Originally Posted by
reamworks
... and generally take them out and throw them on the belt.
TSA should NEVER handle your items prior to their entering the x-ray. In order to prevent them from doing so, I maintain control of all my items until the belt moves them into the x-ray. On occasion, a TSO tries to be helpful and re-arrange my items. I usually interpret this as a genuine attempt to help me, but I try and politely point out that some of the items are fragile, and I would rather leave things as they are.
On one occasion I had a TSO get smarmy and forcibly move my things around. I loudly stated, "do not touch my possessions, please!" She replied, "fine, but you are going to pay for this, you stupid idiot" and proceeded to make me go through secondary screening. Fortunately, in this case, the Sup was standing right there, and made her apologize to me.
In general, once I assert I want my shoes in the bin, the TSO usually relents.