I found this thread interesting becuase my DH and I will carry the same amount of luggage on-board when we travel to MCO next month and it will be heavier. See, we are checking toothpaste and travel shampoo and carrying-on an extra pair of size 13 high top sneakers. My DH had knee surgery and only really walks well in these shoes. Unfortunately, he cannot remove these shoes to go through security while standing in line.
While I told him he could continue to use the "I don't have to remove my shoes due to a medical condition" exception, he is tired of having to fight TSA on the shoe issue.
On our last flight, he was literally abandoned in a chair just past the metal detector when the TSA agent ordered him to "wait there" then walked away. After about 10 minutes, another agent asked what he was waiting for, and when she heard the explanation, told him the first agent had gone to lunch and that he was okay to proceed.
Thank goodness for bags with wheels!
-- Suzanne