There are enough platinum/exectutive/diamond flyers taking up the reduced space in the first class compartment to guarantee that I, without at least moderate elite status, will not be upgraded.What is a nerd to do?I now pick underutilized flights, get a window seat, and sit sideways with my laptop or reading material hogging the middle seat.As you can see, the windows are behind me…. This also reduces the amount of people who have access to snooping on me while I work.Another win.Things I take with me when I travel in this hostile airport-rich environment:One or more laptops (depending on work being performed)Personal media player with cheap noise canceling headphones (I have an old pair of Aiwas that I purchased 8 years ago for $50 from an electronics chain.)