# Airport Security - I feel so much safer **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 27, 2001, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airport-security-i-feel-so-much-safer/70277 "2001-06-27T03:13:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Gary\_Kumquat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/4491bb/32.png) [@Gary\_Kumquat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Kumquat)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2001, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airport-security-i-feel-so-much-safer/70277/21 "2001-06-28T12:48:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Anthracite \* > **Wanna see how easy it is to get a really wicked knife/knives past security?** Anthracite, unless I’m missing something all of those knives have metal components in some form (handle, clip, hinge), with the exception of the kitchen knife. I had a ceramic knife once, but was disappointed at how easy it was to chip the damned thing, and the procedure for sharpening out said chips was a nightmare. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2001, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airport-security-i-feel-so-much-safer/70277/22 "2001-06-28T16:24:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by mouthbreather \* > \*\*\ this is the pit, so if you want a site, you can check in my ass.\ > \*\* I formally nominate this to furthermore be known as **“mouthbreather’s Law”**. ---
**Author:** ![mouthbreather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a698b9/32.png) [@mouthbreather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mouthbreather)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2001, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airport-security-i-feel-so-much-safer/70277/23 "2001-06-28T17:05:10Z")
Feel Free 🙂 Just make sure if you’re going to invoke it in the future, you correct my “site” to “cite”. ---
**Author:** ![Father\_Pacelli](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c37758/32.png) [@Father\_Pacelli](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Father_Pacelli)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2001, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airport-security-i-feel-so-much-safer/70277/24 "2001-06-28T17:22:55Z")
I personally carry a Wegner toolkit. The bloody thing is eight full ounces and has 28 tools. Very handy. I might try one of those wallet toolcards again. Hopefully it’ll work this time. I used to have one, but it fell apart after just six months. ---
**Author:** ![Race\_Bannon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Race\_Bannon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Race_Bannon)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airport-security-i-feel-so-much-safer/70277/25 "2001-06-29T02:48:29Z")
I’m glad to see this thread generating a little attention. I picked up a couple of non-metalic knives (I don’t really know what they’re made of) for just a few bucks each (they have LS Lansky stamped on 'em). They’re great for opening boxes, and I believe I could use one to do really nasty things, if I were so inclined. I’d like to know if anyone else has experienced the “fingertip bag search” as I described in the OP. I’ve seen it done more than once to me, so I’m thinking that these motions represent some kind of minimal effort on the part of the security folk. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airport-security-i-feel-so-much-safer/70277/26 "2001-06-29T23:09:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ‘Uigi \* > \*\*I’ve traveled a lot in the U.S. and haven’t run into any problems with a pocket knife as long as the blade is less than 3.5" in length. > But, I’m concerned that I may run into trouble in near future travels to Europe. > Can anyone provide a site that gives the dope on what sort of wacky rules I might run into? I’m not talking about trying to “carry” a machete or anything; just a fingernail trimmin’, paper whackin’, (Swiss Army with a corkscrew) kind of knife. > No corkscrew, no travel. > \*\* I was flying from Phoenix, declared and checked my unloaded pistol into baggage (perfectly legal). However, the guy at the counter was giving me a hard time because I didn’t have two locks on the bag (he said it was for _my_ safety). So, running through the airport looking for little key locks, I had to go through a checkpoint. I pulled out my keys and put them in a tray. On my keyring I had a small 1/4 inch box cutter that they held me up for. The security guard started giving me a hard time, so I yanked the chain and threw it at him and walked off. Of course, for some reason, I never get stopped when I pack my leatherman into my briefcase. Morons, the lot of 'em . . . Tripler ---
**Author:** ![Feynn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@Feynn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Feynn)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2001, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airport-security-i-feel-so-much-safer/70277/27 "2001-06-30T16:51:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by TheNerd \* > \*\*_Every_ time I’ve flown in the past 4 years (probably twice a year on average), I’ve taken one of [these](http://www.toollogic.com/docs/ccc_details.html) with me. > \*\* Great, now I will have to get one of these. Are you some kind of tool pimp? As for airport security: I have never been searched or even questioned in any of my travels. On many occasions I have been travelling with wheelchair bound persons and I wonder if this has something to do with it. It’s either that or my honest looks. You know, anyone helping the handicapped wouldn’t be smuggling anything would they? ---
**Author:** ![Earthworm\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f07891/32.png) [@Earthworm\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earthworm_Jim)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2001, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airport-security-i-feel-so-much-safer/70277/28 "2001-06-30T18:06:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Father Pacelli \* > \*\*I’d just hate to think that security at the damn PENTAGON of all places wouldn’t be that lax. > \*\* I seem to recall a story (one of those hidden-camera types) around '97 or '98 where a newsteam drove up and wandered around the building for something like 4 hours before some one asked what they were doing. I think the security drones there are mostly cops on-loan from Arlington or DC…almost all are the stereotypical fat-donut eating jellyrolls. If some one decided to make a run for the building, I have a tough time believing these guys could actually get around their gut to draw their gun. ---
**Author:** ![red\_dragon60](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce73a5/32.png) [@red\_dragon60](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/red_dragon60)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2001, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airport-security-i-feel-so-much-safer/70277/29 "2001-06-30T19:32:09Z")
I get searched a lot. I am a 16yo white male. Usually it is them seeing my mechanical pocketwatch in my backpack next to batteries and thinking it is some sort of plastic explosive. Now seriously, a teenager travelling with his family wants to take 3 ounces of Semtex on a plane and kill all of us for the glory of Allah. I even had my bag electronically sniffed once. I guess they want to make sure it looks like they are busy. ---
**Author:** ![Osip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/4491bb/32.png) [@Osip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Osip)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2001, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airport-security-i-feel-so-much-safer/70277/30 "2001-06-30T20:21:12Z")
I once spend half a day walking around a Secure goverment instalation. To top it off I was installing XO-7 locks on their GSA containers containing secret and lesser grade materials. I was Supposed to me escorted at all times. That IS what my badge said. The Materials from the container was SUPOSED to be removed from the room while I installed the new lockset. In reality, the information was removed and stacked on top of the container, my escort was present less than half of the time. I would also go from one room to another from container to container, walking the halls in A SOVIET OFFICERS OVERCOAT. I even was allowed to walk out to the parking lot and back for smoke breaks. I could have walked out with all kinds of goodies since my tool bags or myself was never searched. Oh and nothing you can say would suprise me about airport security either. Osip [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airport-security-i-feel-so-much-safer/70277.md?page=1)