Smuggling Explosives On-board Airlines 

I chose smuggling explosives on-board airlines because of my experiences in Hawaii with the K-9's. At the Kona airport I had the opportunity to meet the explosives dog that would patrol the airport in the morning. It was a great experience for me, because she always remembered me. I would see her in the morning and I would pet her and she would give me kisses and lay on my lap till she had to go back to work. The other experience I had was in the Oahu airport. While in line before you enter the security checkpoint there is an area you pass where there is a K-9 that patrols back and forth. Its amazing their sense of smell, because one of the times I was waiting in line the dog hit on someones carry on and the handler waited for probably 5-10 minutes then a few officers showed up in SWAT gear and they were escorted off. I don't know  what was in their bags, but the K-9's are doing their part to keeping us safe. I know they have screening for bags and the X-ray machine and spot checks for explosives to provide even more layers of safety to mitigate the threat, yet I have been in many airports without the K-9 presence. If I was to make a suggestion I would say increase the K-9 presence because they are invaluable with their contributions. 

From the ATF Website "ATF Explosives Detection Canines are certified and trained by ATF to find explosives and firearms-related evidence. The K-9's nose is a major asset, making them capable of detecting up to 19,000 explosives combinations. A major advantage in using the K-9 is their mobility. Their duties include working side by side with Federal agents and local police officers to seek out explosives, guns and spent ammunition evidence in violent crime investigations. In addition, they secure major public events, schools, and Federal buildings, worldwide by searching for explosives in the areas"