I had a large book, hardcover, and a cell phone charger, in the side pocket of my duffel bag.
When I got the airport, and put my bag through the x-ray conveyor belt. The TSA security made a big deal about my bag when it came through. They started looking at me and talking in hushed tones. Then, two TSA security personnel escorted me to this side area room that had its own x-ray machine.
A third guy was there waiting.
He asked me to approach the screen. He then pointed to the shot of the side that showed the book and cellphone car charger.
The way they were settled made it look as though it was a bomb package with a detonator...and the "plug in side" was the trigger. Dead serious. It was hilarious. As if it was a bomb I strapped to my chest and held the trigger in my hand, similar to the personal vests suicide bombers wear.
I immediately said that it was a book and car charger for a cell phone, while starting to laugh my ass off.
The "serious business" side room officer started to laugh as well. He then told me that it DID look very suspicious and they aren't supposed to remove them.
They removed the items and still used that special "ballistics smeller" wand. They all apologized to me. I told them I'd rather be detained like this 10 times over if it meant American lives were saved from a stupid radical.
This was at the Philadelphia airport.
And that's my "what are you smuggling" story. 😐