it might sound flippant, but many of you probably havnt considered the problem foreign pax at any American airport would have without passport/visa/est etc.
With the current mentality at the USA gateways, I can see many nationalities not being let in (maybe none) and that could be a *major* problem for many people. Pilots/cabin crew are probably ok as they are on a checked list
afaik. The ability to be able to contact people (I.e. the phone as I cant remember numbers either) is also essential. And as for money (ATM cards)....
It is a huge incentive to get the bag with the passports, money and phone. rollabags is a bit far though....
Perhaps passengers should be given a small clear plastic bag to put in phone, money and passport which they can keep with them whilst on the plane.