I use laser pointers for class presentations, and they are VERY IMPORTANT to me. I've been paranoid about confiscation since 9/11. Twice screeners have asked about them, but they've let me through. (I don't always have checked luggage to put them in, especially now when additional time is often needed to check them).

Perhaps there could be some sort of "mini check through" analogous to American Eagle planeside bags, where the airline could have small containers for "contraband" to be sent through in a (small) special compartment and then made available to passengers as they deplane.

It would be great if the airlines could come up with something to clarify this issue.