CNN reports today that 87 percent of those going on a trip of 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving will drive instead of flying because of “fears of flying” after the September 11 attacks.

When will this idiocy end? It’s not fear of attack, but knowledge of the certainty of hassle, wasted time, long lines, and facing the bitterness of the commercial aviation industry.

Myself, I will be driving from Washington to the Midwest this week. Partly this is because it’s been a long time since I’ve had a road-trip adventure. Partly it’s because flying around holidays is absurdly expensive. But mostly, it’s about not having to be subjected to abuse from the airlines.