[1rudeboy]

I'm glad you brought up gifts. Security does not like to see wrapped gifts, especially on international flights. Enjoy your trip, get to the airport early, don't carry a lot of metal, and bring a book. Things are not as dire as some would have you believe. Unless you are flying out of Chicago/Midway, that's a different story.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

I change planes in Chicago, but do not have to leave the terminal.

[Think free or die]

" Things are not as dire as some would have you believe. Unless you are flying out of Chicago/Midway, that's a different story."

Unless it has improved recently, JFK is another airport to avoid.

[Spirited]

"Unless you are flying out of Chicago/Midway, that's a different story."

Better add D.C. to your list. They are phobic.
Family has flown umpty trips since 9/11. Put daughter on plane to UK last night. She will bounce back and forth to Europe several times through March. Others are also going in other European and U.S. directions.
The problem isn't the trip although the seats have gotten so tight you need to stay with airlines that give you more space. The trouble is the jack-rabbits who inspect your person and steal from your checked baggage(which must remain unlocked for no other good reason).
I would feel safer if concealed carry was allowed and pilots were all armed. The rub is the inmates (government elites) are running the assylum and they think everyone is as mental as they are.