Travel with a kilt

[RGM1]

As a retired consultant who flew for food for many years, I travel light with just a roll on bag that can be placed in the overhead and am curious how to travel with a kilt other than wearing it. My bag is 20 inches long and my kilt is 24.5 inches tall.

I have seen the carry on bags that can handle a rolled up kilt, but they seem to long for either the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of me and in any case, the airlines only allow one carry on.

I am also looking for shipping options such as a tube that could hold both the rolled up kilt and my sgian dubh which won't be allowed in the passenger compartment in any case.

Best practices?

[Father Bill]

I've had good luck rolling a kilt into a gently used tripod case. It fit perfectly and with the shoulder strap it was a breeze to carry about. Kilt was in prime shape on arrival.

[Kylahullu]

When travelling light I do not have an 8-yard 16oz woollen kilt, but a USAkilt casual. That does not weigh more than trousers and occupies about the same amount of space in the luggage.

[RGM1]

My one kilt is 8 yards of 13 oz wool so takes some space. Checked out a four inch mailing tube and waist band was too much. Any experience in checking kilt carriers on airplanes?

[kilted scholar]

I have travelled on four transatlantic flights (two trips there and back) with a kilt roll in addition to checked luggage and one carry-on piece. No problem whatever.
It may depend on where your travelling is, and also on the airline, but on the flights I mention you can have an extra checked in item for an additional cost.

[kilted scholar]

I have travelled on four transatlantic flights (two trips there and back) with a kilt roll in addition to checked luggage and one carry-on piece. No problem whatever.
It may depend on where your travelling is, and also on the airline, but on the flights I mention you can have an extra checked in item for an additional cost. In case you are afraid the checked luggage may go missing and your kilt be lost, obviously you should insure it for its replacement cost.

[Tomo]

I have used a kilt roll when only taking carry on - no problems - but maybe remove the kilt pin if you use one. Mine is made from antler but even then it was questioned at security in NZ, until one of the security guys colleagues (a fellow kilt wearer) intervened. He just asked, if it was a kilt pin and then waived it through.

[OC Richard]

I travel light with just a roll-on bag that can be placed in the overhead and am curious how to travel with a kilt other than wearing it.

I'm also a light traveller who has always used a single carry-on rolling suitcase even for a two-week trip.

Being a piper I've disassembled the pipes and there's room for the pipes, kilt, sporran, waistcoat, and a few ordinary casual clothes.

For me the big problem is shoes. I wear 13UK/14US and since one pair of shoes takes up nearly half my suitcase the only shoes I travel with are the ones on my feet. I wear plain leather casual shoes that look fine with anything.

But next month I'm again faced with the problem of travelling to Scotland with a Pipe Band for which I need to wear Ghillie Brogues. Since I'm not going to wear the Ghillies throughout my stay in Glasgow it means travelling with two pair of shoes.

I think the only way to create enough space in my suitcase is to wear my kilt on the flight. It's a bulky 8-yard heavyweight kilt, I have no choice in the matter, and it takes up quite a bit of precious space.

About kilt pins and sginean, I wouldn't dream of bothering with those while flying.

[RGM1]

Footwear is definitely an issue because of sheer size and challenges of finding half sizes. My ultimate fashion advisors, my granddaughters, advised me to stick with my boots when dressing up. Wearing them all the time saves on cargo space. I have decided to pre-ship my kilt and pointy items in an artwork box. It's arrival can be confirmed before I leave home and should cost less than extra bag on plane.