Airport Security.

[tpa]

It seems that the metal detectors have been made a lot more sensitive, or else there is a plot afoot to try to ensure you miss your flight. On a recent trip through Manchester airport, despite removing everything and turning my kilt through 90º, I was still stopped. After the physical search, the wand even picked up my garter buckles, which I was told I would have to remove , although I was eventually allowed through without doing so, but my shoes, ordinary brogues, were put to the back of the metal detector conveyor queue. Combined with over an hour in the check in queue we had to run for the plane. My daughter on a different security queue fared no better without a kilt, they found different excuses to delay her.
On the way back through Grenoble airport, my sporran was removed from the Metal detector conveyor and "lost" for some time.

[JohntheBiker]

My experience has been that controls in the UK are generally more onerous than they are in North America, kilted or not. Complaining is generally not a good tactic.

[Liam]

Many shoes have a steel shank. As a matter of course, I just take mine off. I find the sensitivity varies from airport to airport, and have had no more or less issues while kilted. Always pack any pointed kilt pins and make sure the sgian dubh is also in your checked luggage or left at home. I have a grouse foot kilt pin that goes through fine. I have found international flights to the USA more rigorous that to the UK while kilted. Again could just be the airport.

[unixken]

In the States, removal of the shoes is required, and you may be selected for a "freedom grope." :/

[sydnie7]

I have TSA "trusted flyer" status by virtue of applying, paying the fee, and going for a short interview. This gets you a special security line where you don't have to remove shoes, laptop stays in the case, etc. and you are typically run through a standard metal detector vs the new millimeter "do the wave" enclosures. Well worth the initial time and expense if you do any amount of flying! There is a similar program for international flight called GOES. All this is for U.S. Of course, not sure if other countries have anything similar.

[tripod]

I cannot go through any gate without it going off. I have a number of metal bits inside and also a leg brace. In some cases it seems to brighten up the security's day to have something different to do, but it does draw unwanted attention.

When I go to the airport I tend to stuff everything in my jacket and throw that and my shoes in the tray, then sort myself out after. The thing that attracts most attention is my brass 1887 miners tobacco tin. Go figure.

[gordontaos]

The last two times that I passed through TSA I was kilted. I was also waved through to the "expedited" screening line. I was shocked at the preferential treatment to a "bearded long hair". I guess that they figured that any man wearing a kilt was certainly not trying to blend in with the crowd.

[mookien]

tpa: The "increased" security probably has more to do with recent events in France and the Middle East. Besides, in your avatar you look a bit like a desperado.

[tpa]

tpa: Besides, in your avatar you look a bit like a desperado.

You are probably right, in Greece many years ago, travelling with someone of similar build, both with fairish curly hair, much consulting, comparison and investigation including phone calls were carried out at passport control before we were allowed in. We were not popular with the passengers behind us.