I find it highly amusing that the claims here have been that "books look like c4!"
Yet, when a TSO supposedly sees something on a scan that "looks like c4", they DON'T take the normal precautions that are mandated for 'suspicious package' in the terminal, they simply open it up and look through it by hand.
DUH. If it really looked like a bomb, they'd take the normal precautions when there is a suspected bomb, i.e. call the bomb squad and detonate in place.
If anyone ever did actually send a chunk of c4 through checked bags, and the TSO opened up the bag and detonated it, which would kill a bunch of people and cause huge damage at an airport without ever entering the sterile area, TSA would knee-jerk a "we have to act in an abundance of caution" response and then begin calling the bomb squad every time they saw a book in a checked bag.
Originally Posted by
NotaCriminal
Okay, I think y'all have covered WHY you open the suitcase or box to visually inspect the books. After 95+ posts, has anyone claiming to work for the TSA said WHY they don't repack the bag or box properly after you do your check? I swear I've read this thread and I've yet to see an answer to the OP's and Caradoc's questions as to why can't the darn things be put back together properly!
It seems like a simple question: If the bag or box is opened to verify content, then why isn't the bag repacked as it was found to prevent damage and loss of passenger possessions???
Although none of the TSOs will ever admit to it, the reasons are clear to me:
1) They're in a hurry to paw through the luggage of hundreds of 'fares' per shift.
2) They simply don't give a rodent's patootie about the property of the 'fares', they're simply there to examine said property for prohibited items.