I normally use the never busy connector checkpoint between IAH's C-E, but a traveling companion had to check a bag for this int'l flight so we went to the main IAH E lobby entrance. This was fortuitous because it provided much needed humour for my evening.

So…, I'm in line at Terminal E's main TSA checkpoint at IAH and there are two gentlemen about 10-12 spots in front of me in line wearing kilts. No one is actually paying them much extra attention (and I have seen men in kilts before at IAH and other US airports) and we all continue toward the belts/bins. Well then we get up to the WTMD. One of the "kilted" men was chosen for a random (as he did not alarm) secondary it seems; they had “placed” him into their magic plexi-glass cube of indignity to do the pat down. Here is where it gets funny. I wait by the belt and slowly put my shoes on so I can hear and watch some of the fun. The TSOgre says immediately, and I quote EXACTLY “Why you wearin’ a skirt bro?”. The kilted traveler just kind of stood in a stunned silence. The TSOgre proceeds to pat the front and back of the torso down but then stops at the waist and calls a supervisor. Mister pay band F supervisor shows up and the TSA’s finest continue to chat about how to pay down the lower body. The line lackey TSOgre suggested the gentleman raise his kilt (No I am not kidding…), to which the Band F supervisor actually says “That is not a good idea”. At this point the other kilted man had put his shoes back on and walked away and I had to go as well. When I left the kilted traveler was laughing and in good spirits.

I didn't stay longer to watch because I wanted to get to the newly improved IAH USO to grab some extra beverages for my flight, and then on to the Presidents Club for free drinks. Free-Drinks being my key calling that evening… and the fact my companion was .....ing about just standing there watching. So I did not see the final finish, but what I saw was quite humourous so I wanted to share.

I am curious if any of our COMPETENT resident TSOs could shed light on the policy for men in skirts, kilts, robes, togas, etc? I’ve emailed some TSO members I know to get their take as well.

I’m tempted to fly in a toga next week just to see what happens.

( A disclaimer before any feckless TSA members suggest I want terrorists in kilts to get a free pass at the WTMD: I have no major issues with searching people that alarm WTMDs, for example, no matter what their attire. I am just curious as to the TSA policy is re: that subject.)

Ciao,
FH