. Did you lose weight? Good on you!

[JackK]

TechBear

The last time I flew, I just bit the bullet, so to speak, and took off my shoes; but when asked to take off my belt I just nicely told the TSA guy that he didn't want to see my kilt fall off - he agreed. I went through with no problems. The return trip wasn't that easy, I did have to go through the wanding procedure. Even though I try to wear and not pack the heaviest things I'm bringing, I will recommend wearing shoes that come off and on easily.

Jack

[JackK]

With the belt, you're on your own, but if your UK falls off when you take the belt off, you are wearing too large a size.Adam

When I bought my UK at headquarters, I was told the proper fit was to require a belt to stay up

Jack