Just curious, but in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving there was a constant debate about lines at airports, some saying they were long and others saying there weren't any. So, if you flew this past weekend, what's the truth?

Flew out of Washington National on American Airlines to Chicago on Thanksgiving Day. Arrived at the airport at 9:40 AM for an 11:40 AM flight. The airport was nearly empty. Not one person in line at the American ticket counter and lots of agents there -- walked right up to the counter with no wait. Was at the gate ten minutes later -- no line at security. Flight left on time & arrived in Chicago early. On the return on Saturday, arrived at O'Hare 90 minutes early for a 6:40 PM flight, used American's automated check-in machines, again no wait although the airport was busier than National's, no wait at security, was at the gate over an hour before departure time and was actually able to get on an earlier flight into National leaving from the same gate.

I carried on a 22" rolling suitcase on both flights in addition to a bookbag. Neither was searched on either flight. The outbound flight was nearly full, the return flight was 100% full. Both flights had only beverage service in coach, no snack or meal.

By the way, I really like flying American -- they definitely have more room in coach than the other airlines.

I can vouch for Lisa's response ... actually I was at American's security point for Concourse B, wating for some folks .... very light traffic. Lots of security. And today, curbside check-in and boarding passes. Couldn't have gone any smoother or faster. Gee, where are all those alarmists now ... it must be depressing to be wrong every time. Ciao

Lines at LOgan (Boston) and San Jose were extremely long, but moved quickly.

And American's extra space is excellent.

I haven't flown since right after Sept. 11, but several people in our office have, included two who flew coast-to-coast a week ago.

They reported no long lines or unexpected delays. I expect that things will be pretty much OK as long as we don't have idiots trying to dodge security and closing down busy airports such as Atlanta.

I flew from JFK to LA on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and came back on Sunday (yesterday), on American.

Outbound flight fairly full, inbound flight 100% sold out.

Curbside check-in available: I checked in in about one minute, went through security lines with baggage scanners in about 3 minutes.
1 hour 50 minutes in which to enjoy the airport.

Flight leaving NYC had a slightly tenser feel to it (but not really terrible)--more instructions not to roam around the cabin; also more annoying people on it who got out of their seats before they were supposed to etc. (Middle-aged women, probably not potential hijackers.)

Coming back--totally relaxed.

Seat was comfortable, service was pleasant.

Had some XANAX, and some HALCION.
SLEPT on the planes. LIFE IS GOOD>

Security line at SFO on Thurs. at 9 am took 45 minutes. Curbside check in took 2 minutes. Gate change an hour before take off took 10 minutes. Left us with an hour to spare. Coming home on Sunday night from Denver; security took 15 minutes (security was MUCH tougher in Denver), de-icing the plane took half an hour after boarding.

Southwest Airlines out of Tampa on the 18th--an hour to get through curbside check-in at 6:40 AM. Lines shorter for other airlines. Tight security. Even had to drink my coffee for security to prove to them it was potable!! Both our daughter flying out of Phoenix, and son out of Dallas, had to take off their shoes for them. Daughter provided entertainment for security and nat'l guard with her striped socks which had little toes for each toe. She was mortified and they had something to talk about for the rest of the day. One of the guardsmen came over to her after and told her how much he liked her socks! gt; Their check-ins and flights were smooth.

Return home from LV yesterday there was a security breach on the C and D concourses, affecting our flight back to Tampa, and our son's flight back to Dallas. Both of us were delayed an hour and a half with no one allowed to deplane or board and entrance and exit from those concourses was prohibited. Never did hear what had happened, but everyone took it in stride and one round of drinks was comped by the flight crew because of the delay. Otherwise it was completely uneventful and I look forward to future trips now that this first one is under my belt.

Flew from Atl to LGA on Wed. Took me about 45 minutes to check in and get through security. Much better than it was 2 weeks prior when it took me almost 2 hours to check in and get through security. I made it onto the plane as they were giving the final call.

Yesterday leaving LGA at 8 am it took 3 minutes to check in by over an hour standing in the security line.