Originally Posted by cme2c
How did they know it was a non-issue? For all they knew the OP was carrying explosives and showing off by doing that. Richard Reid (the shoe-bomber) was questioned and they were concerned before he even boarded the plane. If I recall correctly he missed his first flight because of it. Their main suspicion was that he was traveling without luggage.
Swab the bag, which didn't happen. If it doesn't alarm, send him on his way.
Sometimes it's the little things that seem like "nonissues" that lead to more.
Kinda like this incident, huh?