Airport security at Birmingham halted Joe Vale, stag party star, for sporting a £15 Ryanair-style lanyard and navy-yellow cabin crew dress, May 8. The group’s pre-flight pub stop turned surreal as four guards debated if tights and a fake badge could ground a father of three en route to Portugal.

Security’s fixated focus on Vale’s “official” lanyard—complete with his photo and the name Joe-Anne—led to threats of police and delayed boarding. Airline cosplay meets airport security rules, proving stag do traditions can collide with travel safety policies and create real security theater from bargain-bin costumes.