divemistressofthedark - trust me I am well aware of the Bravo Sierra that TSA does when it comes to camera and dive gear. There are airports that absolutely dont get it despite the volume of divers/UW Photographers they get (EYW, RDU, MIA, SJU, and DFW to some extent).
If you think normal dive gear is bad, try traveling with more exotic/technical gear like a rebreather (ISC Megladon - always in a carry-on, minus the tanks that i rent at destination) and a scooter (Dive-xtras - cuda 650 -- cant travel with the LiIon pack for the 1150) - BTW a starter pistol goes in that case so TSA keeps is grimey hands off it.
BTW does anyone have the federal rules (CFR or USC) on "weapons transport" and not turning over the keys to anyone at anytime? I remember a thread coming up about someone getting a DY...T threat if they didnt turn over the keys, despite that not being kosher/legal.