Kilted Limbo At 37,000 Feet

[Riverkilt]

Okay, I've posted and seen lots of posts about flying kilted, but they focus on dealing with TSA. I got smart on the flight back to the mainland and wore my Gordon Modern USA Casual - no metal, no problems with TSA.

I don't recall ever seeing any posts about getting seated in a coach class airliner seat while kilted. It ain't the simple pleat sweep used in the parlor.

First of all sitting in a backend airliner seat involves sort of controlled falling no matter what you're wearing. Trying to add a pleat sweep with one hand while controling the fall with the other is an adventure. We were on Hawaiian Airlines who are said to have generous space in coach class. Can't imagine what other airlines have if what we got is generous. Felt like some sort of motherboard being inserted into a computer.

What I did was give all my stuff to my lady after she was situated. Then I assumed a sort of limbo position with my knees bent and my body slanting backwards. Then I put a forward swing on the kilt pleats and fell into my seat doing a pleat sweep with my left hand. Must have caused a few giggles from nearby passengers.

Still, wound up with pleats askew and having to root under them for my seat belt ends. Finally just accepted the pleats however they landed.

Of course, during the flight I had occasions to be up and about. And the folks in front of us had their seatbacks reclined way back for their own comfort. Returning to my seat behind a reclined seatback made all of the above - particularly the limbo position - much more pronounced.

Maybe we need a video of how to fall/limbo into a coach class airline seat while kilted....

Ron

[Hamish]

Okay, I've posted and seen lots of posts about flying kilted, but they focus on dealing with TSA. I got smart on the flight back to the mainland and wore my Gordon Modern USA Casual - no metal, no problems with TSA.

I don't recall ever seeing any posts about getting seated in a coach class airliner seat while kilted. It ain't the simple pleat sweep used in the parlor.

First of all sitting in a backend airliner seat involves sort of controlled falling no matter what you're wearing. Trying to add a pleat sweep with one hand while controling the fall with the other is an adventure. We were on Hawaiian Airlines who are said to have generous space in coach class. Can't imagine what other airlines have if what we got is generous. Felt like some sort of motherboard being inserted into a computer.

What I did was give all my stuff to my lady after she was situated. Then I assumed a sort of limbo position with my knees bent and my body slanting backwards. Then I put a forward swing on the kilt pleats and fell into my seat doing a pleat sweep with my left hand. Must have caused a few giggles from nearby passengers.

Still, wound up with pleats askew and having to root under them for my seat belt ends. Finally just accepted the pleats however they landed.

Of course, during the flight I had occasions to be up and about. And the folks in front of us had their seatbacks reclined way back for their own comfort. Returning to my seat behind a reclined seatback made all of the above - particularly the limbo position - much more pronounced.

Maybe we need a video of how to fall/limbo into a coach class airline seat while kilted....

Ron

Oh, Ron, you described perfectly the traumas I have experienced in the past, and that is why I do not now fly in anything other than a Utilikilt (or similar). Alright, the pleats still cannot be swept any more effectively but, at least, it does not matter if you arrive at your destination with somewhat crumpled ones. Besides, with less fabric under you, the flight can be much more comfortable.

The one hazard you did not mention is the smashing of the head on the overhead lockers as you struggle to position yourself for that drop into the seat. Being tall(ish), maybe I am more prone to that particular danger, but it is surely one I have to watch out for!

Take care,
Ham.

[Splash_4]

I have flown in coach exactly once whilst kilted. The only thing I can say is I was glad it was one of Matt's box pleats as it made the whole struggle easier. My biggest problem is that I am both tall and wide and the 'limbo' you describe does not work. On my one and only trip, my wife swept and held the pleats for me while I sat down... But that is another story

[Marshal Moroni]

Being in the generously sized category myself, it seems to me that Splash 4 has the right answer, have your good Lady sweep your pleats

Sounds like the only joy in a Coach class seat. Coach pocketbook, Business class body.

Cheers,

Marshal Moroni

[Riverkilt]

Thanks Ham,

You made me realize that the previous times I'd flown kilted it was in Utilikilts....now sadly "outgrown."

Ron

[Arlen]

You know, I usually fly in a more traditional kilt, (I only have one Union Kilt) but I have been very lucky in having seats wide enough that I can sit down and have my pleats swept fairly well.
And I've flown on A LOT of airlines.

Now I'm worried!

[beowulf67]

So when the people in front of you are reclined back into your space while you are trying to sit down, I guess you have to be careful and not accidentally flip your apron over their heads?

[AcuteEnigma]

Before the plane takes off, adjust your overhead air thingie so it strikes just behind the head of the seat in front of you.

Should they later decide to lean too far back, they'll have to suffer cold air on high.

[McClef]

I never have any problems arranging my pleats when getting seated in a 'plane - and they never get crumpled even when in a tank!

[James MacMillan]

I travel in a PV kilt and haven't had a problem. I don't know what I am doing different.