For the past couple of weeks you've been throwing around your prospective US trips and I was telling myself you couldn't be serious.

Those whom the Gods wish to destroy They first make mad. -- Euripides

Well, I was wary before my trip to Las Vegas last June (admitteldy before this summer's "liquid scare") but it went surprisingly well. US security levels are barely reaching those we've been used to for years in Europe.

And I did both an international trip and a domestic one, and it was pretty similar in each case.

Admittedly, on the international leg, I has access to the business class counters despite flying economy (thanks to my frquent flyer card) and that really shortens the wait at the counter.

But it's not unpleasant yet, unless you're specifically targetted for more invasive stuff.

In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes

I am with you Helen - I haven't been to the US since 01 and there will have to be a very severe and important reason for me to go, though I can not think of one right now that would be important enough. If the democrats win, I might reconsider, but even that has to been seen, as I am not sure they will make such a big difference to the US foreign policy and seeing how European Governments are getting more hysteric too.