Air travel is still great if you fly first class, which if I remember correctly, is exactly as expensive as air travel was in the good old days.

Not since 9/11 , the security theatre is still very painful, even in first. I'm sure it's much more comfortable if you're flying general aviation, but that's still way more expensive than commercial ever was, even in the 60s

I don't have an arab complexion, but TSA has never been that much of a hassle for me. Is it really that bad for you? I just have to take my belt and shoes off and take my laptop out. There are lines, but it usually doesn't take me more than 20 minutes to get through.

I guess you got lucky by travelling domestic only in the US. 3 Hour lines at Heathrow passport control are not uncommon. US border agents can and will deny entry for to foreigners for any or no reason. Had a rifle raised and pointed at me while bag was searched in Sri Lanka.

And no liquids, and repeat this hassle at 50% of the airports you stopover (depending on how lazy they were when designing the “safe” zones and terminals)

Air travel via private jet is better than the early days though.

Yes, that’s what I said: general aviation == “private jets”

I was trying to make a tongue in cheek comment about life getting better for those at the top and worse for the middle.

Actually, I don't mind air travel being shitty, given its environmental impact.

Let those who damage the planet for fun or for profit suffer! >:)