squeakr - agree with you 100%.

Checked bags are the glaringly wide hole for security that now exists. Mean looking National Guards prowling around terminals with loaded assault rifles is not doing anything except scaring away even MORE folks from flying. The terrorists are way too smart to try and sneak on knives again - they'll just exploit unplugged weaknesses. Like suitcases. With or without the passenger being on board.

Taking knitting needles off grandmas and corkscrews off FA's is like a Beavis and Butthead script when that uninspected suitcase we are all sitting above has maybe enough Semtax in it to blow up City Hall.