While getting my tags renewed, I ended up talking with a guy who works with the Homeland Security Force and just spent the last 15 weeks going across the country training airport workers.
He said everyone will be subject to one of three different searches of their checked luggage:
1) checking from the outside for explosives (I'm assuming Xray?)
2) Opening it and lightly rummaging around to check
3) Opening it, and removing items to check. He said any item such as hairspray (I know Serge carries a lot this with him when he travels!), shampoo, etc. over 12 oz will be taken out and tested separately if the 3rd type of search is performed.
He said to put toiletry items in clear plastic bags so they can glance at them and to pack small sizes. He also said that since your bag can be unlocked, to make sure to carry all medicines, electronics, etc. via carry on as most major airports do have theft problems and they take what's easy to sell for cash.
My Mom is flying twice in the next few days, so I'll see how bad it is from her. She brought a frozen turkey and ham in her luggage over the holidays and they x-rayed them separately
