I travel a fair amount for both pleasure and work. Most of my travel is within the US, but at least one trip of year is international. Last year was the Bahamas and this year is New Zealand. I have heard many nightmares from fellow travelers, family and friends about the TSA guidelines and the people working for them.

I haven't yet had any issues with any security personnel either in the US or abroad. I have some very simple strategies I implement when traveling. Most of these apply to TSA and custom officials.

-You can never smile too much! These people are just trying to do a job. They have to deal with thousands of individuals daily.

-Eye contact is best. Look at them directly like you would a business associate. Treat them respectfully and again smile. This will set the tone for the rest of your interaction. Even a grumpy TSA agent will react to a bit of kindness.

-Don't break the rules. If you get busted trying to smuggle something either through security or customs, own up to it and try not to project anger. Again they are doing their job, you are breaking the law.

-Avoid confrontation. We all have bad days and if for some reason your being questioned what you view unreasonable, or pulled aside for a more thorough search, just endure. It will be done shortly and you get to leave it all behind.

I have no doubt that their are security officials and customs agents who choose to make it more difficult on some individuals or expect additional compensation for their assistance but, those experience are far and few between.

For those traveling within the US I have a link to an interesting blog recently started by the TSA.