Afraid to fly since 9/11?

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

[gocartoons]

Are you afraid to fly since 9/11? Think twice before you get on this airplane...

Maybe they should make this cartoon into a movie?

[sandlady]

Not everyone quit flying - I refuse to let the terrorists "ground" me.

[July 4th]

I was thinking of taking some basic steps towards a private pilot's license too. But the cost really is sky high, and the continuing costs to stay active and safe really are prohibitive. As a student, I've pretty much decided that I'll do as much as I can, and then hang it up until I get to a point in my life where I have both the time and the money.

[sandlady]

It doesn't take a brainiac to tell you things are different nowdays; its a calculated risk these days because you really don't know who is sitting next to you!

You never did know who was sitting next to you and how many times did you die before? Just asking because I know many will read your post and think roulette-you know, he's right! Truth is, it's safer to fly than drive.

[eno_]

I feel a lot better about the likelihood of fellow air travelers actively resisting potential hijackers.

So now we get to pay billions to employ the airport goons that miss 97% of all weapons when tested by experts on security. AND there is ZERO protection from baggage bombs.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

On Friday, I will be taking my first flight in over ten years. I have no idea what to expect at the airport, or on the plane.

Praying it will be an uneventful round trip. :)

[Sam Cree]

Jes, thanks

[eno_]

Somehow people with carry permits live the rest of their lives armed. Why not in the air?

[Joe Hadenuf]

With all the hassles, and inconveniences of flying, and you finally get on the plane, only to sit next to some guy that smells like a campfire and looks like Yasir Arafat.

I'd rather go to the dentist that have to fly somewhere...

[eno_]

I refuse to let the terrorists "ground" me.

It isn't the terrorists. It's airlines and the TSA.

You would THINK the airlines would do SOMETHING to make things better. Nooooooo, they just complain and rip the taxpayer off for a bailout.

FIRST, I want my $15 billions back.

THEN I want a comfortable seat.

THEN I want the right to beat any airline employee that lies to me. I'd like the use of a tire iron, but I'll do it bare-knuckled if I must.

[null and void]

If I wanted an anal probe, I'd fly by UFO...

[Just another Joe]

Take no pointy or sharp objects in your carry-on. This includes pocket knives, cuticle scissors, metal nail files, etc. Also, if you smoke do not take a zippo lighter, TSA will confiscate it.
Wear shoes with no metal, not even insteps. Wear as little jewelry as possible, (I can't get my wedding ring off) put it in your carry-on.
Be prepared for long lines going through security.
Don't put anything of monetary value in your checked baggage if you can help it. Your checked baggage will be gone through by TSA without you being present. Do not put a lock on any of your baggage. TSA will demand that you unlock it.

All in all, be prepared to be thouroughly frustrated by delays.

One tip, take a small notebook and a pen or pencil. If TSA starts to hassle you unduly start taking names, badge numbers, situations, conversation, etc.
This could save your behind if anyone charges you with something bogus.

[tiamat]

Joe Hadenuf wrote:

With all the hassles, and inconveniences of flying, and you finally get on the plane, only to sit next to some guy that smells like a campfire and looks like Yasir Arafat.

************************************

LOL!

"It's funny because it's so true....."
__________________Homer Simpson

Tia

[PA Engineer]

Ditto what you both said!

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Thank you!

This is just a quick weekend trip to a family wedding, but I will be traveling alone. Your advice will help me prepare. I'll remember to pack my patience in my carry-on!

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Riding an airplane, is like riding a bus, no different... just mass transportation.

I myself would prefer to travel by train.

[tiamat]

Trains are WAY cool!

I'd love to do the train in Canada that goes to Alaska!
Good luck on your trip!
Tia

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Thank you.

I WISH we had a true railsystem in America, that covered the nation and was easy to use.

The only reason why I am flying, is because of scheduling... otherwise I would drive the eight hours there and back, not a true hardship. It isn't that I am scared of plane travel. I just have never seeked it out, in the past.

[Just another Joe]

You're welcome.
One other thing, if you do have anything of great value ($1,000 or greater) that needs to be there - ship it ahead of time to someone already there.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

I'm mailing the wedding gift off tomorrow morning. One less thing to carry at the airport! :)

[1rudeboy]

I'm glad you brought up gifts. Security does not like to see wrapped gifts, especially on international flights. Enjoy your trip, get to the airport early, don't carry a lot of metal, and bring a book. Things are not as dire as some would have you believe. Unless you are flying out of Chicago/Midway, that's a different story.