[dirtboy]

Since most Americans leave a long and detailed trail of their purchases, I'd assume that suspicion would accrue to those who don't. I could be wrong, but it may just be that your pattern is one that will cause you extra grief.

However, does not leaving a data trail rise to the level of probable cause? In order for your idea to bear fruition to the feds, IMO they would have to significantly lower the threshhold of probable cause. There are many, many people who are concerned about their privacy but are not engaging in criminal activity - whereas probable cause means there is a clear indication that the suspect activity rises to the criminal.

[MineralMan]

"In order for your idea to bear fruition to the feds, IMO they would have to significantly lower the threshhold of probable cause. There "

It's not my idea, actually. My point here is that probable cause is already out the window with regard to airline travel, wouldn't you say? Probable cause is a conceptual thing, often ignored in day-to-day operations by law enforcement. It doesn't come into play until matters reach the courts.