Security Gone Too Far?

[Hamish]

John, I am afraid I have to agree with Alex. Back in 2000 I was flying from Aberdeen to Gatwick when, after going through all the security (such as it was back then), I was called back because someone noticed my Sgian Dubh. On close inspection the blade was found to be 3/4" too long for me to wear on the plane. It was confiscated for the flight, travelled in the cockpit (or so I was told) and was returned to me on my arrival at Gatwick.

Although I do wear a faux Sgian, more often than a bladed one now, I have never since then flown with anything tucked in my hose. My Sgian and kilt pin are always packed in my checked-in luggage, and I expect to have to remove my sporran and belt when passing through the security arch - but they have always been handed back to me immediately after they have been through the X-ray machine.

I am, of course, sorry to hear that you lost your faux Sgian, and I hear what you are saying, but I always tell myself that these guys are only putting us through these added security measures for our own safety. I do not object to them at all. My policy is to co-operate in good humour and I invariably find I am treated similarly in return.

As others have stated: I guess we must be thankfull that it was not an expensive, genuine Sgian that you forfeited.

Take care,
Ham.

[Kiltman]

Ditto. The funny part about this happening in the states, is the way the male security person looks at you, before he goes to it with the metal detector wand... I don't think they train the male guards to sweep "unbifurcated" garments, as he went over and had a talk with one of his female coworkers, before proceeding.

...but seriously, it wasn't funny.

Love it! TSA just isn't ready for us.

[McClef]

Consistency in security does not exist and Glasgow might be more sensitive than it was 12 months ago because of the failed attack.

I always err on the side of caution and do not wear kilt pin or sgian when flying - they can't confiscate what you are not wearing in the first place.

My next flight is booked - Barcelona from Cardiff at the beginning of June.

[Jock Scot]

A sign of the times,I suppose.The alternative option is not too good.

[Freedomlover]

Wow, kinda extreme, but at least you got everything back and it wasn't real. That would have been really bad.

He said that the plastic dhu was "confiscated". It sounds like it is gone for good.

[Freedomlover]

I suppose that everyone would agree: security is a good thing. But it is absolutely impossible to have it provided for us. We can be safer, but not safe. I think that such ridiculous measures as confiscating nail clippers, bottles of toiletries, and no-blade plastic knives are mere busy work--'see how diligent we are?' And as proof that the rules are idiotic I offer this: in the U.S. they will confiscate your Zippo or your Bic, but you are welcome to carry as many as four (4) books of matches on your person.

Back in '06 I had a nasty experience at the Asheville airport. Now I show up in cotton shorts and a tee shirt. No metal on me at all. After waltzing through security I head straight for the men's room and get properly dressed. Evidently you can carry a kilt outfit through security without problem or comment, but actually wearing one is another matter.

[Finn]

Never tried to fly kilted. I'll take all this under advisement. Had a tiny pair of hygiene scissors confiscated.
In the '80's I flew Lufthansa from Nuremberg to Chicago (connected in Frankfurt) and security was VERY heavy. Those security people were actually Polizei and highly professional and well-trained.
Sometimes airport security seems arbitrary. I hope that DHS starts treating those people with more respect and training.

[Ayin McFye]

When we were getting on the plane to come home, security actually took me aside into a room and searched every single pleat in my kilt.

Maybe he was admiring your kilt and checking the craftsmanship. Trying to see how many pleats you had and how deep they were.

[Nervous Jock]

On Friday 25th April I was flying from Glasgow airport to East Midlands. I was then bus'd to Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire for my companies 1 day conference.
I went kilted, as last year it went down well with the English.
I was wearing my plastic molded, no blade sgian dubh. Last year this was no problem, but it seemed to be this year. It was confiscated on the grounds that "the threat is still there". I also had to remove my sporran and belt, which thankfully were returned okay.
It's a sad day that we can't even wear our national dress through an airport.
Anyway, here's a poor photo of me taken with a cellphone outside the hotel awaiting pick up to the conference.

How often do you fly kilted?? Removing belts and sporrans has been the norm for quite some period. A sporran is just effectively a "bag" and could have anything in it. Your belt will more than likely set off the detector anyway so could mask something else. Did you just put them through the xray, was there ever really any chance of you not getting them back.

I frankly think its folly to try to get through even with a "don't" was it in your hose? or did you have it in you hand luggage. Did the guard give you the option of checking it in.

Lets be honest you whip it out on the plane wave it about and start screaming and shouting holding it to someones neck is anyone going to say "No worries its just a fake plastic one"??

Anyway I hope the conference went well

[Nervous Jock]

(connected in Frankfurt) and security was VERY heavy.

I flew through Frankfurt to Rome this year, frankly I felt I was nearly molested by the guard. He took thoroughness just a little far. A number of my mates moved security lines so they didn't have to go past this guy!!