Women Travelers - Maxi dress through security

I'm new to the forums and I thought this might be the best place to post this question. It's pretty trivial but I'd love some help!

I fly often but I have always worn slack/shorter dresses through security, never looser garments. I've heard a couple of differing stories on maxi dresses (for those who may not be familiar, they're dresses that reach to your ankles--a lot cuter than they sound). Some girls have been pulled to the side and some have been fine walking through the scanner. I normally go through the expert lane at my airport, but I'm hesitant to do so if I'm going to be pulled to the side. I hate slowing people up. :)

I'd love any input! The dress itself is fairly fitted, but I'm wondering if the length will pose extra security scrutiny.

I've given up wearing long dresses or skirts after having to go through secondary screening due to a long tiered skirt a year or so ago... I sure dislike eliminating some of my favorite traveling clothes, but, like you, don't want to take longer than necessary in the security line. As soon as the Trusted Traveler makes it to my home airport, IAD, I'm signing up - then will try wearing a maxi again!

I'm new to the forums and I thought this might be the best place to post this question. It's pretty trivial but I'd love some help!

I fly often but I have always worn slack/shorter dresses through security, never looser garments. I've heard a couple of differing stories on maxi dresses (for those who may not be familiar, they're dresses that reach to your ankles--a lot cuter than they sound). Some girls have been pulled to the side and some have been fine walking through the scanner. I normally go through the expert lane at my airport, but I'm hesitant to do so if I'm going to be pulled to the side. I hate slowing people up. :)

I'd love any input! The dress itself is fairly fitted, but I'm wondering if the length will pose extra security scrutiny.

In the Skirts For Sightseeing (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/women-travelers/1185679-skirts-sightseeing.html)thread there is a lot of back and forth commentary on wearing skirts or dresses through security. It's not been too much of a concern for me but I seem to be in the minority in that category as others are having issues. It is definitely a consideration on how you dress when going through security.

What airport? Yeah, if there's too much "coverage," it looks suspicious, and you get patted down. I don't wear maxi dresses, you know, the 70s are over, but I wear oversized pajamas and I've been pulled aside for a patdown for that reason. It doesn't really hold up the line, or at least at MSY it doesn't, because it comes up pretty often, and they have sufficient female screeners. I say wear what you like and just leave a little time if you're worried. I would rather wear my PJs and be comfortable for the plane, than to wear something more form-fitting that makes the TSA happier because they can see my body contours better. A patdown, you're uncomfortable for like 30 seconds. But during a flight, if you're wearing the form-fitting jeans or whatever that makes TSA happy, you're uncomfortable for hours. So that's my vote. You are "not slowing people up." If they're worried about me slowing them up, I always tell them to please step around me.

If you frequently fly through an airport with not enough female staff, I guess it would be a consideration.

I'm new to the forums and I thought this might be the best place to post this question. It's pretty trivial but I'd love some help!

I fly often but I have always worn slack/shorter dresses through security, never looser garments. I've heard a couple of differing stories on maxi dresses (for those who may not be familiar, they're dresses that reach to your ankles--a lot cuter than they sound). Some girls have been pulled to the side and some have been fine walking through the scanner. I normally go through the expert lane at my airport, but I'm hesitant to do so if I'm going to be pulled to the side. I hate slowing people up. :)

I'd love any input! The dress itself is fairly fitted, but I'm wondering if the length will pose extra security scrutiny.

Thanks for the replies! Peach, thanks for voicing my reaction. I'm flying out of BNA super early for a warm place (vacation). I'm also always extra early to the airport and don't mind going through the body scanners or being patted down (as a college student I've never gotten stopped, TSA agents are always friendly asking if I'm heading home). Anyways, I say the body scanner thing because quite a lot of the Google search hits I found on long dresses and skirts consisted of people who decline the scanner and often even wore some kind of leggings underneath. That's what made it difficult to sort through. Thanks again!

peachfront, maxi-dresses are actually back in style. I'm really glad, as I love super long skirts and had a difficult time finding ones long enough until recently.

And welcome to FT, collegenonsense. :)

What airport? Yeah, if there's too much "coverage," it looks suspicious, and you get patted down. I don't wear maxi dresses, you know, the 70s are over, but I wear oversized pajamas and I've been pulled aside for a patdown for that reason. It doesn't really hold up the line, or at least at MSY it doesn't, because it comes up pretty often, and they have sufficient female screeners. I say wear what you like and just leave a little time if you're worried. I would rather wear my PJs and be comfortable for the plane, than to wear something more form-fitting that makes the TSA happier because they can see my body contours better. A patdown, you're uncomfortable for like 30 seconds. But during a flight, if you're wearing the form-fitting jeans or whatever that makes TSA happy, you're uncomfortable for hours. So that's my vote. You are "not slowing people up." If they're worried about me slowing them up, I always tell them to please step around me.

If you frequently fly through an airport with not enough female staff, I guess it would be a consideration.

You wear PJs in the airport? As in when you are walking through, as opposed to actually on the plane? Do you not get funny looks?

I personally find it ironic that someone who states they wear oversize pajamas for travel says that maxidresses shouldn't be worn because they're from the 70s. But whatever:rolleyes:

I rarely wear skirts or dresses for travel - I want to cover my parts no matter how I'm reaching or bending, don't want a long skirt to drag or get caught in suitcase wheels, and I don't want bare skin on airplane seats....The couple of times I have worn skirts/dresses through security, I didn't have a follow-up pat down - but my data points are few and far between....

What an unfortunate name. Maxi dress? Sounds like maxi pad. :p

For reference: Well, I'm siting at my gate. No hassle, no issues, and even the TSA ladies complimented my dress! I'm excited to be comfortable on my flight.

Here's something to extinguish the "maxi dress, ew" thing. :) http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&source=mog&hl=en&gl=us&client=safari&tab=wi&q=old%20navy%20maxi%20pleated%20dress&sa=N&biw=320&bih=356#i=3

Here's something to extinguish the "maxi dress, ew" thing. :) http://www.google.com/search?tbm=

That link didn't work for me. I am guessing based on the search it is this dress (http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=898366&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdReferer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oldnavy.com%2Fproducts% 2Flong-dresses-for-women.jsp). I love maxi dresses, they are great to wear in Texas in the summer.

I've given up skirts in favor of slacks due to TSA 'issues' I wear a basic no-frills top.

I was also not allowed on an escalator in Singapore when wearing a long skirt as the guard believed my skirt would get caught in the machine.

Sad to say, but for many of us travel attire is not as much fun as it used to be.

Hmmm good to know. I just got a cute Maxi dress and was thinking about wearing on an upcoming transatlantic flight since it's comfy. Rethinking that now. I don't want anyone touching me.

I never heard of them until I read about them in this thread. Now I am seeing them here and there especially since the weather has become so morbidly oppressive.

Still, they look so unflattering on a woman even if it's a Calvin Klein dress from Nordstrom or someplace else.

http://venusvision.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/nordstrom_calvin-klein-tie-dye-maxi-dress.jpg

http://www.fashiontrendlatest.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/maxi-dress-for-summer.jpg

Well, just like knee length dresses, there are different bodice & waist styles that will be more flattering for different shapes. I especially appreciate the many options that allow me to wear a REAL bra with my dress! Some things aren't the most flattering but we occasionally wear them anyway (capris anyone?:p) But I think maxi dresses can be attractive on most women - just have to find the right one for you, if that's what you're interested in.

I love a maxi dress - they're great for my workplace in the summer (I wear dresses & skirts almost exclusively from April through October due to the temps and my style preferences) And when I wear a maxi dress, I don't *necessarily* have to shave ;) But the nice thing is there are all sorts of clothing options available to suit us all^

I personally find it ironic that someone who states they wear oversize pajamas for travel says that maxidresses shouldn't be worn because they're from the 70s. But whatever:rolleyes:

LOL :D

Be warned! I used to wear long, loose, comfortable skirts for flights (pants sitting in one position for so long is torture) until I got felt up my bare leg; all the way up. It was disgusting, loathsome, and made me feel horrible and nauseated, in addition to raising my blood pressure.
Now I wear jeans, bring my skirt, and change once through security.
Just because you've been lucky wearing a skirt before doesn't mean you always will.

I often wear a long skirt to travel in and have had pretty good results - when I have gotten selected for "extra screening" it's just been somebody touching the area around my ankles - and over the skirt, not on my bare skin! Hearing that makes me wonder if I should stop wearing it! Gross!

Be warned! I used to wear long, loose, comfortable skirts for flights (pants sitting in one position for so long is torture) until I got felt up my bare leg; all the way up. It was disgusting, loathsome, and made me feel horrible and nauseated, in addition to raising my blood pressure.
Now I wear jeans, bring my skirt, and change once through security.
Just because you've been lucky wearing a skirt before doesn't mean you always will.Excellent advice.

The tent dress—"maxi" is quite the accurate description.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNltFbV6tzg/T5gSW8JyTiI/AAAAAAAABzE/z964wsDOK14/s1600/maxi_big.jpg

http://cdn.thegloss.com/files/2009/03/bisou-bisou-ombre-maxi-dress.jpg

http://s10.thisnext.com/media/largest_dimension/340152DA.jpg

http://static.thegloss.com/files/2010/07/ElenaMaxiDress.jpg

I usually travel in jeggings, but I've seen many bloggers writing about traveling in maxi dresses recently.. However, I'm a bit worried about getting cold legs - does any of you have any issues with that? Most of my flights are 12 hours or more, so I really don't want to experiment with something new and risk freezing for that duration. So far I love my jeggings, but I need to use a belt with them, which leads to extra hassle in the security control.. Sigh.

Is it legal for them to feel "up" a skirt? I've never had that happen and frankly, it's not going to even if it lands me in some major hot water. Just because there is a hole there (for my legs) doesn't mean someone else can touch there. No one sticks their hands down the front of people's shirt - why would it be okay to go up a skirt?

I always traveled wearing a comfortable denim skirt the length of which is down to mid-calf. I have ALWAYS gotten the pat down even after going through the body scan. This has happened in many airports (SFO, SJC, DFW, SJU, MIA, etc.) The last few times I was patted down, they when way up my legs and I did feel a bit violated.

To test my theory about skirts, I wore denim capris on my recent trip to MGA from SFO. No extra pat down. I wore a short sundress on the way back MGA to SFO - a pat down.

I stopped wearing skirts too. I now dress for security instead of dressing for the trip. In the summer I'll dress as naked as possible - less for them to "pat" - and then change into something more appropriate before boarding.

A friend was wearing a long skirt once and got secondary screening. I believe she asked for a private screening. So when they wanted to start their pat down up her skirt, she just pretty much lifted it all the way up, did a turnaround and asked if that's good enough. If I remember correctly they didn't touch her but I was rolling. It still makes me laugh. And she no longer flies in skirts.

Is it legal for them to feel "up" a skirt? I've never had that happen and frankly, it's not going to even if it lands me in some major hot water. Just because there is a hole there (for my legs) doesn't mean someone else can touch there. No one sticks their hands down the front of people's shirt - why would it be okay to go up a skirt?

In the US absolutely is it the norm that if one wears a skirt at the TSA checkpoint, one will be subject to extra screening. That was confirmed by several TSOs here as well as many of us have been told that wearing a skirt/dress is automatic grounds for TSA search.

Even worse, if the skirt is of the pencil variety and hands cannot be put up the skirt, one can be taken to a private room, forced to remove the skirt and put on a paper drape, and be searched.

That all sounds horrible and bizarre, doesn't it, especially to those of us who fly several times a week wearing a skirt in 'rest of world' with no issue. I am currently at about 70% or higher for secondary physical searches at TSA checkpoints, and I used to fly weekly in the US.

Post 2 in this thread is from a TSO at your very own home airport
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/practical-travel-safety-issues/1148940-tight-skirt-will-they-do-private-visual-search.html

I wondered when this would come up, If you wear a tight skirt and have been selected for whatever reason to have a standard pat down, you will be asked to change clothes into something that will allow the patdown OR you can go to private screening and don a paper drape and raise the skirt high enough to allow a standard patdown.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/practical-travel-safety-issues/1230244-pat-down-skirt.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/checkpoints-borders-policy-debate/1277900-article-no-tsa-i-will-not-lift-my-skirt-you.html

In the US absolutely is it the norm that if one wears a skirt at the TSA checkpoint, one will be subject to extra screening. That was confirmed by several TSOs here as well as many of us have been told that wearing a skirt/dress is automatic grounds for TSA search.

Even worse, if the skirt is of the pencil variety and hands cannot be put up the skirt, one can be taken to a private room, forced to remove the skirt and put on a paper drape, and be searched.

That all sounds horrible and bizarre, doesn't it, especially to those of us who fly several times a week wearing a skirt in 'rest of world' with no issue. I am currently at about 70% or higher for secondary physical searches at TSA checkpoints, and I used to fly weekly in the US.



YOu must be incredibly unlucky.

Auto grounds for a search b/c your wearing a skirt/dress? I don't think so.

YOu must be incredibly unlucky.

Auto grounds for a search b/c your wearing a skirt/dress? I don't think so.

Do you work for TSA? I've had numerous screeners, supervisors, and managers for TSA as well as the contract firm at MCI tell me that is policy, and several TSOs on FT have verified this. There are numerous threads on the subject on FT.

Some airports or screeners don't seem to practice this every time, but others definitely do. DTW is one airport where I have witnessed many times all skirt-wearers sent for a patdown.

Do you work for TSA? I've had numerous screeners, supervisors, and managers for TSA as well as the contract firm at MCI tell me that is policy, and several TSOs on FT have verified this. There are numerous threads on the subject on FT.

Some airports or screeners don't seem to practice this every time, but others definitely do. DTW is one airport where I have witnessed many times all skirt-wearers sent for a patdown.

Nope. DOn't work for TSA. (What an awful job that would be. :eek:) I'd be more interested in seeing the official written policy than reading about hearsay statements from a variety of anonymous sources.

You say you've been subject to secondary searches at least 70% of the time. That's almost inconceiveable to me. And I'm certain your experience/percentage is nowhere near representative of dress-wearing, female flyers. So, like I said, you must be incredibly unlucky. The only other thing that I can think of that would explain the 70% plus search ratio is that it's not the skirt, but instead, it's the way you're behaving that makes the TSA want to take a second look. Or, perhaps you're wearing designer shirts/skirts that say: "F%#* the TSA!" :p:D

TSOs who post here have said that it is policy to check everyone wearing skirts, or bulky clothing. Other posters have reported that they no longer wear skirts due to the high rate of being checked. Those of us who do wear skirts on every single flight may have a higher rate of being checked due to the airports we use.

As with anything related to TSA, it all depends on the airport, the checkpoint, and the agent.

Frankly, I find it disheartening how many American women don't seem to care, or seem to think that we must be behaving in a certain fashion or doing something to deserve this type of treatment.

The only thing we are doing 'wrong' is choosing to wear the clothing we prefer to wear. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/practical-travel-safety-issues/1160113-female-assist-no-alarm-women-skirts-yesterday.html

Frankly, I find it disheartening how many American women don't seem to care, or seem to think that we must be behaving in a certain fashion or doing something to deserve this type of treatment.

Why not wear slacks when you travel? Why purposely make things more uncomfortable for you going through security? This American cares about making the security experience as easy and quick as possible.

TSOs who post here have said that it is policy to check everyone wearing skirts, or bulky clothing. Other posters have reported that they no longer wear skirts due to the high rate of being checked. Those of us who do wear skirts on every single flight may have a higher rate of being checked due to the airports we use.

As with anything related to TSA, it all depends on the airport, the checkpoint, and the agent.

Frankly, I find it disheartening how many American women don't seem to care, or seem to think that we must be behaving in a certain fashion or doing something to deserve this type of treatment.

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Like I said, I'd rather see the actual policy than anonymous hearsay reports.

Further, even if it is policy "to check everyone wearing skirts....", that purported policy certainly isn't being followed with any consistency. If it was, then TSA lines would grind to a halt. And you'd probably see stories on the news too. Yes, I know it feels like the lines already don't move but I think it'd be 100x worse.

I also think you overreach when you say that "American women don't seem to care". First, I'm not sure why you reference only American women. Second, IMO, a more plausible explanation for American women supposedly not caring is that your typical dress-wearing, female flyer simply doesn't get a second search at anything remotely approaching the ratio that you do. Hence, they have little if any reason to be upset.

Why not wear slacks when you travel? Why purposely make things more uncomfortable for you going through security? This American cares about making the security experience as easy and quick as possible.
Why should we have to forego comfort and style and change our preferred attire because of the absurd security practices at US airports?
Like I said, I'd rather see the actual policy than anonymous hearsay reports.

Further, even if it is policy "to check everyone wearing skirts....", that purported policy certainly isn't being followed with any consistency. If it was, then TSA lines would grind to a halt. And you'd probably see stories on the news too. Yes, I know it feels like the lines already don't move but I think it'd be 100x worse.

I also think you overreach when you say that "American women don't seem to care". First, I'm not sure why you reference only American women. Second, IMO, a more plausible explanation for American women supposedly not caring is that your typical dress-wearing, female flyer simply doesn't get a second search at anything remotely approaching the ratio that you do. Hence, they have little if any reason to be upset.There are many female FTers (including ones who posted on this thread, and on the ones I have linked) who have reported similar experiences. There are posts on various websites which reports similar experiences. TSOs have stated the policy regarding skirts here on FT. TSA management has stated the same at various airports in the US.

Many women have caved in and don't wear skirts anymore. Many of us have been told that our experiences simply are not true, or are not valid. The reality is that many of the female FTers tell us to suck it up, change our preferred style of dress, or tell us that our accounts are wrong. I see far more male FTers upset about the subject, and supporting us, than female FTers. Just look at this thread for one more example of how women here are often very unpleasant to each other. I may not agree with all the fashion choices people list here, but I won't openly mock them for their choice.

Edited to add: it may also depend how one chooses to pass through the checkpoint. Those using the scanner may still be pulled for a check due to false alarms for pleats, and folds of clothing. Since the scanners are now primary at so many US checkpoints, unless one is unable to use the scanner, or opts out, one may not be going through the WTMD.

Why should we have to forego comfort and style and change our preferred attire because of the absurd security practices at US airports?
There are many female FTers (including ones who posted on this thread, and on the ones I have linked) who have reported similar experiences. There are posts on various websites which reports similar experiences. TSOs have stated the policy regarding skirts here on FT. TSA management has stated the same at various airports in the US.

Many women have caved in and don't wear skirts anymore. Many of us have been told that our experiences simply are not true, or are not valid. The reality is that many of the female FTers tell us to suck it up, change our preferred style of dress, or tell us that our accounts are wrong. I see far more male FTers upset about the subject, and supporting us, than female FTers. Just look at this thread for one more example of how women here are often very unpleasant to each other. I may not agree with all the fashion choices people list here, but I won't openly mock them for their choice.

Edited to add: it may also depend how one chooses to pass through the checkpoint. Those using the scanner may still be pulled for a check due to false alarms for pleats, and folds of clothing. Since the scanners are now primary at so many US checkpoints, unless one is unable to use the scanner, or opts out, one may not be going through the WTMD.


And for many, many, many, many, more women, secondary searches are a non-issue.

Anyways, carry on. Hopefully you won't be as unlucky in your future travels. ^

And for many, many, many, many, more women, secondary searches are a non-issue.

Anyways, carry on. Hopefully you won't be as unlucky in your future travels. ^I have yet to meet a woman who has experienced a secondary search, with some stranger putting their hands up the woman's skirt, who still considers it a "non-issue".

Are you female? Have you personally been forced to submit to a stranger's hands inside your clothing? If not, perhaps you lack the perspective to understand the feeling of being violated that such a search generates.

As for the silly "many, many, many, many, more" number you cite, can you offer a single source to support that? Like "Poll X, taken by the ABC Organization, questioned 10,000 women who had experienced secondary searches and they all said the searches were just fine" - can you back up your opinion in any reasonable way?

Oh, and silence on the subject can not be taken as consent. The failure of women to speak out against the searches could just as easily be motivated by fear as by approval.

Oh, and silence on the subject can not be taken as consent. The failure of women to speak out against the searches could just as easily be motivated by fear as by approval.

^

Numbers also play a role. Someone who flies rarely ie once a year or so may not have the same experience, and as I said upthread, it often depends on the airport, the checkpoint, the screener, and other unknown factors as to whether one is given a secondary. Contrast that with someone who flies several times a week wearing an A line skirt, from certain airports, and the results in terms of actual experiences will most likely be very different.

Hopefully OP's return trip will also be uneventful, but if it is, I also hope that she won't join the chorus of 'if it didn't happen to me, it didn't happen'. I used to think that TSA 'wasn't that bad' but after several flights a week for an extended period in the US I realised that I was in the wrong, and publically apologised for that.

The experiences I have had to date haven't traumatised me but I can certainly understand how it may impact some people to have a stranger put their dirty blue-gloved hands up between their bare legs. I have even had my underwear pulled down (although to give the non-TSA manager credit, he was horrified when he was called to the checkpoint, and escorted me to the lav and bought me a drink whilst I was rearranging my clothing)

I stated 'American women' because American women (and men) are the ones who can drive change. As an outsider, I cannot contact my congressperson, I cannot write my senator, and I cannot cast my vote a certain way. What I can do is choose not to travel to the US and I have done so, moving all my holiday travel to other parts of the world, and changing my employment role so that my travel is now primarily outside the US. I can also continue to alert people of the strong possibility of this happening to them, based on my many experiences as well as the experiences of those people who did report them here and elsewhere.

My posts on the subject of TSA I believe are generally measured, and I give credit where credit is due, reporting on the neutral or 'good' experiences with TSA as well as the bad. I also think that there are at least one or two female FT'ers who actually do more harm than good in this argument, even though they are against the way TSA treats some women, and I have stated so.

The reality is that some women will never have a secondary check whilst flying in a skirt in the US, others will have a few, and still others will have many. It has nothing to do with how they behave, and it doesn't mean that they must have been 'bad' to prompt the search. You won't find a public document (unless TSA goofs again) stating that all skirts require a check, as that is SSI :rolleyes: but certainly there are enough people who will indicate that this is the case (both TSA and contract security companies) here on FT as well as in real life.

Why should we have to forego comfort and style and change our preferred attire because of the absurd security practices at US airports?Forego comfort and style? Pants are the most comfortable. They give your legs the comfort and freedom a dress and skirt cannot. As for style, one can easily wear drab-looking skirts as one can wear stylish pants. One doesn't preclude the other.

Many women have caved in and don't wear skirts anymore.Many of us like the comfort of slacks whether in a suit or in a casual pair of pants. Deep pockets....so rare in a skirt and almost non-existent in dresses. When I travel, I love pockets. Makes my purse that much lighter. ^

The experiences I have had to date haven't traumatised me but I can certainly understand how it may impact some people to have a stranger put their dirty blue-gloved hands up between their bare legs. I have even had my underwear pulled downOh my God. That right there is horrifying and a reason NEVER to wear dresses and skirts which expose your panties to prying hands at the airport. Wear pants and never be groped like that. It isn't like pants are banned on flights.

Forego comfort and style? Pants are the most comfortable. They give your legs the comfort and freedom a dress and skirt cannot. As for style, one can easily wear drab-looking skirts as one can wear stylish pants. One doesn't preclude the other.

Many of us like the comfort of slacks whether in a suit or in a casual pair of pants.Comfort is a matter of personal opinion, not an absolute. When I wear a business suit I find skirts far more comfortable than dress slacks. There are other circumstances where I find pants more comfortable.

You are correct that either one can be "drab" but again, that's in the eye of the beholder. I personally think women whose wardrobe is dominated by black - "because it goes with everything" - really ought to look in the mirror more often and many of them might realize that what it doesn't go with is their skin tone and hair, but I'm not going to try to dictate a change in their wardrobe. Neither should you tell anyone that pants should be worn for travel just because you like them better.

Why not support evidence based searches by the TSA instead of attacking someone else's preference in clothing?

Neither should you tell anyone that pants should be worn for travel just because you like them better.

Why not support evidence based searches by the TSA instead of attacking someone else's preference in clothing?What are you babbling about? I recommend wearing pants to avoid anyone reaching up your skirt to violate you. Why play the victim? You can dress professionally, smartly, and attractively in pants when you travel. Why purposely put yourself in a position to be violated? Is it better to whine about it in an onine bulletin board because, if so, you're effecting change? Dream on. Or, you can be travel-smart and take care of yourself because if you don't, no one else will. Facts are facts.

I personally think women whose wardrobe is dominated by black - "because it goes with everything" - really ought to look in the mirror more often and many of them might realize that what it doesn't go with is their skin tone and hair, but I'm not going to try to dictate a change in their wardrobe.
That you have some issue with black clothes has nothing to do with travel security. Really.

I get a secondary screening almost anytime I wear loose clothing. However,, I also don't think women should feel compelled to wear pants rather than a skirt because they are concerned about a security screening.

I recommend wearing pants to avoid anyone reaching up your skirt to violate you. Why play the victim? Seriously? Who's playing anything? Your logic is exactly one step away from, "She deserved to be raped, dressed the way she was."
You can dress professionally, smartly, and attractively in pants when you travel. Why purposely put yourself in a position to be violated?Just because you feel smart, professional, and attractive when you wear pants does not mean that every woman is the same. Further, there are multiple religions, as well as personal standards of modesty and comfort, which necessitate or require dresses / skirts for some women.

I don't choose to have children, but I staunchly support women who choose to have children and insist that they should not be discriminated against in the workplace because of their choices. Similarly, I rarely wear skirts, but I will defend any woman's right to wear traditional women's clothing without risk of molestation from government agents.
Is it better to whine about it in an online bulletin board because, if so, you're effecting change? Dream on. Or, you can be travel-smart and take care of yourself because if you don't, no one else will.
The only reason you have the choice to wear pants at work is that women before you fought battles exactly like exbayern is fighting. From my conversations with older, professional women, I know that as recently as the 1990's, large corporations often had dress codes that forbade women from wearing pants. See, for example, http://articles.latimes.com/1994-08-27/local/me-31759_1_wear-pants.

Mobilizing other women, and letting them know that they are not alone, that there are others willing to fight the battle with you, is the first step in effecting change.

Seriously? Who's playing anything? Your logic is exactly one step away from, "She deserved to be raped, dressed the way she was."If that's your understanding, I suggest you reread and show me that. Seriously. Waiting. One step away from being raped? Show me where I say a woman deserves to be attacked. Waiting. Show me. Do it. Talk about dishonest. That you feel threatened by my advice to protect yourself is bizarre.

Next, if you want to avoid the risk of having someone feel you up your panties, wear slacks. Not rocket science to anyone except those who want to whine about taking care of yourself. No where am I saying that anyone deserves to be groped if you wear dresses/skirts. :rolleyes: Again, reread where I said how horrified I feel that anyone would be touched like that.

Just because you feel smart, professional, and attractive when you wear pants does not mean that every woman is the same.Are you kidding? That's like saying that even though it's cold outside, I won't wear a warm coat because it doesn't look good. Protect yourself from the cold; protect yourself from prodding fingers.

Further, there are multiple religions, as well as personal standards of modesty and comfort, which necessitate or require dresses / skirts for some women.Most passengers, especially business travelers, are not restricted by strict religious dress. I'm speaking about the majority of travelers. I have no idea what such a religiously restricted woman will do on a flight on Monday.

I don't choose to have children, but I staunchly support women who choose to have children and insist that they should not be discriminated against in the workplace because of their choices. Similarly, I rarely wear skirts, but I will defend any woman's right to wear traditional women's clothing without risk of molestation from government agents.Legal rights? I'm not talking about any legalities. I'm talking about looking out for yourself because so often, the law won't protect you. Only you can. After the fact is too late as far as I am concerned. As for me personally, I am not a fan of pants suits. I prefer to wear pencil skirts but I won't when I fly.

The only reason you have the choice to wear pants at work is that women before you fought battles exactly like exbayern is fighting. From my conversations with older, professional women, I know that as recently as the 1990's, large corporations often had dress codes that forbade women from wearing pants. See, for example, http://articles.latimes.com/1994-08-27/local/me-31759_1_wear-pants.This is 2012; it's not 18 years ago. Women can wear business suits with pants; the Secretary of State is the poster child for that.

Mobilizing other women, and letting them know that they are not alone, that there are others willing to fight the battle with you, is the first step in effecting change....and what will that do on your flight Monday morning? You can plan for the future; I deal in right now.

Forego comfort and style? Pants are the most comfortable. They give your legs the comfort and freedom a dress and skirt cannot. As for style, one can easily wear drab-looking skirts as one can wear stylish pants. One doesn't preclude the other.

Many of us like the comfort of slacks whether in a suit or in a casual pair of pants. Deep pockets....so rare in a skirt and almost non-existent in dresses. When I travel, I love pockets. Makes my purse that much lighter. ^

Oh my God. That right there is horrifying and a reason NEVER to wear dresses and skirts which expose your panties to prying hands at the airport. Wear pants and never be groped like that. It isn't like pants are banned on flights.

What are you babbling about? I recommend wearing pants to avoid anyone reaching up your skirt to violate you. Why play the victim? You can dress professionally, smartly, and attractively in pants when you travel. Why purposely put yourself in a position to be violated? Is it better to whine about it in an onine bulletin board because, if so, you're effecting change? Dream on. Or, you can be travel-smart and take care of yourself because if you don't, no one else will. Facts are facts.


That you have some issue with black clothes has nothing to do with travel security. Really.

If that's your understanding, I suggest you reread and show me that. Seriously. Waiting. One step away from being raped? Show me where I say a woman deserves to be attacked. Waiting. Show me. Do it. Talk about dishonest. That you feel threatened by my advice to protect yourself is bizarre.

Next, if you want to avoid the risk of having someone feel you up your panties, wear slacks. Not rocket science to anyone except those who want to whine about taking care of yourself. No where am I saying that anyone deserves to be groped if you wear dresses/skirts. :rolleyes: Again, reread where I said how horrified I feel that anyone would be touched like that.

Are you kidding? That's like saying that even though it's cold outside, I won't wear a warm coat because it doesn't look good. Protect yourself from the cold; protect yourself from prodding fingers.

Most passengers, especially business travelers, are not restricted by strict religious dress. I'm speaking about the majority of travelers. I have no idea what such a religiously restricted woman will do on a flight on Monday.

Legal rights? I'm not talking about any legalities. I'm talking about looking out for yourself because so often, the law won't protect you. Only you can. After the fact is too late as far as I am concerned. As for me personally, I am not a fan of pants suits. I prefer to wear pencil skirts but I won't when I fly.

This is 2012; it's not 18 years ago. Women can wear business suits with pants; the Secretary of State is the poster child for that.

...and what will that do on your flight Monday morning? You can plan for the future; I deal in right now.

Analise,

I am not going to go point for point with you in this Maxi Dress posting thread.

Instead I am going to simply state the following.

1. I find dresses and skirts more comfortable and professional for me.
2. Because I chose to wear dresses and skirts through security does not mean I am playing the victim or inviting trouble, my belief.
3. What works for you isn't a one size fits all, I don't have to all follow the guidelines that you follow. It's my choice.
4. I travel smart, I travel nearly every week. I deal with each situation as it arises; if I want to whine about it on a posting, I will.

"Pants are the most comfortable."

I personally find pants torturous to wear on a plane. Seams at the crotch, seams up and down the inside and the outside of the leg, waist band issues, tuck or untuck, tedious in the bathroom.
A long loose flowing skirt lets me bring my legs up should there be an empty seat next to me. Easier to use the bathroom. No tight seams or wrinkles to deal with.
So, I roll up my long skirt, put it in my carryon, and change into it as soon as I'm through the disgusting intrusion that is TSA security. The rolled pants stay unwrinkled until I want to put them on, if I do.

Don't you get cold wearing something like that on the plane? I always wear fitted clothing because it keeps my body heat in. It always gives me the chills when I see a woman at the airport in a dress.

Don't you get cold wearing something like that on the plane? I always wear fitted clothing because it keeps my body heat in. It always gives me the chills when I see a woman at the airport in a dress.

I don't get cold much. Also I rarely wear maxi dresses on a plane, that's a Texas summer thing at home. I do wear dresses and skirts on planes a lot. I use any temperature under 68 degrees as an excuse to wear black tights, boots and a scarf with whatever outfit I am wearing.