I am always very careful around bullies. It's just good practice.

TSA staff are well trained to deal with unruly passengers. Usually, they do everything by the book. But most TSA staff (not supervisors, in general) become immediately flustered when faced with a totally controlled individual who questions them without cursing, raising his voice, gesticulating, etc. The TSA really just don't know what to do. They usually overreact, and then you've got the advantage.

The TSA hotline is 1-866-289-9673.

Bruce