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Here's a science history book that I liked:

http://www.amazon.com/Scientists-History-Science-Greatest-Inventors/dp/1400060133

I read it on the flights to and from California last month.

If you want to have some fun on a flight, and your schedule is flexible, bring a Koran.

For reading in airports and aboard airplanes, I recommend Finding True and Lasting Commitment: A Guide for Creative High-Income Men Who Are Exceptional Lovers. Get the oversized hardcover quarto version with the extra-large lettering on the cover.

Also makes for good reading in coffee shops, parks and shopping malls.

In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson worked out pretty well. That and Me Talk Pretty One Day, although if you've listened to This American Life more than 4 times, you've heard most of it.

I really like Dean Koontz books, particularly because if you finish early there's always a new one to be found in the airport bookstore. But you have to like the first Koontz book you read, because they're all the same. Heh.

I also like anthologies of short stories (especially sci-fi) because it's easy to dip in and out of them.

You should avoid This Book Is Actually a Disguised Bomb.

I find that short story collections work well for me. About the point in time where my neck is getting sore from staring down at the book, the story ends. Take a half hour break, walk around a bit, do some stretching exercises and I am refreshed enough to dig into the next story. FWIW, this is about the best way I have found to burn through some Asimov.

I just managed to wade through the story of the medieval invention of the laws of motion. Oy, were I more of a physicist I would have enjoyed that. I really need to learn to ditch bad stories. There's often not a pony in amongst the horsecrap.

The latest issue of "Guns & Ammo."

Just kidding.

Last time I flew I just bought a photography magazine.

Next time I fly I'm bringing an of Guns & Ammo, the Quran, and an issue of High Times.

Oh, and the latest issue of the "Bottled Water Industry Newsletter."

I'm pretty sure that the TSA will be most interested in the last item.

Jane's guide to Binary Explosives would be a good choice. To entertain the more savvy TSA folks, take along How to Make Organophosphates In Your Kitchen!

Has anyone else ever been tempted to load their carry-on with something discomfiting to the inspectors? Like a big dildo wrapped in back issues of Cat Fancy magazine?

Two words, Doc T: Midget. Porn.

As for the second bit, a story is in order. A friend was traveling to Folsom Street Fair(NFSW) a couple of years back and has a rifle case to carry his longer / more fragile toys. Since the policy is to inspect all rifle cases for loaded weapons/ammunition, and having gone through the procedure in the past, he walked up to the check in counter and after a brief exchange of words with the lady a the counter popped it open for inspection. Silence, then a bit of blubbering followed by a meek, "Okay". He flipped it shut and locked it just as nonchalantly as he opened it. I'd like to think it made the lady's week.

Side note, that same year he accidentally used his Corporate credit card while purchasing some, ahh, gear from "Wild Bob's House of Leather". When questioned by work he blew it off as a new leather jacket for his motorcycle. At the time he didn't own one.