Last week I made my usual SEA ---> AUS flight. On this particular occaison, I had to carry with me a bright red Arai motorcycle helmet with mirrored visor.

Since I couldn't think of anything better to do with it, I wore it on my head. With the visor down, of course. The TSA did not like that. I got hassled at every step, despite the fact that they couldn't show me anywhere that it was prohibited to wear a helmet inside an airport, I was forced ("do you want to fly today?") to remove it to go through the metal detector, got a second screening, and got asked several times why I was wearing a helmet. My response was, "I'm concerned for my safety and I just want to feel safe" which didn't seem to be a good excuse to them -- despite that being the reason for our current security theatre.

It didn't stop when I got inside the terminal either. I had several TSA agents come up and request (though not demand) that I remove the helmet because it was making other passengers nervous. Similar questions about why I was wearing it and other intrusive questions I refused to answer. Got a similar response from the flight attendants, though it was generally a more polite and genuine request. I ultimately took it off during the flight because it was hot and uncomfortable, but wore it again in Phoenix with similar results.

I plan on bringing the helmet back with me from Austin on Monday. Perhaps it will be part of my new "travel attire".