Pat me down...

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Friends have cautioned me about  full body scanners. My brother, an expert in the field of explosives, has also warned me. Finally, I am willing to take their advice. DO NOT go through the full body scanners where you stand on the the feet and place your hands above your head.

Today when I left San Francisco, the scanner suggested a problem. 

It was my right shoulder that was identified as a problematic area. There is nothing different between my two shoulders that would warrant investigation. But I was pulled aside for a pat down. Perhaps in the future, I should initially just request a pat down, but by a male? J 

Leaving San Diego, TSA took a wine opener from me, which, they claimed, had a hidden blade even though they were unable to open it. Guess I have some magic power to open some dangerous blade they do not have the ability to do so.

My choices were to check my luggage and keep the wine opener or to abandon it to TSA. I have many wine openers so what do you think I chose? Especially when I do not wish to check luggage. 

I remain confused as to what constitutes fluids that must be less than 3 ounces to TSA. Makeup base? Mascara? Perfume? Lip gloss? Deodorant? Eye drops? Mini Swiss Army knife? Each US airport has it’s own criteria. Believe me. This last San Diego to San Francisco was a great example. Abroad it is another story.

It all seems so arbitrary.

So I need to develop my own policy/procedure. I recommend you do too.

I would love to know what you do or recommend from your experiences.