I was flying out of Billings Montana last year with an apple box full of seashells wrapped in tissue paper. (Long story -- don't ask. )

I ran it through the x-ray machine and as it came out on the other side a security officer said, "There are some long, sharp objects in your box that we can't identify. We'll need to have a look inside."

That isn't a question, but he sort of paused to allow me to consent before he did it. Very professional, I thought.

I advised that they were all sea shells and asked him to take great care as he unwrapped them. He said that it would be best if I handled and unwrapped them and that he would only look. Again, very professional.

I like his approach best. He didn't ask to search my box (therefore avoiding implying that I could decline) but he didn't make me feel threatened either. Explaining why he was looking in the box probably helped lower the tension.

Anyway . . .