This might sound cynical but in that case I'd just shave before every flight. It's the same reason I always fly in a shirt when on business, it's one of many markers that makes you look like a business flyer, which will mean you're probably gonna be treated more like one.

In my opinion, we can accept that reality is very severely non-optimal while still trying our best to avoid the problems that reality causes. Or in the words of Hunter S. Thompson (maybe misattributed): 'Pray to God, but row away from the rocks.'

I like my beard though, and I'm not bending over backwards to conform to some security agent's bigoted views. Fuck 'em. My mom called me frantically when I was in college once and told me to shave my beard because she didn't want me to be targeted (I'm brown) -- I didn't do it then, and I'm sure as hell not doing it now.

Anecdote: A student and their professor were flying abroad to present at a conference, where the student was presenting and the professor was there to network. As such, the student was suited and booted to present later that day.

A flight attendant approaches the student in economy class and offers them a free upgrade, presumably because he is perceived to be of an important profession. Completely ignoring the ridiculously qualified, well-traveled, multiple language speaking, highly cited professor. They were quite salty but it made for a good story over some beers!

> Strangely, when I shave I get through fine.

You forgot about wearing glasses. For some reason Airport security sees no danger in people wearing glasses. Shaving, wearing bland clothes and glasses (fake, because my vision is fine) are part of my travel strategy. And i am not joking.

It's insane, but I know you're correct. I think the more of a "frequent flyer" you look, the less you are bothered by security.