clare, if looking through backpacks is not practical, how would the Cyber Noze be any more practical - it takes the same amount of time. We are not yet at the stage where this device can be used in a high pedestrian traffic area. It is more suited for a checkpoint/customs type of individual/vehicle/parcel scenario. That is why you see the sales to mideast countries initially. If the idea does take hold in the US, expect to see it in customs/ports of entry, etc., not in subway stations.