They make dozens of different styles of jeans because there are dozens of body types. You really need to do trail and error to find what fits you.
My all time favorite most of my life has been the Levi's 501 button fly jeans. They come in a variety of cuts and styles, from deep dark stiff to washed and faded.
I too prefer not to take jeans when traveling. Most of the ones I have worn at various times beep through the detectors, and while it's just a wanding or whatever it's still a pain. They are heavy, they don't dry, they take up way more space then other casual pants, etc.