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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU at airport security asking me to remove cardigan

347 replies

Saavhi · 08/06/2019 12:03

Yesterday I went through security at Stanstead and was asked by a staff member to take off my cardigan in order for him to check me. I have never been asked this or seen anyone have to remove an item of clothing. I was wearing a very strappy form-fitting top with a cardigan on top. I felt extremely exposed when stood there as my tits/side boob were basically on show (had used top buttons for modesty). I'm not sure why this was necessary as I had not set off the machine and in no way could it look like I was concealing anything.

I have disproportionately large breasts which I have always been very self-conscious of so I accept that I may have been oversensitive. AIBU to think it was odd? I wasn't pat down or anything!

OP posts:
megrichardson · 08/06/2019 12:05

Ive been asked to remove my belt or shoes before now, I think that if they ask you to do something like that, you just have to do it. I don't think it's odd.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 08/06/2019 12:06

Been asked to remove cardigan and/or jacket lots of time. But never a jumper come to think of it.

dancemat · 08/06/2019 12:06

I thought this is pretty common 🤷‍♀️

leftovercoffeecake · 08/06/2019 12:07

I don't think it's odd. The last time I flew was two months ago and they were asking everyone to remove coats/jackets/hoodies/cardigans/etc as they passed through security. I had to put my cardigan in the tray along with my bag, and then I walked through the scanner.

Original poster
Saavhi · 08/06/2019 12:07

My cardigan was not baggy at all, what was the purpose? I had not set off the machine

OP posts:
Pipandmum · 08/06/2019 12:08

Jackets, belts, shoes, hoodies... all taken off at one time or another.

meditrina · 08/06/2019 12:08

Yes, you are being oversensitive.

No I have no idea what it is they wanted to check, but removing outer clothing is a totally normal request. They don't know what you are wearing underneath. If you do not want to remove a layer in public (because of nudity or near-nudity underneath) then request a side room.

Original poster
Saavhi · 08/06/2019 12:08

I was the only person around me to be asked.

OP posts:
Ishoos · 08/06/2019 12:08

I’ve been asked to remove an overtop so left with a vest underneath. I think you can ask to go to a private room but I just thought it wasn’t worth the hassle so stood their feeling very self conscious!

Didntwanttochangemyname · 08/06/2019 12:08

I think it's a pretty normal thing, I've been asked to remove a loose fitting cardigan before. It's not their fault you chose to wear a top that didn't cover you to your satisfaction.

ChinAirTakingOver · 08/06/2019 12:09

I’ve always been asked to remove cardigan, hoodie, jacket etc. Often shoes too. YABU.

AphidEater · 08/06/2019 12:09

I’ve been asked this before. Not sure why it’s necessary though! I’d stick to t-shirts you feel comfortable in under the cardigan next time.

Mintypea5 · 08/06/2019 12:09

Always had to remove jacket, cardigan, blazer etc

Kittykat93 · 08/06/2019 12:09

I've been asked to remove them before. It's all for our safety and security so I don't mind at all.

Vibiano · 08/06/2019 12:09

I've had to do this.
You know for next time

Barbarafromblackpool · 08/06/2019 12:09

I think the problem is more than you weren't comfortable in your top perhaps. Or did you think they were leering at you?

I have taken cardigans off in these circumstances.

Original poster
Saavhi · 08/06/2019 12:09

Okay, I had never seen anyone being asked to remove their cardigan before, fair enough. I was being paranoid.

OP posts:
Shakirasma · 08/06/2019 12:10

It's not odd. The purpose was for the security personnel to be completely satisfied you weren't concealing anything. It is routine and happens all the time.

AllTheCakes · 08/06/2019 12:10

I think going through airport security you have to accept some level of scrutiny. Was it a tight cardigan or one of those long, floaty ones that are more jacket like?

Moomoo1975 · 08/06/2019 12:11

I worked in airport security for 12 yrs. They are 100% within their rights to ask you to remove belts, shoes, jewellery and all outer layers.

Original poster
Saavhi · 08/06/2019 12:11

It was my insecurity then, the guy did cop a look but I mean my top was exposing

OP posts:
Moneybegreen · 08/06/2019 12:12

I've been asked to do this loads. Plus shoes, watch, necklace, belt.

Teddybear45 · 08/06/2019 12:12

I have always been asked to remove my cardigan and so ensure I’m wearing something appropriate underneath. I have often been scanned around boobs and over the belly / waistband / thighs as presumably if I was carrying a weapon that’s where it would be stashed.

Original poster
Saavhi · 08/06/2019 12:13

AllTheCakes - tight cardigan. Sort of a set with the cami top.

OP posts:
FakeTanandProsecco · 08/06/2019 12:13

I was asked to remove my cardigan in security last month, but not my shoes Confused it's only for a few moments and it's obviously important for security and i don't think i would still be upset by it the next day. Just wear something more comfortable next time?