>1: What's the low down on airports these days? Much the same but useless security theater. Some decent upgrades at some airports. You can charge your laptop/mobile phone at charging stations. Look out for the free wi-fi connections: some of that is bullshit and not legit (they just want to snoop your traffic and/or steal your logon credentials to various stuff). >2: Has security changed much from a decade ago? Not much. It's still useless theater. But, hey, you may get randomly selected to get molested. >3: Is it better to check or carryon luggage with wuflu rules? No. No change, here. Take your stuff with you especially if you're going to need it (medications, electronics, headphones, pillows, etc.). >4: Do I need to be concerned about getting kicked off a flight for not wearing a mask in firstbuisness? Yes. Almost across the board (pun intended). It's best to just wear a mask if you want to use planes to travel. Your risk getting black listed and not be able to use flights. You can pretend to wear a mask and put it on your chin and keep "forgetting" to put it up. Don't travel if you're feeling ill, obviously. You can get in serious trouble or your day ruined.