Reason for carry-on being diverted for manual check at security (and then released without check)

[Flyerwin]

So more recently my carry-on, in this case my laptop bag, has been diverted for manual check, and then released without actually being opened (presumable after the agent reviews the x-ray images).

I suspect it's because I have a switchblade key holder in my bag that looks something like the below.


I've removed it, and it seems to have resolved the issue.

What do other people think? Do you think that's the reason?

A friend of mine carries blunt tip scissors (that are apparently allowed) that also causes his carry-on to be manual checked every time.

Have you carried something yourself that have led to more frequent manual checks as well?

 

[RealtimeY]

I have something similar in my bag that often causes a second look. Now I leave it fanned out in my bag like in the picture and I haven't been asked about it since.

The Apple Magic Keyboard has caused a re-screening once.

Otherwise, generally overpacking a bag gets my bag reviewed and then released with a second look.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Similar, I tend to travel with my Laptop (Surface Pro), a 100w+ power bank, quite a few cables and adapters. Sometimes I'll carry a portable screen with a folding stand.

Something amongst that always gets triggered, but the security will review it on the monitor then let it pass without inspecting.

 

[kpc]

I had this exact thing happen to me this am at Syd. I was waiting for the guy to come and open the bag to check...he did not and said I was fine to go....strange!

 

[elanshin]

It can also be if its extremely busy, and the primary screening person deems something to check for the second person.

This speeds up the flow significantly than having the primary guy sit there study it from all angles. The second guy then takes a bit longer to spin the scans around to determine the object/objects in question and whether they need to be examined or not.

 

[serfty]

The first screening is more of a triage. The staff member doing the secondary has more tools to review the images and can often make a decision based on what they see without opening the bag.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

A couple of days ago at SYD every bag was going to secondary… 12 in total as mine went.

11 were passed without needing to open. You’d think they’d recalibrate the machine if it’s sending that many bags in error?

edited to add… there were NO bags in the cleared lane!