AIBU at airport security asking me to remove cardigan

[Saavhi]

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!

PatoPotato you have to hand over formula. They put it in a macine which does some kind of scan to check if it's safe to go through. Very space age.

I was asked to take off my cardigan today in Heathrow as it had metal buttons. However, I always try to make sure that, whatever I’m asked to take off (boots/shoes/cardigan or hoodie) that I’m comfortable with what’s underneath -no holes in socks etc

Airports that use body scanners you walk through can work out it's boob not bomb. Maybe all airports should use them. I seem to remember there was loads of objections to those being used.

Personally I don't care how strict security is - I don't want to be blown up mid air. I've had very thorough pat downs in past - waist bands, bra straps inner thighs and under the boobs and my children have had nappies checked. Security are doing their job.

I know lots of things can be hidden in larger bras - I used to smuggle miniatures into pubs and clubs hidden in mine! I tend to prefer to wear tight vest tops under cardis to travel in - cardi goes through scanner and it's obvious it's boobs not a bomb. However I'm the wrong side of 40 and fed 2 kids so I very much doubt I'm being ogled.

OP YANBU.

And it’s not normal to be checked like this when you are collecting your bags and putting your shoes back on! It normally happens before you go through the metal detector or occasionally just afterwards.

Of course the vast majority of security guards are decent people doing their jobs and keeping us safe, but just like in any subgroup of the population there will be some who are pervs and/or are on a power kick.

@jewel1968, but again the sinking wouldn't happen within seconds, you'd have time to evacuate or abandon the ship by either jumping over board or getting into a lifetaft. You don't have the luxury of that in a plane, if a bomb goes off in a pressurised cabin 30k feet in the air, every single person is dead.

Yeah often asked to remove top

Just go through security as efficiently as possible - Liquids already out. Belt off. No jewellery. Hat off. Scarf off. Laptop/kindle/iPad/other items with a large battery separate. And be prepared to take off your cardi/jumper/jacket.

Anyway. If you really think someone had ulterior motives feel free to complain.

I complained about an utter areshole in Gatwick once who was being absolutely foul to everyone - had to give time and X-ray number and they responded to my complaint satisfactorily.

Really annoying when people call out airport security

No-one should be above scrutiny because of the role they perform. That's why people manage to hide behind a role, whether it's trusted priest or charity worker or school caretaker. Whilst on the whole security staff are honest individuals doing a difficult and thankless task, it's dangerous to assume that everything they all do is blameless.

Off the point, but why wear a top that makes it essential to put a cardigan on top? What would you do if you were really hot but couldn't take your cardigan off?

I've had to remove a poncho style cardi before - they're trying to keep us all safe!!

I think what's odd about this is that he asked you to remove the cardigan AFTER you had gone through the scanner. The usual time to ask would be before the scanner, when you sometimes take off coats, shoes, belts etc. I think this sounds odd.

@eurochick the hands in the knickers pat down happened to me too, years ago at Schiphol. Their security is crap and I used to hate it bit it is my local airport. I now pay for the fast track security where the service is a bit better.

I was asked to remove my 'cardigan' (hooded fleece top) last time I flew. I was a bit huh? but did it anyway. I was wearing a t-shirt underneath.

They pick random people each flight/every so often it’s nothing personal or anything to worry about it’s simply to avoid another 9/11! As anyone could be hiding something on them!

Think you’re being a bit over sensitive to be honest.
I flew out of Luton last week and had to lift arms above my head which meant my cropped sweatshirt showed my bra.. My own fault 🤷🏽‍♀️

I travel frequently ie several times a month and I am always asked to remove cardigans, hoody’s, jackets etc
Sometimes belts and shoes too
My mum suffers with a skin condition and was asked to remove her cover up. She explained to security and was taken to a side room because of this to remove it
It’s very very standard practice

At airport security you do as you are told !

I have discovered the hard way that certain items of clothing make you look like you could be hiding something ie baggy trousers and carridigans. a

Just when you think you are getting used to be dressed in the best way possible for airport security they find something else to check but that's just part & parcel of travelling.Its inconvenient but it's for our own good.Last month my husband & daughter had Nike air Max on,which they had to take off to be screened.Apparently something to do with the bubbles being a security risk.

Well, despite the majority of people on here saying they've had to remove cardigans, etc. I have been travelling for forty years, have visited almost 40 countries (many of them more than once) and I have NEVER been asked to remove a top of any type other than a jacket.

I fly a lot, it's quite common to be asked to remove your cardigan. I take mine off if I'm wearing one and put it in the tray with the rest of my stuff prior to going through the scanner.

I'm also used to female security running their hands over, and sometimes, squeezing my breasts.
I don't find it anything other than reassuring that they're doing their job efficiently.

If you have something with buttons or some form of opening/closing device, then you have to remove it. Everyone is asked. If you wear a jumper then you are not asked. It really is very simple. If you do not want to follow guidelines, then don't fly. Anyway - in the security area I promise no one is interested in your "large breasts". They are too busy trying to get themselves redressed and organised than looking at you.

I've been asked to remove cardigan, shoes AND had the full pat down several times - once told to stand on a box in China while they did it.

If you have something with buttons or some form of opening/closing device, then you have to remove it.

No you don't. I've never seen anyone asked to take a shirt off, even though they all button up.

I am always told to remove my jacket or cardigan, although since I have a special assistance, I am off and patted down anyway As is the… Airport wheelchair? I really don't know why they check the wheelchair, since they bring it to you… If anyone knows, why did they do this? Sorry, using dictation.