[EncryptEntropy]

Exactly. I’ve flown maybe a total of 25-30 flights and don’t fly too often, still I have never once had to have something confiscated because I didn’t attempt to take the stuff on trip in the first place. Worst Ive done is throw out a water/drink that I couldn’t take through security. You people that have to remove things from your bags hold everybody up and cost everyone more money. Read the rules. Pack accordingly.

[mindslight]

I've also flown plenty of times and have never had something stolen. But every time I've still suffered the stress of having to scrutinize my backpack to make sure I had removed everything objectionable. This is especially insidious with basic items that live in my bag for general travel (eg a Leatherman), and can end up hiding in a pocket or some folds of fabric.

The problem isn't having to "read" the rules, but rather the draconian punishment for making honest mistakes, justified by dimwitted refrains of "read the rules". At the very least, items that can be in checked baggage should be able to be checked on the spot at no additional charge (eg pocket knives), and you should be able to ground-ship anything else at standard rates without having to go to the back of the line.

I don't know if anything comprehensive could be done for recalled lithium batteries, camp stove fuel cylinders, etc. But reasonably handling the utterly inert items that the TSA has decided to terror-ize would go along way to alleviating the needless imposition that is TSA, as illustrated by the photos above.

[dspillett]

> justified by dimwitted refrains of "read the rules"

Ah, the humble ad hominem. To which the only real answer is "I know you are, but what am I?".

Don't be the dimwit who accidentally takes an expensive set of sharp things in carry-on. How much stress is it _really_ to empty the bag and repack to make sure everything is where it should be?

Don't be the entitled prick who throws insults because the world won't change the rules that they find inconvenient.