Last week, we asked how readers would react to a total ban on carry-ons -- which hasn't happened here yet, but the idea has been tossed out there by various pundits. The response was overwhelming.

Most readers were appalled by the prospect. Several said they simply wouldn't fly. "These days, I refuse to fly," said reader George Kling, who retired after racking up 5 million miles on various airlines – "not because I fear flying, but because I just don't want to deal with the B.S." Reader Tim Scott doesn't see how a carry-on ban would make things safer. "Has the TSA ever heard of Lockerbie?" he wrote; "have they ever heard of the planned attacks 11 years ago where the terrorists were going to check liquid bombs with a detonator attached?...When will the charade end?"

Others cited security concerns regarding their possessions. "I would not give up my handbag or my carry-on," said reader Janet. "No way would I trust the airlines to keep everything safe or not to lose everything." "How will my work and personal possessions ever be safe in a checked bag, especially since it can't be locked?" wondered reader Jeanne Johnson. "I would have to arrange to ship certain items ahead, given the history of pilferage," said reader Barbara Rosen. "That would be the final straw," said reader Michael Richards. "I would not trust my laptop and the information it contains to a baggage handler."

Several readers said TSA should use racial/ethnic profiling. "PC has its place, but not in the war on terror," said reader Raynpam8. "Profile and do it with courage," said reader Suzanne Hoffman. "Let those of us who fly frequently…place little chips under the skin if need be – but stop the idiocy." "I will be more willing to put up with some inconvenience after the TSA institutes profiling to better spot the bad guys," said reader Patrick Milligan.

But some readers looked for ways to make the best of things even if carry-ons were banned. "I'm all for it if it keeps us safe," said reader Rick Rohrs. "Most of us could get by with much less, including checked items." "I would adjust by obtaining some necessities at my destination. Items are always available for purchase or rental," said reader Lynn Camp. "I would just use money belts and pockets for money and credit cards," said reader Libby. "I think too many people had been carrying on too much luggage anyway." Reader Risa Lower said a ban would "lead me to do more telephone conferences. With new technology, you can have a meeting with visual and auditory features."

Reader Dennis Schumer said a carry-on ban on domestic flights would be "an economic catastrophe…especially for businessmen and salesmen… Every incremental increase in security is another decrease in our freedoms. We keep losing; they (terrorists) keep winning."