Method and apparatus for providing a personal item drop off/return service at security checkpoints

An apparatus for mailing items that may not be allowed to pass through a security checkpoint and into a secure area adjacent to the security checkpoint, comprising:

• a container dispensing element adjacent to the security checkpoint, the container dispensing element containing a plurality of different sized containers based on at least one of an estimated size and weight of the item to be mailed, each container having different pre-paid postage amounts based on at least one of the size of the container and the estimated weight of the item to be mailed, each differently sized container having a different sales price;
• a purchasing element adjacent to the security checkpoint that allows a user to purchase a desired container from the container dispensing element;
• a selection element adjacent to the security checkpoint that allows the user to select the desired container from the plurality of different sized containers and activate the container dispensing element to dispense the desired container when the purchasing element has confirmed payment of the sales price corresponding to the desired container;
• and
• a drop-off box adjacent to the security checkpoint that allows the user to drop off the container for subsequent pick-up and delivery to a desired destination selected by the user.