Anyone actually had a problem taking a kilt pin through securtiy?

**Spartan** · 16th June 09, 08:27 PM

The issue of going through airport security has been raised in other threads. But I have a specific question about kilt pins. My question is not about flying kilted. I've been there and done that.

It seems to be conventional wisdom to put kilt pins in checked baggage when flying (along with sgian dubhs), and not take them through security.

The last three times I have flown, which has been in the last month, I have not had any problem taking a kilt pin through security. One time I had it in the sporran that went through the x-ray machine, another time I just threw it in the bin going through the x-ray, along with my belt, etc., and the third time I wore it through on the kilt. When I had it in the sporran they took it out to examine it and run the sporran through again.

Each time I was wearing a medical walking boot, and required the wand treatment. So, by the third time, I knew that I was going to get wanded, I just wore the kilt pin. It was no problem. I showed them the location of each piece of metal (buckles and pin).

To me, wearing a kilt pin through security would be no different than a woman taking a pin broach.

So, the question is, has anyone actually had a problem taking a kilt pin through security? My experience is that it's not an issue.

**Nighthawk** · 16th June 09, 08:39 PM

I did last summer on my way home from Pennsylvania. I was wearing a black Amerikilt with a brass Irish Brigade pin I had picked up at the Antietam battlefield. It was a brass harp, and not only did security make me take it off when I went through, but they took me to a private room and ran a hand through every pleat on my kilt. So I did have a slight issue. It wasn't a huge problem- it was just a little irritating.

**Spartan** · 16th June 09, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by Nighthawk

I did last summer on my way home from Pennsylvania. I was wearing a black Amerikilt with a brass Irish Brigade pin I had picked up at the Antietam battlefield. It was a brass harp, and not only did security make me take it off when I went through, but they took me to a private room and ran a hand through every pleat on my kilt. So I did have a slight issue. It wasn't a huge problem- it was just a little irritating.

That's a new one -- through every pleat

But, the kilt pin wasn't the issue. I assume that you were allowed to keep it.

**David Dubh** · 16th June 09, 09:00 PM

The only issue that I have had I wasn't wearing my Kilt but had my kilt with pin attached rolled up in my kilter, they had it un rolled just to check then I had to reroll it no problem
I just flew this weekend ( not in my kilt) I wore jeans flying out and kakis flying back same belt shoes etc. both ways. Coming back I was patted down not wanded!! and the metal detector did not go off!! (probaly just as well I wasn't kilted I might have found my self engaged

)
I don't think it mtters kilted or not just don't wear the sgian, dirk, broad sword or claymore and you should be fine

**JolyStNicholas** · 17th June 09, 04:53 AM

With the total knee replacement, metal plates in right forearm and various metal pins through-out, ICD in upper left chest, airport security and I are ol friends. Once in Orlando I thought they were going to shoot me, I had a good laugh over it. I lite the place up like the forth of July. I always tell them but they never seem to believe me until it goes BOINK! The kilt and cap badge are always a small thing for me. It's everything else that gives them fits.

**Riverkilt** · 17th June 09, 06:52 AM

I've never tried it for fear of having the kilt pin confiscated because of the pin part being considered a weapon. You're a brave man to give it a go and see what happens.

I suspect it depends on the individual TSA staff when you show up for the process and the luck of what they happen to be focused on.

If I tried it I might also carry a self-addressed stamped envelope with me so that if they made an issue of it I could beg them to at least mail it home to me rather than adding it to their collection of "possible" weapons.

Ron

**Spartan** · 17th June 09, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

I've never tried it for fear of having the kilt pin confiscated because of the pin part being considered a weapon. You're a brave man to give it a go and see what happens.

I suspect it depends on the individual TSA staff when you show up for the process and the luck of what they happen to be focused on.

If I tried it I might also carry a self-addressed stamped envelope with me so that if they made an issue of it I could beg them to at least mail it home to me rather than adding it to their collection of "possible" weapons.

Ron

Ron, that's a good idea! I took a chance -- actually, the first time I took it through, I had forgotten to put it in my checked luggage. Then I got brave to continue to take it through.

My reason for starting this thread is to see if we can lay this concern to rest.

Frank