Um, Joe, I don't mean any disrespect here, but that's not true. Even after 9/11, you have been able to clear security with a printed copy of an itinerary. I have done it repeatedly since 9/11, and I am a top-level frequent flyer on two major US airlines.
"If the airline is not enforcing that rule...they should be."
That's not a rule. It never was. You have to show boarding passes OR a printed itinerary.
"When you reach your designated gate you are required to secure a boarding pass."
No. You're not. In fact, if you use Delta's Virtual Check-In (gotta be one of their most frequent flyers to take advantage of that), you won't even get a boarding pass. I am sitting in Delta's Crown Room Club in Cincinnati as I write this, and I didn't have to have a boarding pass to get on the plane. I put my frequent flyer card under a laser scanner, and Delta knows who I am. Presto, I show a picture ID and I'm allowed on board. That went away for a while after 9/11, but the FAA has allowed Delta to do it again since December.
"Scooter in the article may, very well, be an aviation consultant. But he sure doesn't know the present rules."
B747 (Sean Mendis) is, in fact, an aviation consultant, and he is extremely conversant with the rules. Not to be confrontational, Joe, but it appears that you're the one who doesn't know them. I've never met him, but I've never known him to be wrong before.
"Had he gone to the ticket counter and secured his, previously ordered, ticket he would have had no problem."
I disagree.
"Concerning the tip jar....I have seen a number of them at Bradley....Logan...and Midway...and put a business card in each...(I hope to win a free lunch)..."
Seen any cash in any of them? Lottery-type card draws aren't the issue here. Tip jars are.
"On a side note, I fly atleast once a week and STILL have yet to notice any significant changes compared to pre-9/11 both domestically, and internationally..."
I fly as much as 7 or 8 times a week, and I agree. But you are incorrect on some of the things you're saying, Joe.