If I really thought the increased security would help anything, I'd be for it, but I don't believe it does. Whatever methods they come up with, a clever terrorist will figure a way around it. It's impossible to prevent a determined person from bringing every conceivable dangerous object on the plane. Quality intelligence is a far better defense than random searches...but I digress.
Will the continued upscaling of the TSA harm commercial flying? I think so. My daughters belong to a skating team that has always flown to distant competitions. This year, we are chartering a bus instead. It will cost the same and take a little longer, but it's so much less hassle. We can bring anything we want with us; we can move around and eat and drink and use our phones and computers (the bus has free wifi!); if anyone's late, we can wait for them; but most of all, we don't have to be treated like criminals. Hallelujah!
I think the train and bus industries, as well as the auto clubs, have a unique opportunity to present themselves as positive alternatives to what is becoming a pain-in-the-neck way to travel.
--Maria