Air travel while kilted

[TallmanAZ]

Hello-

I have seen some posts in regards to flying while wearing a kilt and possible issues with TSA. I am going on a tour of Scotland next year and we are only allowed one carry-on bag. I want to take 3 kilts with me and plan on wearing one and packing the other two in my carry-on bag. I would love to take a kilt pin with me as well but am unsure about it getting past TSA even though I would view it as a piece of jewelry. Any views on this? Also, in packing my other kilts I plan to fold them in half lengthwise and then fold again at the end of the fell. I will take my kilt hangers with me to hang them up upon my arrival in Scotland. I though about using the rolling method but my kilts are 27" long so they would fit into my bag. Any other thoughts about packing for air travel? Thanks!

[Richrail]

I just returned from 3 weeks in Great Britain, 2 weeks in Scotland and 1 week in England and Wales. I took one kilt with me, and I only wore it three times. Once to the Blair Atholl Highland games then while hiking the Blair Atholl estate while my wife was riding Highland Ponies. The next time I wore it to an event at Highclere Castle(Downton Abbey). Would I do it again? I don't really know, maybe I know my wife loves it when I wear one of my kilts.

[Liam]

I have a grouse foot kilt pin that has never given me a problem going through airport security. I also use a pair of flashes with Velcro fasteners.
A portable steamer with appropriate adapter will keep your kilts looking wrinkle free.
Have a great trip.

[Tobinn]

I just traveled via air domestically and based on a response to a query regarding traveling posed to TSA directly I opted to keep my kilt pin in my checked luggage. I did just you plan - wore one and packed two. I wore my kilts (not all at the same time, mind you) everyday except for a day trip to Dorney Park in Pennsylvania (USA) (an amusement park) and during my participation at the Battle of Monmouth (Monmouth County, New Jersey, USA) with my old Revolutionary War renactment unit Mott's Artillery . (A quick plug - they (we?) are looking for members. Check out the website if you have any interest or PM me.)

I had no issues being kilted at all during my travels.

[TallmanAZ]

I won't be checking in any bags so I guess I will just take my least expensive kilt pin and put it in my carry-on. If they take it no great loss and I can buy a cheap replacement while in Scotland.

[Father Bill]

I won't be checking in any bags so I guess I will just take my least expensive kilt pin and put it in my carry-on. If they take it no great loss and I can buy a cheap replacement while in Scotland.

Or don't take one at all. They're far from required and frankly, getting in and out of small places during travel, they could be a nuisance if worn.

[Kylahullu]

I won't be checking in any bags.....

Three kilts and no checked in luggage? Why three?
The two kilts (1.5 to 2 kg each => 3 to 4 kg = 8.8lb) in your bag will take about one half of the allowed weight (mostly from 7kg=15.4lb to 10 kg=22lb).

Been travelling around Europe sometimes kilted with no checked in luggage, I would suggest only one kilt and to travel having it on, especially if it is woollen "8 yarder". If you really need to pack the kilt in, then get one USA kilts casual (about 0.6 kg = 1.3lb, same as long trousers).

And well, after getting to that solution I have usually left the woollen kilt home and had only that light one with me if travelling lite (=only carry-on luggage) and usually have it on me in the plane. No hassle in the security check because the kilt does not have any metal in it and I do not wear a kilt pin when travelling by air.
If one needs woollen "real" kilt to travel then a 4-yard box-pleated weights a bit less than 8-yard knife pleated and I think is equally "traditional".

[tpa]

Great choice to fly kilted, I find it much more comfortable, especially on long trips.

I'm assuming you are allowed checked baggage as well as the carry on bag. I would put your kilt pin (unless it has magnetic fastening) in the checked baggage along with the 2 other klits. You will need some of the space in your carry on bag for extra clothing as when visiting Scotland you have to be prepared for non-seasonal weather!

[ForresterModern]

I've taken two separate 10-12 day trips to Scotland and was kilted for every day but one each trip, taking three kilts on each trip. I did not wear one flying as I was worried that so much time sitting on the pleats of one would not be the best way to start a trip, and because I had some worries on the first trip that it might interfere with my ability to travel with my newborn son.

I recommend using a carry on known as a Skyroll ( https://www.skyroll.com/skyroll-on-wheels-bag/ )-- comes in two varieties, shoulder bag and rolling carry on. Basically it is a tubular carry on with wheels and a handle with a garment bag that wraps around the outside of the tube and attaches to it. I put all three kilts (all 8 yd 16 oz 26 in length tanks) staggered in the garment bag portion wrapped around the tube holding my most precious kit -- belts, hose, nice sporrans, etc. -- and put the rest of the stuff in my checked luggage. A wrinkle free way to travel with your kilts without letting them out of your sight.

The only kilt pins that are problematic are those that are sword or dagger shaped -- if you must take one of those then pack it in your checked luggage. Otherwise a kilt pin is just a brooch, a simple piece of jewelry. If you do fly kilted then you might consider going without a kilt pin for the flight -- one less thing to get metal detector wanded about. You will be wanded as you will have metal buckles on your kilt which will not pass the microwave metal detectors and which you will not be able to remove (especially if commando).

When you get to Scotland, you will likely only encounter other kilt wearers on other tourists, kilt shop employees on High Street in Edinburgh, on piping buskers on busy main streets, at highland games, occasionally on bellmen at high end hotels, or if you happen across a local wedding party. And the locals will look askance at you but probably not say much if anything. Don't be surprised if other tourists stop you and want to have their pictures taken with you, or if other foreigners stop and ask you for directions. If you get out of the big cities then the locals will certainly be eyeing you a bit more in the smaller burgs.

Enjoy your trip. Wear it like you were born in it. Post lots of photos. Makes the rest of us jealous but we still love it. If you get up into the Inverness area look up Jock Scot as that is his neck of the woods.