what you experienced sounds like SOP, even the "shake down search".
Wavesters tips are on the money, I would also like to add a few:
- Have all the small valubles in one place, I use a backpack and take it out with me during the inspections
- Have "gifts" available, cold sodas, cigs, fruit, snacks...and my personal favorite PORN !! Nothing will get you thru checkpoints faster than a stack of good hardcore porn mags (don't try to pawn off your old harry bush playboy crap on um) on or under your seat where they can easily be found...once they see those the search is over and you're on your way....just make sure you have more stashed somewhere else incase they want the whole stack.
