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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:
mrsjoyfulprizeforraffiawork · 08/06/2019 12:15

It is not because you will set off the doorway sensor whilst wearing it but that it is another item of clothing that they can reasonably ask people to remove and put on the conveyor belt so that they can check thoroughly with X-ray. It is very common for people to be asked to take off loose cardies/coats, etc. If you are wearing trainer-type shoes, boots, etc, you are often asked to remove them and put them on the conveyor belt as well.

Original poster
Saavhi · 08/06/2019 12:15

I wasn't upset just wanted to check. I'll know for next time and will dress accordingly

OP posts:
jennymanara · 08/06/2019 12:20

Sorry normal.
I once asked to remove a zipped up cardigan. I refused as I only had my bra on underneath.

LAlady · 08/06/2019 12:27

Completely normal. I always take my cardigan off as a matter of course now.

BigChocFrenzy · 08/06/2019 12:28

Always best to dress for a flight by assuming you will have to remove any cardigan, overshirt, waistcoat etc that might be considered an extra layer

They may sometimes wave you through if you say you only have a bra underneath, as they did for a pp upthread,
or they may insist you be searched in a private room

Finessia · 08/06/2019 12:29

You’ve learnt your lesson now.

Next time, just make sure to travel in a top you feel comfortable in without a cardigan.

WhereForArtThouBray · 08/06/2019 12:31

I have always removed cardican, jacket or jumper and out them in the tray with my bag. It is essentially the same as a jacket.

kaytee87 · 08/06/2019 12:32

Op I understand why you felt self conscious, I have very large boobs. That's why I don't wear strappy tops as even if you're wearing a cardigan, I might get too hot and have to remove it.
Next time you'll know to wear a T-shirt.

KatherineJaneway · 08/06/2019 12:36

Flew a few years ago and I set the scanner off so I had to take my shoes off and I got a patting down by a female security guard which involved her putting her hands on the inside of my knickers. No idea what set the machine off and very uncomfortable but they have to keep us safe so I put up and shut up.

Frusty · 08/06/2019 12:36

The cardigan the OP describes does sound like normal clothing rather than outerwear, so I would be surprised at it being necessary to remove it.

AphidEater · 08/06/2019 12:40

the guy did cop a look

This isn’t appropriate regardless of what you were wearing. And while I do think people are asked to remove cardigans as a reasonably common thing, if you think he asked you just so he could have an ogle then I would actually raise a complaint with the airport.

kaytee87 · 08/06/2019 12:43

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

This is inappropriate and you could be within your rights to complain. (It's also a bit of a drip-feed)

MsMightyTitanAndHerTroubadours · 08/06/2019 12:45

I always set off the clangers at airports!

I have been asked to remove shoes, scarves, glasses from head, jewellery (NOT A CHANCE)

Also when being patted down in a dress and footless tights (120 denier) I was asked if they were tights or leggings, I said leggings, she whipped my dress up round my middle and had a good rummage about the waistband and behind area....now quite why she couldn't manage that through the light cotton summer dress I was wearing I do not know, but in future always answer "tights" to that question!

dh is always chilling at the end of the security area raring to get through to duty free whilst I am trying to rearrange myself and get my shoes back on.

IsabellaLinton · 08/06/2019 12:48

I’ve always had to take off my cardigan, and my children their hoodies or whatever.

fairweathercyclist · 08/06/2019 12:48

I've never been asked to remove a jumper or a cardigan, but always take my jacket off in advance. The main thing is always having to guess if they want you to take shoes off or not.

iVampire · 08/06/2019 12:51

The security guard won’t have been copping a look, he’ll have been doing his job. Which includes visually assessing passengers.

Also, before sharing stories about large breasts, please remember there is a much deleted but persistent troll on that theme, and we never know who else is reading

safariboot · 08/06/2019 12:52

Despite being common, I still think YANBU to suspect that the real reason you were told to take your cardigan off was so someone could have an ogle. I've heard enough stories, not just airport security but male behaviour in general.

jennymanara · 08/06/2019 12:53

Why do you think security guards never want to cop a look?

bananasonfire · 08/06/2019 12:54

So he copped a look did he?
Of course he looked at your body - what would the point of asking you to remove your cardigan be if he didn't?

Aroundtheworldandback · 08/06/2019 12:55

Of course it’s fine. I’d take off my bra if there was no other way to ensure safety.

Anoni · 08/06/2019 12:56

So you honestly think security asked her to remove her cardigan so they could look at her breats?really

Usuallyinthemiddle · 08/06/2019 12:57

I'd rather take off my cardigan than be blown up on a plane.

Moomoo1975 · 08/06/2019 12:58

Airport security work to v strict guidelines. All outerwear including cardigans should be removed and exrayed...shows bleep a lot as they have metsl supports running along the inside. They must be xrayed. Thumbs must be run along the inside of all waist bands, leggings and legs checked. Airport security don't do these things for their pleasure it is because it is mandatory for them to do it and for passenger security. Shirt collars, lapels inside and out must be checked. In between breasts and bra lines also. Security officers not doing their job properly get into lots of trouble and airports are constantly audited . It is the age we live in unfortunately.

hmsvictory · 08/06/2019 13:00

"jewellery (NOT A CHANCE)"

Erm why not? Are you different to everyone else in the airport?

If you refused to remove an item I'd asked you to then you wouldn't be coming through security.

Iwantacookie · 08/06/2019 13:01

Sounds pretty normal to me. Except flying out of Scotland in winter they asked me to remove my coat, boots and cardigan so they could rescan it then they took them off to someone with blue gloves on. I was freezing and thought they could of been a little faster.
I don't like it when they accuse you of smuggling 100 kilos of coke in your sunglasses which have been on top of your head since you entered the airport.

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