As I mentioned yesterday in my silly post, I had the opportunity (?) to travel from Tucson to Chicago (with a stop in Phoenix along the way) yesterday. Since most of you have not had such an opportunity since the new restrictions were put in place because of the reportedly thwarted bomb plot, here are a few thoughts:

-- If you're traveling and want to take any fluids/gels at ALL (shampoo, deodorant, over-the-counter medicine, toothpaste, anything), check your luggage; don't carry it on. They aren't kidding when they say that it will be confiscated and not allowed on board.

-- I was overall impressed with how everyone handled the mess yesterday. In Tucson, the Transportation Security Administration screeners—who were now facing double duty (they did both the X-ray screening and a hand search of ALL carry-ons at the gate; for some reason, they didn't do the screenings at the gate in Phoenix, but from what I understand, ALL airports are starting today)—were polite, diligent and hard-working. They were even patient with the occasional sniveling knucklehead who protested that their deodorant was being thrown away.

-- Most travelers were understanding and patient, too. Except for the occasional aforementioned knucklehead.

I could go on—and I am not even broaching the subject of whether this whole hubbub is necessary—but this is the new travel reality for now, folks. And we have to deal with it.

But that does NOT mean I am looking forward to dealing with the mess they call O'Hare on Sunday.