[David]

After 9/11 a guy I work with (100% Texan) who's about 6'3" 220lbs, made sure he had the front seat on a flight facing the cabin. When the pilot came out to look in the cabin before take off, he told the pilot, "you take care of things up there and I'll take care of things back here." He said the pilot looked relieved.

Another guy I work with who's very blue collar said the only time he's flown first class was right after 9/11. A stewardess came out into the waiting area and picked the biggest (appearantly white) men she found and upgraded them to 1st class.

I agree the days of hijacking a plane in the US are over. We now know to take care of business in the air and not wait for the landing.