What a silly opinion column-- my family has flown over a dozen times this year and not once have we experienced anything McMurren describes.  No pat downs, no shoes off for the kids-- I didn't even have to take my laptop out of the case. Isn't McMurren supposed to be a travel writer? Has he not invested in Global entry? It has saved us so much time.  Also nice policital rants, except the ban isn't on refugees; and other Muslim countries are banning laptops from fellow Muslim countries.
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Hasn't McMurren traveled on Ryan Air? Southwest? These carriers have charged for ala carte services for years.
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Bottom line, fellow travelers: it's summer travel season, it's a crowded and stressful time to travel, and nothing has changed.