Sporran in airport security

[elijah]

Two things I tried:

1) I wore my old Style Amerikilt with the Cotton Sporran because I feared my regular one would be confiscated by overzealous employees. However, I forgot all the medal buttons and got a private search.

2) At the airport, I gave my wife, my ID and put my sporran in the suitcase. When I got back to Boise, I put the sporran back on at the baggage claim.

I prefer #2 much more.

[Hamish]

Ok, all good stuff ....

As for the chain -- I only have 1 sporran and it has a chain. I should look and see if that could be replaced with a leather strap. If it can't be replaced, I will just leave it at home.

You should find that, with any standard sporran, chain-straps and straps are interchangeable.

Now I don't know what to do about this. Are the buckles going to be an issue, or simply something to be wanded over?

Nothing is actually "an issue"! I have no problems with being wanded - the security people are just doing their jobs after all - but if you are aware of your metallic appendages and accessories and can indicate them to the security staff, your problems will be halved.

Hamish -- in what manner do you warn security about your buckles? And since you mentioned it -- I'm going to Ireland! YEAH!

As Mark says, I simply point them out to the security staff, and ask if they want the belt removed, before I step through the arch. More often than not, the response is "Not if the kilt is going to fall down - don't worry, we'll wand you!"

I have never been to Ireland but I hear that parts of it are very beautiful. Do enjoy your visit.

[Hamish]

About the chain ruining your kilt issue.


Has anyone actually seen the wear of a chain or is it a myth that's been passed down?

Oh, it is no myth. Over the years, I have seen a number of kilts that have had to be darned (ugghhh!) and patched as a result of chain damage. Fair enough, it might take a year or two for this wear-and-tear to occur, but nevertheless it does happen and I, for one, am not prepared to have my expensive kilts ruined in this way.

In any case, it is only in comparatively recent years that chains on day-sporrans have been so evident. In fact, I remember when they came only with dress or evening-sporrans. Day-sporrans were purchased with leather straps - take it or leave it!!

[Graham]

So I guess this all means that wearing a Dirk through airport security is not going to work!

Seriously, I am sure that if the buckles are pointed out to the guy with the wand, there would be no problem.

The one thing I would not travel with again is a laptop, they are too much hassle these days.

All in all, I think it's sad that travel has become so much of a hassle now. I found air travel within the USA last year a most unpleasant experience.

[bubba]

All in all, I think it's sad that travel has become so much of a hassle now. I found air travel within the USA last year a most unpleasant experience.

That's why I have the attitude that if I can't drive there I ain't going. Around the US the gate security people are poorly trained, underpaid and in general have bad attitudes. Not all of them, but a large enough number to be significant.

[Casey]

Bubba makes a good point. I think that when we travel with something that would be unusual to those at security it would be wise to smile and help them do their job by drawing their attention to the buckles and chains that are part of the outfit and not to assume that they are all ace security people.

I have travelled a lot for the government and have been involved in security. I have found that a little patience and kindness go a long way.

Casey