Here's an update to one of Womantraveler's most popular blog entries -- you should now stop wearing skirts if you want to get through airport security quickly. The long skirts I used to wear for airplane and travel comfort are now declared "voluminous clothing" by the TSA, meaning that you'll get pulled aside for a secondary check. Doesn't matter if you are thin as a rail! I asked the friendly female agents about this on my last two flights and got the answer. Even short skirts are a liability because, as they noted with their eyes, things can be hidden "up there."
So, I'm sorry to say that this tip of two years ago is relatively kaput. sadly, so, because it was such a bright idea! Now, if like me, you still hate your pants dragged on airplane bathroom floors, you could pack one of these travel skirts (below) easily and change after passing through airport security.
Here's the original blog of May 8, 2006:
Womentravelers who have succumbed to the dress-down comfort trend of jeans or capris for air travel are making a huge mistake. As my pal who's a former flight 
attendant put it bluntly -- unlike pants, you can lift your skirt up so it doesn't drag on those often yukky airplane bathroom floors, and heaven knows, she's seen more than she wants to remember. (Skirts are not recommended for men, of course, who have their own bathroom issues -- and one that we particularly appreciate their sensitivity to tidying up these tiny unisex quarters after use.)
Mid-calf or long skirts are the best -- but nothing too full or flouncy as they're more cumbersome to handle or pack. Lightweight or synthetic fabrics are most easily managed. Having a skirt has many purposes and it's easy for a quick change by pulling it over your head. A skirt keeps your legs and ankles warm, in case the blanket that is supposed to be on your seat has been ripped off. (I also tuck in a pair of light-weight knee-high trouser socks in my carry-on handbag or computer bag.) If I'm traveling for business and need office attire at the other end, I slip off the long airplane skirt in the airport ladies room upon arrival and replace it with a wrinkle-free suit skirt or trousers I've also gently folded in my carry-on.
Practicing this travel clothes philosophy consistently, I keep 2-3 basic airplane travel outfits that account for various weather conditions, including starting in one weather pattern and ending up in something totally different (50s on the West Coast and 90 degrees and unbearable humidity upon landing on the East). The other important component is a light-weight pashmina (the kind sold in airport shops for $10 in all colors). Rayon or light-weight cashmere pashminas serve as another layer for wrapping up (neck, shoulders or legs), can be folded into a small bag and add some pzazz. The best skirt options I've found -- and keep going back to -- are Chico's Traveler acetate/spandex mix-and-match series and TravelSmith's poly-nylon Ultimate Travel Skirt.
