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AIBU?

Flying when your clothes smell of weed

180 replies

witchofzog · 02/04/2018 22:52

I am taking a close family members dd on holiday in a couple of weeks. She is 10 and really excited as it is her first holiday. The issue is that I am 99% sure her parents grow cannabis and her clothes smell of it. She stays with us frequently and even after washing her clothes there is still a lingering smell.

Please don't tell me to notify the police or social services. This is not what the thread is about. This little girl is not neglected, is very very loved, doing well at school etc. Her parents are people who have not had much luck in their lives, live in a universal credit area and constantly struggle for money (aside for every 3 months or so when they seem a bit better off which is another reason I suspect they are growing rather than smoking weed) . I will not be calling anyone about this. I love them all and feel helpless though I do help as much as I can with money, food, gifts of clothes etc for their dd.

My actual question is if I can smell weed on her clothes how on earth will we get through airport security.? I have bought her some new bits but simply cannot afford to replace her entire wardrobe for summer. Will we get stopped? Could this prevent us from flying even though we are not carrying anything? She is so looking forward to this holiday and selfishly so am I. Any advice would be really welcome. Thank you.

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LoniceraJaponica · 02/04/2018 22:54

The sniffer dogs might pick it up, so it might well be a problem.

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ScattyCharly · 02/04/2018 22:54

Re dress her to go through airport security? Put all stuff stinking of weed in her main case.

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Thesecondtoast · 02/04/2018 22:55

Have her to stay the night before and re-wash everything?

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Thesecondtoast · 02/04/2018 22:56

Lots of zoflora in the wash.

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BlackeyedSusan · 02/04/2018 22:57

sniffer dogs can smell very small amounts of weed, or that something has contained weed i think. There was a demo at the local fire station. a couple of people sloped off before the dog was released to find the volunteer who hid the weed tin about his person.

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Gide · 02/04/2018 22:58

Could be a problem, although I flew home from America with a lot of gun shot residue on me, no issues. Also no sniffer dogs in LAX.

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TestingTestingWonTooFree · 02/04/2018 23:00

I guess I’d wash her clothes before packing and explain they’re second hand if asked.

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shggg245 · 02/04/2018 23:01

I'd previously had a very small amount in a rucksack weeks before travelling and it caught a sniffer dog's attention, but clearly not enough of a reaction from the dog for them to search me, this was in Canada.

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Nesssie · 02/04/2018 23:01

The sniffer dogs may indicate on her but surely all they can do is search your luggage and I’m assuming they won’t find anything.

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witchofzog · 02/04/2018 23:02

Washing her clothes does not totally eliminate the smell. Would zoflora work do you think? I have asked to have her the day before as we are on an early flight so I would have time to do this. I will make sure she is wearing some of her new clothes for the actual flight and will definitely put the worst offending clothes in the hold luggage.

Thank you all for your kind non judgy advice Smile

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witchofzog · 02/04/2018 23:03

Saying the clothes are second hand is a great idea Smile There will definitely be no actual weed on us, just the lingering smell

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Dinosaursdontgrowontrees · 02/04/2018 23:04

If they search her and don't find any weed then what are they going to do?

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MarthaArthur · 02/04/2018 23:05

Sniffer dogs will catch it. Also swabs in the case will pick it up. Also they are committing a crime and you are incredibly blasé about it. They will be found out.

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MarthaArthur · 02/04/2018 23:06

dino if they find traces but no actual weed they can refuse entry into the country.

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hungryhippo90 · 02/04/2018 23:06

Witchofzog- just an idea, but a really long, hot wash and loads of unstoppables may really help?

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TheSpottedZebra · 02/04/2018 23:07

Based Based my extensive watching of Stop Search Seize, they only care if someone is carrying drugs. They don't care if they've done them yesterday, last week, on holiday or at home.

So yes the dog will sniff her out if the dog is about, and you'll likely have your luggage searched, and maybe have a flag put on you for future travel for a search. But be honest and say weed is smoked in her home. And maybe ensure that you have papers to show that you have parents' permission to have her travel with you.

NB all that assumes you're not going somewhere like UAE, Philippines, Indonesia that are really REALLY strict on drugs.

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Bel04 · 02/04/2018 23:07

You can't be arrested for smelling like weed. Don't worry. If they pull you over just let them do their thing. As long as you have no drugs in you you'll be fine but the chances are you won't even get asked :). Enjoy your holiday, you sound like a very empathetic and caring person looking out for others who deserves one 👍🏻👍🏻 x

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MarthaArthur · 02/04/2018 23:08

This thread is weird as fuck. A ten year old girl is living in a house growing weed. Weed farms are dangerous due to the elctric circuits wired up to keep the plants warm constantly. Massive fire risk. As well as the kid and her property smelling of it and people are genuinly advising the op how to cover it up.

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TheSpottedZebra · 02/04/2018 23:08

Remember that sniffer dogs can sniff over the luggage waiting to go in the hold too.

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witchofzog · 02/04/2018 23:10

What are unstoppable?

Of course I don't condone it Martha there isn't much I can do aside from helping the family when I can. Like I said earlier I don't know 100 % though I am pretty sure they are but I won't make their situation worse by telling the authorities. I will however try and have a conversation with them after we get back due to the clothes issue

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Apileofballyhoo · 02/04/2018 23:12

My two reliables for getting rid of smells on fabric are distilled vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar in the fabric conditioner bit, baking soda in the main powder part. No idea if they'll help with cannabis smell or not.

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MarthaArthur · 02/04/2018 23:13

It sounds a horrid situation for the poor kid. At least she has you she may need you a lot in future. Just ve weary some countries may not allow entry if they get positive swabs. I was taken to be searched and didnt think i would be allowed entry and i had no traces of drugs.

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Apileofballyhoo · 02/04/2018 23:14

Perhaps you could ask for her holiday clothes a few days in advance as you 'have room in one of your suitcases', that way you could put them through the wash a couple of times.

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TroubledLichen · 02/04/2018 23:15

Can you possibly replace her entire holiday wardrobe? I know you say you can’t afford to but could you not do primark or even second hand? Just thinking that you don’t want the hassle of all being stopped and searched. Failing that then get her round early the day before and wash everything twice with a hardcore bio detergent, a strong scented fabric softener and zoflora. If weather permits give them an airing outdoors too. But if your holiday is to the Middle East or Far East where the laws are very strict then don’t risk it all, get her new clothes or don’t take her.

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SouthWestmom · 02/04/2018 23:15

I won't make their situation worse by telling the authorities.

You also aren't making the little girl's life better.

Imagine growing up having to cover up the smell of weed so you can go on holiday

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