I really like Coghlans folding scissors. I've never tried taking them through airport security, but they're part of my EDC and at $3.75 if TSA takes them you won't be out too much. Put a second set in your checked bag. Scissors are so non-threatening

TSA WEbsite :Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than 4 inches are allowed, but blades longer than 4 inches are prohibited.
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items

I am also planning to transition to mass-market disposable undergarments in the future. Obviates the need for tp, eliminates laundry expense, serves as dandy field-expedient wound dressing, reduces in-flight cabin movement, and the soft rustling sound that accompany ambulation acts as a bear bell to prevent unwanted confrontations.

Small scissors are not a problem for the TSA.
Always check this page, it changes over time:

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items

Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than 4 inches are allowed, but blades longer than 4 inches are prohibited"

Other fun things you can carry-on that you may not realize:

Skates (including ice skates and rollerblades)
Wrenches/Pliers/Screwdrivers (seven inches or less in length)
Common Lighters - sort of OK.
One book of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches are permitted as carry-on items,
Small compressed gas cartridges
(Up to 2 in life vests and 2 spares. The spares must accompany the life vests and presented as one uni
Snow globes that appear to contain less than 3.4 ounces (approximately tennis ball size) will be permitted if the entire snow globe, including the base, is able to fit in the same one clear, plastic, quart-sized, re-sealable bag, as the passenger’s other liquids, such as shampoo, toothpaste and cosmetics.

Thank you for that listing Martin but I usually travel British Airways and AM radios are not on their lists of prohibited items.

I have never had any problems but maybe I have been in error and the receiver has been assumed to be a MP3 player.

Next flight I will ask beforehand.

http://www.britishairways.com/cms/global/pdfs/handheld-devices-used-onboard_Dec14.pdf

Their policy is if it's not allowed, it's forbidden.

Allowed items:

Mobile Phones/Smart phones
Laptop/Notebook computers
Tablet computers
e-Readers
Noise-cancelling headphones
Portable DVD/CD Player
Digital Audio/MP3 Player
Bluetooth Devices
Electric Shaver
Personal Cameras
Electronic Games
Assistive Medical Devices

note to self: add life vest and small snow globe to travel kit.

Agreed...I carry an empty bottle and fill it once through security. Buying bottled water just feels wasteful and like being ripped off!

Good points, Martin!

The nicer you act, the further you get. This applies to SO much more than TSA: doughnuts at the automobile shop are not germaine to this thread, but have always gotten me through ASAP, with a smile, and perks that are worth at least as much as a box of doughnuts--and into a bay first, the NEXT time I visited. A box of chocolates at Christmas, at the lunch deli, have always gotten me a year's worth of lunches, far and above what I would have expected for the price...

I don't fly often, but did last Spring with a Pre-check ID. I acted dumb ('cause I was), and got through so fast my head spun like a top. I made sure to thank the TSA guys: (they were following their protocols), but were glad to not take grief, because of it.

Going in presenting myself as ignorant of the procedures, ready and willing to cooperate with them, and anxious to fulfill the requirements, has always sped me through the process at the airport.

Learn the clerk's name--if you don't catch it right off, ask the clerk to repeat it--and thank them, by name--at the conclusion of the transaction.

I didn't think of it aforehand, but I guess the whole premise of this post is this: be polite: do you really want to deal with someone who has been ticked off by their previous contact, or do you want to deal with someone who has been validated by their previous contact? We all want to feel as if we are doing something constructive, even if we feel insignificant, because we are constrained by company policy. Complaining to the customer service reps will not solve the problem: complaining two levels up will make the difference in policy change, and mentioning the CSP's name will effect a change at the most basic level...

But, you didn't say you don't WEAR pink underwear. Clarify?

Doing your own laundry INVARIABLY results in pink underwear now and then....