I travel to Europe and Asia every 3 months and take dozens of domestic flights a year. I never had a problem with TSA and never personally saw anyone who had a problem with TSA. While it may be a false sense of security, there is a least some security with the TSA. I would never set foot on a commercial airliner today if there was no TSA to screen the passengers. Don't blame TSA for terrorists. That's like blaming the weatherman for the weather. If you have a better solution, then let's hear about it.
Funny how the most vocal complainers are those that fly maybe once every 5 years - or who never set foot on a plane at all, but they think they know what is best for the millions of us who fly every day.
I suppose that is a valid observation.
I have only flown in North America, and infrequently.
We compare and contrast our last flight with the one before it, and the changes are quite evident.
Just 10 flights ago, I sat in the smoking section.
Five flights ago, I carried (as I usually do) a folding knife in a sheath on my belt (2 7/8 inch blade) which did not get measured until I got off the plane for a cup of coffe at Sioux Falls, SD--eight airports after I left home. Never even thought about it, it is a tool.
As for the last flight, well, I couldn't smoke in the airport (much less the plane), couldn't carry so much as a nail clipper, and next time I think I'll just drive if I don't have to be there in a hurry.
Not that the TSA people were rude or overbearing, they were not. They were that 'I'm just doing my job, heard it all before' bored sounding sort of subbureaucrat neutral.
It wasn't 9/11 that has reduced the passenger load, it is the hassle f partially disrobing, unlacing my workboots, and putting them, my belt, etc. back on after having previously divested myself of the normal assortment of tools and whatnot I usually carry. I'm not a fan of being nude in a public place and I already felt halfway there.
Now, your mileage may vary, if you fly frequently, you are used to the inconvenience. You may even feel it is of sufficient benefit to be worthwhile, and for all I know, it may be.
The frog sitting in the pot doesn't notice the temperature rising, those who jump in and out catch on quick.
Is there a better solution? Perhaps, but no one has come up with it, or the tort lawyers are keeping it at bay.
If you have a better solution, then let's hear about it.
Not my job. I don't get paid to find better solutions--I vote for people whom I DO pay to find better solutions. If you think its more than eye candy, punishing innocent people, you're wrong. The purposes are to make people THINK that government "cares" and, primarily, to show us who the masters are.