[A_perfect_lady]

This is too bad, and I refuse to fly anymore. But Mike sounds a bit stupid. You really don't leave your bag and wander off like that. And I suspect he's leaving out a few smart-ass remarks of his own in the retelling of this story.

[MineralMan]

"But Mike sounds a bit stupid. You really don't leave your bag and wander off like that. And I suspect he's leaving out a few smart-ass remarks of his own in the retelling of this story."

Yeah. And, actually, I carry a butane lighter with me all the time. I put it in the little tray with all the other junk I forgot to take out of my pockets, and it just goes through. Cigarette lighters are allowed.

I always wonder about the folks who seem to have all this trouble. I travel all the time, and have been selected for additional screening a few times. I'm polite and cooperative, and it takes a couple of minutes, then I'm on my way.

Smart off to the folks, though, and simple psychology takes over. You want to be a smart***? Be prepared to wait a bit. Want to get on the plane? Be polite.