Many of the prior posts have pointed out that some states auction the goods on E-bay. Others have pointed out that there is questionable wisdom in auctioning off goods that were confiscated because they posed a threat to airline travel.

I can advise you that some of the goods are sold by TSA. I am cursed as a smoker, and upon exiting a local airport found myself without means of lighting my cigarette. Fortunately there was a TSA agent also taking a smoking break, and offered to sell me a lighter for $0.75. Having agreed, whereupon she produced about 6 lighters and allowed me to choose one. $0.75 for a Zippo isn't bad considering the one I surrended on my departure was a $1.29 Bic.

In addition to providing enhanced security at the airports, TSA is also providing another service for which we should be appreciative of. They are providing often needed goods, and I was fortunate that this particular agent did not ask for a userous price, unless the price is set by TSA or they have a policy to the contrary. It was refreshing not to pay exhorbitant prices, as some other airport vendors demand, because one is in a sense a "captive audience."

One footnote which hasn't been mentioned. Should the purchaser of a product obtained through the TSA or an associated organization become ill from using the product or worse, is the surrenderer subject to any liability. I realize this might be difficult to track down, as whenever I have tried to gain access to the video survellience information I have been told that it is not available to me, or that the equipment was malfunctioning.

Any thoughts?