Afraid to fly since 9/11?

Stephen Kramer, Cartoonist ^ | 9/27/03 | Stephen Kramer

[sandlady]

I fly a lot.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Thank you. It is good to hear that sometimes traveling isn't as terrible as we had expected. Hoping for the same!

[Fester Chugabrew]

"A ridiculous comment."

That is true. In spite of the numerous claims that flying suacers are becoming a more prominent means of transportation for both earthlings and extra-terrestrials there is a high degree of probability that extra-terrestrials do not have anuses to begin with and would therefore be unequipped to process potentially threratening passengers.

[Fester Chugabrew]

So I need a late spelling lesson. Who cares?

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

Just go to the airline website, and locate the section re: items permitted in carry-on and checked luggage. Check out the Homeland Security & TSA, too, as these restrictions are updated as needed.

[Hotdog]

I few on 9/11 and just landed before all heck broke loose. I agree...as a smoker I have been put toward the "back of the terminal"...I have been driving ever since....and in most cases, found it was faster then flying.

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Thanks for the information.

I checked, and found out that the airline will not let me take a remote-controlled toy on the airplane! Gee... wouldn't it have been fun, flying my little toy plane about the cabin, buzzing over people's heads as the ducked for cover? :)

[null and void]

I avoid it whenever possible.

I prefer being secure in my person, house, papers, and effects against unreasonable search and seizure.

Just out of curiosity, have you ever seen a middle eastern looking male between 18 and 35 being searched?

In terms of percentages would they be more or less likely to be searched than, say a 93 year old woman in a wheelchair?

In your estimation which is more likely to be involved in a hijacking?

Does the TSA search really make you feel more secure?

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

Just like TWA 800, I think the jury will never get the real evidence on AA 587. The Cali, Columbia flight occurred in 1995. The Little Rock flight was I believe, due to pilot error/crew rest issues & decisions in bad weather.

As for AA, United and US Air...they have more flights/day by far, than the smaller and newer airlines.

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

LOL! We didn't have a remote controlled anything, but crayons were still flying over our heads! My kids love to fly, too!

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

Have a great time! Off to bed now.

'Nighty-night :)

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Aw, Mom! Do I have to? :(

LOL

[sandlady]

found it was faster then flying.

I'm sorry, but this is highly doubtful. What route do you fly "in most caes?"

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

I see you're from Georgia. Assuming you're taking off from Atlanta/Hartsfield which, to me, is more inconvenient than just about any other airport I've ever used (and I live in the Chicago area and use both O'Hare and Midway at least a few times a year), yes, you will need to allow plenty of time to get through security.

If you are changing planes during your trip, be sure to go directly to the next gate as soon as you arrive. Do NOT wait until the last minute, if you can help it, to get to that gate, because they WILL search you very thoroughly - part and parcel of the policies enacted since 9/11.

Some thoughts/suggestions:
1) Pack as simply as possible, as a general rule of thumb. If you are wearing a coat or jacket on the plane, be prepared to take it off and put it in the bin that goes through the X-ray machine.
2) If you can print out your boarding pass via the airline's website (typically within 12 hours of the departure time), that would be a helpful thing to speed along the process. Keep your photo ID and itinerary/boarding pass handy at all times to go through the various checkpoints - to check bags and/or to get your boarding pass issued, you will have to present your photo ID and your e-ticket/printed receipt or paper ticket.
2a) Similarly if you need to check through a bag, curbside check-in is your best bet. The skycap will ask you for your ID and your itinerary/e-ticket printout. The skycap will also issue you your boarding pass (should you not have pre-printed your boarding pass at home via the internet before heading to the airport). At the same time the skycap gives you your boarding pass, he/she will instruct you as to what gate you are to go to to catch your plane. It IS appropriate to tip the skycap $1 per bag being checked.
3) It's OK to bring food/drink onto the plane, but you're probably going to want to buy it before you get to the terminal where the prices are typically sky-high ;-).
4) I'm a gum chewer on planes - helps my inner ears tremendously with the air pressure fluctuations - maybe you'll want to do the same. Hint - gum also costs significantly more at airport kiosks than it would if you bought it in advance at the grocery store or Target or Costco.
5) If you have a cell phone, take it along. Even though I do not have a nationwide calling plan, it just makes me feel better to know I could call home to loved ones in any kind of emergency. BUT be prepared to turn it on/off at security if they ask you to do so, and make sure to turn it fully off when you get on the plane, as the electronics can interfere with the plane's own electronics.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to FReepmail me or respond to me on this thread.

[sandlady]

Yes, I have seen middle eastern looking men searched-at the same time I was being searched. I think you might not be thinking ahead in the "game" if you think the bad guys wouldn't ever change their "game plan." Besides, you would be the first to throw it their faces if TSA/airlines let a copy cat or other crazy kook get through--you know you would. :)

[sandlady]

Does the TSA search really make you feel more secure?

Somewhat. What I personally feel doesn't really matter anyway. People as a whole expected the government and the airlines to do "something" after 9/11. If you choose to not fly for the reasons you state then, in my opinion, you're helping the terrorists do what they set out to do-destroy the economy of the US.

[null and void]

Yes, I have seen middle eastern looking men searched

EXCELLENT! You are the first I've heard that has. Admittedly a small sample, I've only asked a dozen or so frequent fliers - not statistically significant, but zero is zero!

I think you might not be thinking ahead in the "game" if you think the bad guys wouldn't ever change their "game plan."

Nope. I'd feel bad if granny was smuggling arms in to cohorts, but I'd *really* be enraged if the same trick worked again!

Besides, you would be the first to throw it their faces if TSA/airlines let a copy cat or other crazy kook get through--you know you would. :)

I doubt I'd be the first, but I'd sure be in line!

[sandlady]

I haven't seen a granny searched. Sorry to disappoint you. Be sure to quote me when you're talking about your disdain for the airlines--it'll help your story--really!

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Thank you very much.

If I think of any questions, I'll let you know.

I plan on having an easy trip, and a good time at my destination, returning home safely. Hoping a postive attitude will help ease the way a bit. :)