kappa

The minute the walk-thru alarm sounds, I point to my knees, tell the TSA they are metal and am directed to the secondary screening, When seated, if I didn't remove my shoes before the walk-thru, the TSA will frequently tell me to remove them or the eyelets may set off the wand (since that is the only metal in the Sperry leather boat shoes I wear). In either case, they are put on the belt for screening.

Then when the secondary pat down is completed, I must find them, occasionally on a different belt from the one where my carry-on items (including my laptop) are located. Thus I usually simply take my shoes off before walking thru. At least everything will be together as I am rebuckling my pants belt, putting away my laptop and putting on my jacket.

I know the drill and have become resigned to it. Now I do anything to make it a painless and speedy as possible. I feel shoe removal helps. If I am traveling with someone, I tell them what is going to happen and ask them to keep their eyes on my items until the screening is complete.

My attitude toward the TSA people has changed somewhat. I am not being singled out for secondary screening. I am bringing concealed unidentified metal objects through the device which then alarms. I anticipate their moves so they need to say little to me. Most of the time about all that is said is ""I'm going to ....." and "you can lower your arms now'" and finally that they have finished. Some are very friendly; but since I do nothing to provoke them, I have found none belligerant.

Luggage rummagers that act like "dumpster divers" are another matter!