Ok Bart. Thanks. I think we've already heard most of the others position re: checked luggage. I'm not sure you have a "right" to be present at some of the larger airports.....

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Originally posted by screenerx

My airports policy is we can tell you what we're looking for and even ask you to point it out if you can. But we can't give you access to the bag until we've cleared it after a bag check has been called.

We have the same procedure at my airport also. Although our new supervisor who was an ITS employee doesn't like it to much.

Bart, I meant it's common knowledge amongst FF'er how to get around the SSSS on your boarding pass (many posts about this on FT), not getting around "secondary screening". The random gate screening was also easily predictable. By standing back until all screeners were busy screening, then boarding the aircraft.

When I've been selected w/SSSS and I'm traveling with someone I give them my carry-on so less time is wasted searching me and my belongings.

And if you really want to beat SSSS, then just buy a fully-refundable ticket on another airline, use it to pass "security" and then get on your original flight.

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"Give me Liberty or give me Death." - Patrick Henry

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Interesting. I usually keep a spare lock in my luggage (one of the Travel Sentry TSA approved locks now that they're out), as they are still cut-off from time-to-time, despite the fact they are not supposed to be.

These locks have displayed some type of image on the x-ray screen that has resulted in a bag check a couple of times -- and in one particular case had a couple screeners a bit nervous as if they thought I had something else in my bag.

In this one case, after having my BP & ID checked (again) during the bag check, the screener sees the lock and yells to the supervisor "It's just a lock" -- and then I was free to go. In the meantime, I had other screeners surrounding me, looking over my shoulder, etc., and it seemed a bit strange (and I must admit intimidating) for just a bag-check. I figure something didn't look right given all of the attention I received.

At any rate, I presume there some objects which appear on the x-ray that appear to the screener to be potentially something else (i.e. a weapon) on an occassional basis? If this happens, is any special treatment taken (such as what I received) until the item is identified?

Best,

SDF_Traveler

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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

SDF-Traveler,

Some locks at certian angles can appear to be a knife. Might be why it was checked. Not sure why that one incident happened though.

As for screeners being around you, might have wanted to see what the item was for future reference?

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A couple of points --

Laptop: I agree with your idea to do something to set your laptop apart from the crowd. But, I NEVER use a business card, because nobody at a checkpoint has a need to know my home address or the business I'm in. I use stickers that clearly make my laptop different.

Money & other valuables ALWAYS go in my LOCKED briefcase. This procedure, I've found, ensures that you're nose-to-nose with the screener when they open your briefcase. This is especially handy when you're being gate-raped, because it ensures that your valuables aren't examined outside of your purview. For extra measure, I ALWAYS insist on a new pair of gloves.

As I said in a previous post, an airport checkpoint has really become like professional wrestling -- everybody knows it's fake, but we're fascinated by it anyway.