Recently I had to put my checked baggage on the conveyor to be screened by the huge new x-ray machines. I placed it on the belt "right" side up - as one would position it to open it. The ever-alert screener immediately reached down and turned it over so that it was upside down. I then turned it onto its back again. She glared at me and returned it over. I said "why are you doing that?" The predictable answer - "government regulations".

I have since noticed that at least 90% of ALL luggage that emerges from the belts onto the pick-up carrosels is 'upside down'. Why is this? Does this make the baggage smashers more efficient or what? Is there REALLY a government regulation that requires this?