There are items I need that are not particularly valuable that have gotten the dander of the TSA in the past. I pack those in my checked bag with my work shoes.

But recently, I had a TSO to remove something from my tools that I have carried through security for several years with no problems. They gave me the choice of checking the items (back to ticketing, stand in line; back to security, stand in line, get re-searched) and I decided that there was not enough time. They then said that I could take them to my car, I said "it is in Nashville" so not an option.

All I wanted was the answer to a very specific question: I travel every week and go through airports 50-60 times per year and have since the early 1990's. These items have never been a problem until now. Which is more likely, every other TSO at every other airport is wrong, or that you are? I will never forget the answer.

Sir, if you are going to fly today, you will do so without these. If you want the items then you do not get on the plane.

The arbitrariness of this system infuriates me a lot and scares me more than just a bit. It makes no difference what the rules are or what SOP is. It is made up on the fly. No one in any position of responsibility should be able to get away with this level on inconsistency, but they do thousands of times every day.

Why not provide Priority mail envelopes for your stuff to mail home that you can pay the postage on when they get there? I think I will buy a couple of PM Prepaids envelopes pre address them and put them in my backpack. The next time it is determined that I am a threat to national security, I get the envelopes out, ask them to drop the stuff in and put it in the mail. Will they do it? I give it a 50% chance.