I’ll give some other unrelated advice. If you really, really want to wear your uniform to look cool when not actually performing as a pilot stand curbside and the little old ladies will tip you for helping with their bags. Wear the hat. It helps.

Other than that. Nobody gives a flying F that you are a pilot.

No disguise will work. F/As can detect a pilot like polar bears can sniff out a seal.

Never understood those people in civvies who wear their lanyard and ID around the airport. If you think you look "official" then all you are doing is making those of us you recognize the you as an "airport employee" roll our eyes.

Truth right there...

I do it if jumpseating in civvies. First to get through KCM, then to get my discount at Peets, then to check in for the JS, then to check in with the CA. After that if I'm sitting in the back, I put it away for obvious reasons. I'm not a secret agent who should only flash my decoder ring momentarily if urgently necessary.

Nobody cares one way or another if you wear a badge at the airport, except maybe the badge etiquette police. A gazillion non-crew employees wear their badges all day long. All employees can spot crew a mile away, badge or not. It's best not to wear it while sitting in the cabin, that's policy at most airlines so as not to rub it in to the paying pax that you're getting for free what they paid $300+ for. Comply with that.

I don't wear identification if I'm not in uniform. I carry it, usually in a pant leg pocket, and I'll show it where appropriate (known crewmember, etc), but otherwise, no.

This has to be one of the most entertaining threads on here in awhile. Lol

If can go through KCM domestically, always in civilian clothes. Am a pax. will respond like any other pax to a call for help "any doctors or airplane pilots onboard?"
Would rather not be part of any official legal or regulatory agency investigation post flight.

Spoken like a bunch of people who have never needed to commute internationally.

As a rule of thumb, domestically, I suggest keeping your ID on but tucked into a shirt pocket. Other crews are smart enough to figure this out and you don't look like a douche to those who don't know. There is a noticeable difference in how you're treated.

Internationally (on a jumpseat or ticket) you need to play it by ear. But if you want to guarantee yourself a nightmare be sure to wear civvies going to KWI on a paid ticket. ME, South America, South Asian, and ASEAN countries definitely treat you much better in uniform. Other Asian countries do a little, but not much. In Europe always go in civvies or they get bent out of shape.

I wouldn't suggest this on personal travel though as a matter of protocol... just work travel (paid or jumpseat).

I wear mine in civies, but only so I don't lose it, and get discounts at the airport. If I want to cut the line and board early to guarantee space for my bags, I'll go in uniform. You are treated better.