http://www.wired.com/rawfile/2013/02/john-schabel-airplane-passengers-portraits/
I hate it when the media lies. I really hate it when they blatantly lie and trade on their readers not being aware of the truth seemingly for the purpose of getting hits.
No, you would not get arrested for taking those pictures today. Despite the attempts to claim otherwise by law enforcement, photographers can photograph pretty much anything that's visible from a public place.
Know your rights. Stand your ground. Check out these links for more information on your rights:
http://www.aclu.org/free-speech/know-your-rights-photographers
http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm
Feel free to boost the signal if you're so inclined.