To cap badge or not to cap badge

[MacMillans son]

I think the mystery question is whether they will consider the pin part long enough to be a "weapon". If it's held on with two piece friction pins like some medals (or ear rings), or Chicago screws it likely would not be a problem.

I remember when things first started we heard about fingernail clippers, and just about anything with a point, being considered possible weapons, and subject to confiscation. I'm not sure if they have let up on that level of scrutiny or not. You would hate to get all the way to the security point and have them give you the option of "leave it or don't get on the plane".

A phone call to someone may be in order to avoid last minute problems. Or, put it in checked baggage and not worry about it.

Good luck!

[ThistleDown]

Put your bonnet in your luggage along with your sgian and all other bits and pieces of metal that may cause ringing of bells. Fly in great comfort and re-attire yourself as you wish at the other end. It's easy: if the buzzes occur, raise your arms and smile; they pass that wandy thing up and down and over you, ask about your buckles, and away you go.

[Nighthawk]

Put your bonnet in your luggage along with your sgian and all other bits and pieces of metal that may cause ringing of bells. Fly in great comfort and re-attire yourself as you wish at the other end. It's easy: if the buzzes occur, raise your arms and smile; they pass that wandy thing up and down and over you, ask about your buckles, and away you go.

Wouldn't that be nice...? The wand is no longer considered effective enough for security.

So- if the question "Should I take ____ through security?" pops into your mind, the answer is "NO! You should not." If you find it questionable, they will most certainly see it as a security risk, and they could cause you more trouble than they're worth. (Ambiguity in that statement was intentional by the way... I have been labeled as a domestic extremist after all- along with the framers of the 4th amendment!) So put it in your checked luggage!! Avoid the suspicion that that dangerous piece of jewelry will undoubtedly cause!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I have been labeled as a domestic extremist after all- along with the framers of the 4th amendment!

Sadly, purchasing an aero-plane ticket constitutes implied consent to rummage through your luggage before boarding the aircraft... that said, despite the amazing paraphernalia I toss into my bags when traveling, I have never once had the TSA* question or remove anything from my suitcases.


*(TSA, an acronym for Thousands Standing Around)

[Mark Stephenson]

I would put your hat in your checked baggage.
From a practical perspective, you will be indoors and would not be likely to be wearing your hat. So, instead of having one more thing to handle, just put it in checked baggage in a place where you can easily retrieve it when you get your bags at your destination.

[gary meakin]

[QUOTE=MacMillan of Rathdown;935345]Sadly, purchasing an aero-plane ticket constitutes implied consent to rummage through your luggage before boarding the aircraft...

Actually there is no implication involved. If you buy a ticket you're consenting to having you luggage gone through, where to sit, when to leave. how fast to go, how high to go, etc. I just went to Florida and back. Checked everything sharp and/or metal and had no problem either way.

[Nighthawk]

[QUOTE=gpmeakin;935381]

Sadly, purchasing an aero-plane ticket constitutes implied consent to rummage through your luggage before boarding the aircraft...

Actually there is no implication involved. If you buy a ticket you're consenting to having you luggage gone through, where to sit, when to leave. how fast to go, how high to go, etc. I just went to Florida and back. Checked everything sharp and/or metal and had no problem either way.

Lucky you. My mom bought an antique (and rather expensive) blown glass Christmas tree ornament in New York last summer, got home, and found it smashed, luggage with an Inspected By TSA tag. They never responded to any of her complaints about the broken ornament... Thanks very f'ing much, TSA. That was so helpful- not to mention the care and respect shown to our private belongings...

[McNulty]

Right now I feel that discretion is the better part of valor... therefore based on the expert opinions presented here I'll pack the cap badge in my checked baggage and put it on when we get to Chicago. I really don't want tooo much of a fuss w/TSA as there will be enough w/ me flying kilted. Thanx to all who chimed in on this.
Nulty

[Kittel]

I have never once had the TSA* question or remove anything from my suitcases.
)

You are lucky. I was doing some grad work in Trinidad and had a Leatherman, a flashlight, and a folding knife in my checked bag. No problems going down but on my flight home my clothes were all out of order and the case was a mess. There was the friendly tag on the case that it was inspected by TSA. Nothing removed but I re-washed all of my clothes.

As for the pin... When in doubt check it. If you are kilted you are going to draw enough attention. No need for some angry TSA worker, in a sour mood because they are working the holiday, take your pin.

Cheers,
Jake

[Nighthawk]

*(TSA, an acronym for Thousands Standing Around)

I love it!!