Since Sept. 11, a great amount of attention has been focused on the airline industry and, naturally, many people are hesitant to fly right now. In reality, right now is the safest time to fly, with the increase in security.
Being a self-proclaimed “Airline Brat” (my dad is a manager with a major airline), I am without a doubt in the top rank of most frequent flyers for my age group. Airplanes are and always have been the safest form of transportation.
Over Fall Break, I went to work with my Dad to take a look at the new airport security procedures since the events of a little over a month ago. Now, I’m trying to veer away from this topic, but I know there are people out there who are hesitant to fly right now, and I’m hoping that after reading about my airport security experience, they will reconsider their trepidation.
As with many other tragic events, the news media, Hollywood, and other media have been considering reasonable ways in which a terrorist could conceive some good ideas. Hollywood producers that have been involved in the making of movies with a terrorism theme have been enlisted by the FBI to script various scenarios as to what the next terrorist attack might be. But I digress. If a TV news anchor shows up at an airport security checkpoint with a camera crew, they will no doubt be asked to leave. The reason behind this is if a terrorist is sitting at home watching TV, they can easily see the procedures they will undergo while clearing security, and ultimately find ways around them.
For the girls out there, right now is a really great time to fly. Why, you ask? Well, I know for a fact a majority of girls (including myself) love a guy in uniform. Anywhere from two to three Military Police from the National Guard are being posted at security checkpoints to keep an eye on things and reassure airline customers of their safety. Not only that, but they give you something fun to look at in the case that you happen to set the magnetometer off and have to be wanded.
If you should be lucky enough to set off the magnetometer, you could be faced with being asked to bare your soul and everything else included (joking …). If you are traveling with a large bag or a suspicious looking bag, you may be asked to have your bags checked at the security checkpoint using a machine called an Explosive Trace Detector. This device is used to detect any trace of explosive material someone may have in their bag. You may be asked to open your bag for inspection upon your arrival at the gate before you board your plane, as well.
For those of you already planning your Thanksgiving trip home on an airplane, be reminded of the new rules regarding carry-on luggage. Federal Aviation Administration rules dictate that a passenger may only have one carry on and one purse or laptop computer to take on board the plane.
A word of warning to those who are possible jokesters: Don’t think about sending any cute notes to the flight attendants or pilots. You could end up in jail.
I hope that this information has helped ease your worries about flying. My message to all, from what I can see, is that you are definitely safer flying now than you were before. So hop on that airplane, have a safe trip, and bon voyage.
Danielle has collected enough Frequent Flyer Miles to fly around the world six times. To inquire about joining her adventure, please e-mail her at [email protected]
