"i slid the laptop into the back pocket of the suitcase. i guess im technically in violation of the carry on thing but ive never been called for it" - no you're not, as long as the laptop is IN the suitcase and you are not bungeeing an entire laptop case onto the suitcase then taking it apart and hogging overhead bin space.

Can ya tell...one of my pet peeves are the OH bin hogs.

I agree with PGW - and I've been to A LOT of airports. MoBay is one of the fastest, DFW absolutely the slowest.