Thanks for the kind words.<br><br>I’ll just add that, in general, they seem less interested in small items in carry-on luggage than on your person. They often seem a little reluctant to start opening bags (slows things down), whereas anything that you pull out of your pockets is fair game. This is a little odd, since once you’re on the other side of the checkpoint, as in waiting at the gate, you can transfer anything you like from your carry-on to your pockets. Don’t wait until you’re on the plane- you need to get seated quickly. Personally, I’d do this for anything but the tiniest pocketknife. Lighters, matches, bandannas are not going to cause problems in your pockets.<br><br>I’ve never had anything actually confiscated by security. I’ve tried to avoid giving them anything to even think about, and even then I’ve had them insist on transporting items in the cockpit. I have wondered, though- can they actually take your property over your protests, or can you opt to withdraw with it (provided it’s nothing actually illegal, of course)? If the latter, I’ve wondered if you could carry a padded envelope and mail it to yourself from the airport, then go back through security, rather than losing it for good.<br><br>But then, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a mailbox in an airport, either. Bottom line, they’re not very accommodating… you’d never guess that you’re paying hundreds of dollars for the privilege of being treated like cattle.<br><br><br>