Private aircraft ... screw TSA. And I can smoke, and carry a gun if I like.
Actually, an interesting thought. I wonder what the business demand would be if someone set up a "private" airline that would allow anyone to fly at the same rates but without the same TSA restrictions. Yeah, I know, private planes are not allowed at existing gates but are free to operate out of "private" airfields. A regularly scheduled "charter" plane from Dallas area to Chicago area and return, maybe. A bit more inconvenient for travelers in airfield location but a lot less restrictive and maybe even a bit faster (flight delays would be negligible). Carry a gun? Why not if you are duly licensed by your state - you would certainly have SECURE flight, hehehehe. Of course if you were going to Chicago, that is a whole 'nuther problem! Want to smoke? It is up to the airline.
We certainly have a two-tier set of rules now. Business jet owner/operators do not go through all the screening. They drive up to their planes and board! So, as usual, if you have enough money, you don't get bothered by the gubmint. They are a "private" airline with a very restrictive passenger list. Passengers who can carry guns, bombs or even glass bottles of clear liquid with no restriction on the size of the bottle, hehehehe. Let's just see what would happen if the passenger list wasn't so restrictive.
There’s a lot to be said for chartering at the local FBO. The only way to fly!