Originally Posted by
Dr. HFH
They can, I believe. Similar to a security guard checking your bags as you leave a department store. However, I believe that you have the right to insist that a police officer (as opposed to a private security guard) do the search if you're willing to wait for one. I did that once at a department store, -- insisted that they could call the police or I would walk out.
A security guard has zero right to go through your bags as you leave. In fact in most states they can't force you to show the receipt they're fond of asking for at the exit. A security guard can detain you if and only if they know that you stole or were intending to steal something. A guard can require you to consent to a search to be given permission to enter. However they can't force you to open your bag when you leave.
The police, nor the airline have any right to search you in this case. The police could be called in, but without a warrant or proof, the search would be illegal. They cant conduct a mass search. The airline FA would have to certify they saw you take it, not simply that you might have it for officer to have proof. In doing so the FA and airline become liable if FA lied to get the search done.