Could Somebody Tell Me What It's Like to Fly Nowadays? Security, Interrogations, Shoe Removal, etc.

[The Cleaner]

Just curious. I've seen news clips that say you have to remove both shoes and socks before going through security, and they recommended bringing along a pair of those thin slipper-socks so you won't get any kind of skin infection through stepping on the bare floor.

I've seen TV shows that depict Homeland Security interrogations for very minor problems that ocurred, either at present or in the past, which have caused them to miss their flights. I've also heard of people unknowingly being placed on the terror watch list, only to find out at the airport when that person is refused boarding the flight.

Of course there is the ever-changing rules for liquids on airplanes (I understand now you can carry a pint-sized plastic baggie with small quantities of liquids on board) even though from what I understand you can still pack all the liquids you want in your check-in luggage. I also understand you can still carry matches on board, why I have no idea (I believe it was Michael Moore who connected this to the tobacco lobby, who wanted people to be able to light up just before/after their flights).

I'm trying to parse fact from fiction. What's the airport experience really like these days, and is it really THAT much of a pain to fly?