"our over/self/mememe indulgence seems to surface most at these times....
"
Ain't it the truth? I flew across the country the Christmas after 9/11. Actually, despite the extra security, it was kinda nice. The plane wasn't bursting at the seams with passengers.
I've always been an early arriver at airports. I check my luggage, go through security, then have a nice meal at the best restaurant I can find inside security.
Then, I get on my plane and fly to my destination, where I pick up my rental car and go enjoy my trip, whether it's business or pleasure.
I've adjusted to the new security screening stuff as it has changed. So far, in all my flights since 9/11, I've never had anything other than the normal screening. I don't have any metal on me when I pass through, and my checked luggage doesn't have anything that will bother anyone in it.
When I take my notebook PC, I have it out for inspection. I remember a short period where the regional airport I usually flew out of required you to turn on your notebook for them to see.
So far, travel hasn't gotten any more complicated than it ever was for me. And I'm a big old full-bearded man with long hair. I look like a well-dressed biker.
I suspect that most of the people stressing out over their own inconvenience don't fly anyhow.