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Post by espresso on Sept 29, 2016 19:51:48 GMT
I've heard that it's quite common for people with dreads to have trouble in the airport security check... I was always pulled aside when I was a teenager with dreadlocks, but now as an adult I haven't had any problems in years! Thought maybe it was because I look so very honest, nice, kind and stuff...however when I come to think of it, I haven't traveled internationally without my very cute businessman husband and adorable kids in years... so maybe I have to prepare for some extra time in security check now that I'm considering a trip to the states by myself? What are your experiences?
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jxbx
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The easiest way to dread is to let it go. The hardest way to dread is to let it go.
Posts: 1,093
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Post by jxbx on Sept 29, 2016 21:13:04 GMT
My dreads on the body scanners show up "yellow." This means, they have to pull me over, take "the wand," and re-scan whatever my dreads cover. Takes 30 seconds or so. I did get pulled over recently and they did a pat down on me...took 3 minutes at the most.
Next time, I might try wearing my dreads high enough where it's not covering any part of my body. They might still have to scan the updo though.
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Post by alethionaut on Sept 29, 2016 22:12:01 GMT
I've been selected for the body scan machine each time I go through since I've had dreads.
It doesn't bother me, I've nothing to hide. I usually get to the airport 2-3 hours before my flight because I love people watching
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Post by willowbranches on Sept 30, 2016 3:53:12 GMT
This is an issue I've been considering lately, as I'm thinking of flying cross country this winter and I haven't been through airport security since I started dreading. My concern is mostly with the bits of metal embedded in a couple of them, whether I'll need to get them out or maybe it's not a problem? I was left unmolested last time, flying internationally with lots of small braids, but I was definitely still given the side-eye and I don't know what to expect now
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jxbx
Alumni
The easiest way to dread is to let it go. The hardest way to dread is to let it go.
Posts: 1,093
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Post by jxbx on Sept 30, 2016 6:43:23 GMT
I have some metal in my dread and I was allowed through w/o having to remove them. All of my "stops" have been in US airports. None outside of the US other than the regular passport check.
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Post by willowbranches on Sept 30, 2016 16:35:07 GMT
I have some metal in my dread and I was allowed through w/o having to remove them. All of my "stops" have been in US airports. None outside of the US other than the regular passport check. That's very reassuring, thank you! ^_^
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Post by jasonmonty on Sept 30, 2016 23:15:03 GMT
It's not just dreads. When I had a big beard 2 years ago, I was pulled aside for every extra security check at each airport I went through. Travelling without the beard had not seen me have to go through any extra security.
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Post by espresso on Oct 2, 2016 15:01:46 GMT
Thanks for all your answers. When I was younger, I always had to go through an extra check. Empty my hand luggage... prove that my eyeshadow actually was eyeshadow... but it has been totally uncomplicated both in the us and in Europe after I grew up, and started looking less suspicious(I guess the rest of me has cleaned up even though I still have dreadlocks). Very reassuring that traveling is usually quite smooth for you guys as well. Gives me hope that I won't face much difficulty even when I travel alone!
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Post by gingerdreadman on Oct 3, 2016 19:11:16 GMT
I remember christian mentioning in a video about being stopped more. I will be flying next year for the first time with dreads. So that is something i have worried about as well.
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Post by soulsurfer on Oct 15, 2016 20:30:23 GMT
I get stopped EVERYTIME without fail, it's a bit of a running joke with me and the husband. Airport security? Check. Ferry port security? Check (they ALWAYS check the car both ways, I tend to give the British security guards a good laugh with my boot full of Ribena, Cadbury choc and PG Tips tea!
The only time I wasn't stopped was when arriving at Paris Gare du Nord, having just gotten off a train.....from Amsterdam. Go figure!
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Post by danzia on Oct 16, 2016 21:25:13 GMT
I used to get stopped all the time, but that was before I had dreads. Since, I've been stopped once - and this was traveling internationally. I travel quite a bit so that's a pretty good ratio.
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Post by espresso on Oct 27, 2016 8:25:30 GMT
I just returned from ny trip through 4 European and 4 American airports, and I just walked through security every time! Guess that means I look quite trustworthy even though I have dreads.
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jxbx
Alumni
The easiest way to dread is to let it go. The hardest way to dread is to let it go.
Posts: 1,093
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Post by jxbx on Oct 27, 2016 19:29:57 GMT
I just returned from ny trip through 4 European and 4 American airports, and I just walked through security every time! Guess that means I look quite trustworthy even though I have dreads. Wow, you got ripped off. I say you do the whole trip over again and demand a cavity search!! Did you get to go through one of those body scanners?
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Post by espresso on Oct 27, 2016 19:44:59 GMT
Yup! Went through lots of body scanners, but nobody commented anything about my dreads. I did remove most of my beads for the occasion though. Should've kept them in just to get some action!
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jxbx
Alumni
The easiest way to dread is to let it go. The hardest way to dread is to let it go.
Posts: 1,093
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Post by jxbx on Oct 27, 2016 20:07:28 GMT
Yup! Went through lots of body scanners, but nobody commented anything about my dreads. I did remove most of my beads for the occasion though. Should've kept them in just to get some action! Hehe... Did your dreads show up yellow? How long are your dreads too? I ask mine are long enough to hide a few snakes for the plane...and maybe that's why they love me.
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