http://kotaku.com/5434915/how-will-new-rules-affect-in+flight-gaming
Well, since some asshole tried to blow up a plane, we're getting some extremely strict international (and maybe local) guidelines. You can't do shit for an hour before you land; electronics, snacks, bathroom, anything. You just have to twiddle your thumbs for an hour. Also, electronics may be banned outright. And, since part of the explosives were sewed into his underwear, prepare for what may be a very THOROUGH strip-search.
Ten years ago, I could run to my father as he was coming out of the gate, giving him the biggest hug in the world. Now you can't even relieve yourself an hour before you land.

piss on tsa officer - problem solved.

Read a book!

Currently the only time I ever fly anymore is once or twice a year to attend a conference, but with these new rules I'll probably just forgo the conferences because it simply isn't worth the hassle of flying anymore. Of course these new rules do nothing to actually increase security and will probably end up killing more people than they save (I'm just waiting for the first pulmonary embolism caused by deep vein thrombosis; some people need to get up and move around on flights, or else bad things can happen to them).
To quote Schneier on the matter, "Only two things have made flying safer [since 9/11]: the reinforcement of cockpit doors, and the fact that passengers know now to resist hijackers." Everything else is just security theater.

I've always found it easier to drive. For the time spent trying trying to fly, an 8 hour drive is just marginally longer and I get to choose when to stop, what to eat, and what I bring. Also its cheaper - $40 for gas and $30ish for food.
I've been hearing a bit about a regional/national rail system expansion, which would be awesome (my city is slated to receive a hub in the proposed state-wide rail). I really liked the rails when I lived out east and I'd be willing to give a regional rail a try.
Of course, with our luck, they'd add the airport security to the rails because someone would do something dumb and then it would be back to driving for me.

They should just make it illegal to fly and be done with it.

+1
I can almost imagine the conversations our ancestors are having.
"Ah remember dem good ol' days when we only worried bout dem sharks. Now our descendants gotta worry bout sharks an' suicide bombers!"

Are you by chance a fellow California resident? Or is another state planning a rail system as well? I'd really like to see more high speed rail systems set up around the US, but between all the NIMBY folks, the current budget problems, and the seeming aversion to any kind of public transport in the country I don't hold much hope of such systems being built anytime soon.

What about those of us that now keep our libraries in electronic formats? Sure I read all the time when I fly but it's never a paper book. =/

If you live somewhere between DC and Boston AMTRAK is a great option for traveling between major cities on the east coast. Cheaper than flying and much more comfortable, faster than driving, trains leave on the hour usually.

If you want a special treat, Acela is wonderful, but terribly overpriced. Bonus points to Acela for making money (as opposed to the rest of Amtrak's operations) and not draining tax dollars.

Compared to Canada, doesn't the US have less government intervention in private matters? I guess that may have shifted with Harper up there and our recent political changes, so forgive me if I am wrong.

Not really. Our Charter still reigns supreme. The only real issue we have is a staunch anti-net neutrality industry minister (Jim Flaugherty), and a new "Drugalyzer" for roadside checks, which will likely get struck down by the Supreme Court as soon as it's challenged. Other than that, we are doing just fine.

Let's all take the train!