I know the feeling. I don't typically have the feeling of unease when I'm traveling alone without luggage. In fact, I quite enjoy travel days when it's just me. If on leisure, then I'm pretty relaxed in general. If on business, I actually get a lot of work done when no one can reach me. At most airports I use frequently, I know them well - know how to get to and through them efficiently without wasting time in lines. eCheckin is key, as is knowing the TSA setup at each airport.

When I have luggage or when I'm traveling with family, I have quite a bit of unease...entirely about the process of getting onto the flight itself, not the flying. Even when I'm using AA or UA (where I can use the F checkin line), checking luggage sucks. I hate it. And to make matters more stressful, we frequently use YX or WN for family trips. I am always nervous on the day of travel for either of those - especially when checking luggage. (Granted, I've never had any seriously long lines waiting to check a bag on YX. The generally smaller crowds on their 717's make things less painful. But I still think about it...)

Once I'm on the plane and it reaches the end of the runway to start its takeoff roll, I breathe a sigh of relief and pretty much relax from that point forward.