My carryon bag is usually full of all kinds of papers, wires, adapters, and computer accessories. But what I found almost always triggers a bag search is when I keep my measurement microphones in the bag, probably because of their usual shape and construction. Since then, I always remove my case of mics from my carryon bag and put them in the tray with my laptop. Very rarely have I had a bag search since. It helps to have them in a clear otterbox case so that they can quickly identify what they are, without having to open the box and fondle them, for fear that they might damage or drop one!