I'm with you! We've flown many times since 9/11, including two trips to Europe, and never had a problem. Nothing has been stolen and we travel light (one small bag each for a 10-day trip to Europe, for example, and nothing more valuable than a camera).
See? You've had good experiences too. I think it helps the screeners too. We've been in line and had our shoes off all ready to go and the people in front of us act like they are surprised when it comes to their turn when they are asked to please remove their shoes, place their bags in the bins, etc. If everyone would do that ahead of time the lines would move along smoothly.
Not only do we travel light...we make sure we are at the airport about 2 hours early. We'd rather be there early and get through security with just a few travelers than to wait and then have to stand in line for an hour or more. We get on the other side of security and then we can go have something to eat, visit the shops, walk around, use the restrooms, read, etc. Time goes by very quickly and before you know it we are boarding our flight. It all makes much more sense.
I have one bag that carries my cell phone, etc. We keep a few extra clothes, shoes and toiletries with our familes. That way they are there for us. I know it's a pain in the neck but...9-11 changed our world as we knew it and so for the price of our safety and the safety of my loved ones we are willing to be inconvenieced somewhat. The thing is to make sure you travel so light you can get through quickly.
I remember when I used to carry a HUGE carry on, purse and then a bag for under my seat. I didnt' need all that stuff. I remember one time prior to 9-11 some guys came in and carried on TIRES. Now that's a little much I would think and...you can't put much else in an overhead bin if there are tires in there. Besides...what if one of those bins opened? Wow. We've heard all these horror stories about security and have never once had anything like that happen to us nor have we seen it happen to others coming or going. The security people and screeners who do the bags etc. have been nothing but polite, nice, happy and smiling and doing a professional job. Maybe we have been lucky, who knows but from where we stand... but for our part, we think it is nice to be polite and return a happy smile and a thank you to them as well. They are only doing their job too.
Anyway, happy traveling. I STILL prefer to road trip. More fun, more to see, more relaxing, take what you want, buy what you want but...doesn't get us from point A to point B like air travel so...guess we need to make the wise decisions for our own comfort in the name of safety.
As for us...light is the keyword and flexibility is next. If you are gonna fly over the holidays EXPECT delays and crowds. If there is ice and snow on the ground and the planes won't take off I am NOT gonna complain. I'd rather they err on the side of safety than to endanger the lives of all those on board just to meet a deadline.