I had the distinct pleasure of flying from Ontario CA to Seattle WA yesterday (08-10-2006). We made sure we had all our liquids, gels, creams, ointments, deodorants, lubes, and other fluid or gelatinous items in our checked bags. As a personal protest, I carried a tube of non-metallic lip balm in my front pocket. Otherwise, I carried a well stocked day pack for carry-on.
Our checked bags had to be taken directly to the x-ray machines stationed near the ticket counters. The TSA employees were asking all passengers if they had any firearms in their checked bags and asked if the bags were unlocked (I don't lock my bags anymore, but I do put a 1" split ring through the zipper latch to keep bags from inadvertently opening and to slow down any fast handed baggage handling thieves).
At the first security checkpoint it seemed to be the usual routine. I had all manner of goodies in my daypack (FRS radios, digital camera, cell phone, MP3 player, PSK-personal survival kit, pens, keys, and spare batteries of multiple types, etc). My carry-on flashlight entourage included the Inova X5, Inova X1, Gerber Infinity Ultra, Arc AAA-P, and Fenix L1P. Not even a second glance at my bag or lights. My son had a set of toy handcuffs (metal) in his bag that scooted straight through. I saw one woman get her purse searched.
Since liquids are not really the domain of x-ray machines I figured that there would be an increase of hand inspection of carry-on bags, but this did not seem to be the case.
I was pretty disappointed that I could not carry any water on board. I had planned on purchasing water after I was through the check point then taking it on the plane. They were warning passengers that any beverages purchased in the "safe area" could not be taken aboard the plane. While the TSA has now begun random searches at the gate (I witnessed one gentleman having his bag searched just before he gave his ticket to the gate attendant), I don't think this would be an effective tactic to prohibit someone from buying and carrying a dangerous can of Mr. Pibb or Fresca on board.
The biggest change for me was the longer than normal wait at the gate, due to the "2 hour before flight requirement" and the "denial of hydration" till the flight attendants run the beverage cart down the narrow aisle.
Anyway, The TSA is going to do what the TSA is going to do, but regarding carrying flashlights on airplanes it seemed to be pretty much business as usual. I still use my standard tactic of never carrying anything on a plane that would devastate me if it was confiscated.
Good luck, TR
