Not quite. If the screener followed correct procedure, then she had the option of taking the item out of the checkpoint and disposing of it by either giving it to a non-travelling companion, arranging to have it mailed, returning it to her car or arranging it to be placed in checked baggage. Not a good answer because the item should have been permitted in the first place.

I share your frustration over incidents like this. You've seen how I've gotten into it with other TSA forum members when they put out erroneous policy and I call them on it. (On another web site that primarily consists of screeners, these arguments get pretty heated.)

You always always always have a right to speak to the supervisor. Very few people take advantage of this, believe it or not, even when I OFFER it to them.