So can anyone tell me why I cannot keep my wallet with me during an opt out? I have in the past but today it had to go through the xray or I was not going to get past security.

Your wallet could contain razor blades or other deadly metallic contraband that the NoS can't detect.

Very bad, IMHO, that they're so inconsistent on this (like everything else). As you saw, you usually have no warning until it's too late - it can be difficult, if not impossible, to see what the TSO is doing with your wallet.

You're not supposed to have anything with you and/or on your person so do what I do and put/keep your wallet in an inside pocket of your jacket with the jacket folded over the pocket or place the wallet inside you carry-on

I still had to go through the metal detector though. When there is no NOS i don't have to take out my wallet. I guess that is where my confusion has lies.

I'll just start throwing it in my backpack... or skip flying out of MKE

The NOS can't see through wallets and stuff in your pocket. So, you have to take everything out. For cities that don't have the new scanners and only have the old WTMD, they still make you take everything out of your pockets.

Even a Kleenex.

If I'm not going through a nos I'm not asked to empty my pockets.

The answer is "somehow tiny metal objects could take down an aircraft when in a wallet, but not when present elsewhere".

It's the hassle factor. You want to opt out? Well we're not going to make you work for it.

Since people who walk through the metal detectors who don't opt out get to keep their wallet, the only real reason is they want to be difficult.

Went through metal detector at MHT yesterday, they don't have NOS, and after clearing - TSA was very persistant in wanting to see my wallet.

They were also no pleased with my one word answers to the various questions by 4 different TSA employee's.

My wallet always goes into my hard shell Samsonite attach� case, which has a built in combination lock and it is always locked, along with my carry on whenever these items go through the x-ray machine at the checkpoint.

I have never been asked to open my case and take out my wallet for inspection, and if ever requested, I will ask for an LEO to be present to make sure none of the screeners try and steal anything from my wallet.

I do not trust any airport screeners, no matter how many stripes they have on their shoulders one bit, as far as I am concerned they are all potential thieves, because it�s almost a weekly occurrence now that we read about airport screeners being arrested for stealing money at the checkpoint.

Handing a wallet with money sticking out of it to a screener, that�s just too much temptation there

Mr. Elliott

I have taken to putting a wadded up tissue in my pocket just for the fun of it. When my frisker asks if my pockets are empty, I recheck and hand it to them.

Although I have never had my wallet checked (stayed in my pocket during the pre NOS days), it now goes in my carry on luggage and has never been checked there, either. The only things in my pockets going through security is my DL and BP in my shirt pocket.

You are too !

^WOW! You are runner up for the "Practical Travel Safety Issues Tip of the Week!" (Although, I would also make sure that the tissue is slightly damp.)

You should blow some mucus into the tissue before hand as well and had that over to the screeners...........