RySkins Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 I have a relative that's a little aprehensive about an upcoming flight. Anyone here afraid to fly in the aftermath of 9/11, or have your concerns lessened? Any good airport horror stories or ridiculous waits in the terminal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WallyG3 Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 I've flown about 6 times since 9/11, and no problems. A little longer wait, but I'll take it. I actually feel safer flying now with all the extra security. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Symbol Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 I felt safe until I was in that plane crash about 2 days ago and died. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbear Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 I've flown 6-8 times since 9-11. Honestly, the lines started off horrendous. They have done some things in recent months to help though. My favorite is the self checkin to which most airlines have gone. You no longer have those huge lines to check your bags and confirm your seat. In total, it takes about the same amount of time that it took pre 9-11, but now the time is spent in security lines. That's an improvement in my eyes because at that point I'm no longer lugging around my luggage. There's some wierd confiscation. I'm guessing it was security who took my razor from my checked bag. I can't think of who else would, but I can't think why they would either. I still think a determined terrorist wouldn't have much trouble. It's too easy to get by the detectors by coming up with a legit reason for them to go off. All in all, I think the same thing I thought before; the odds are in my favor. It's still safer than driving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheDiplomat Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 Yeah it is safer than driving. I have flown in and out of Dulles and BWI airports like 6 times since 9/11. It does feel much safer. The security lines are still rediculous but I just pull out my magazine of choice, read, and slowly inch forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skins26 Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 never flown before Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stratoman Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 I didn't like flying before 9/11 but have not flown since 9/11. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboDaMan Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 Just returned a few weeks ago from a trip out of the country. On the whole I was pleased with how well things worked. Lines were annoying, especially on the return, but nothing worse than I expected. Quite a bit of conflicting information about what you can and can't take as carry-on or checked baggage. My advice would be to carry on only what you need and when at all in doubt of an item check it, although others have said even checked baggage might be missing a few things. But the red tape was much less than I expected. We travelled with a South American teenager (dual national) clearly not our daughter, and other than her passport we weren't asked for any other docs like letter of authorization, etc. As far as the fear factor, what are we gonna do, hide inside our own four walls? Every day you read about people dying in car accidents yet we still climb behind the wheel. I had to fly for business the week of the 9-11 anniversary and tried to deliberately fly on the 11th as a show of support, but the company wouldn't allow nonessential travel on that date. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kilmer17 Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 I hate flying. It scares me constantly. Takeoff to landing. But it's a reality. I have to fly a couple of times a month. I try to fly early in the morning to avoid lines, delays, and generally the staff (on the ground and in the air) are usually in a better mood. My general rule is 5 hours. If where I need to go is a 5 hour drive or less, I drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Evil Genius Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 Be very careful also of the size of the luggage that you bring to check in. In the past, airlines didnt really penalize you if you bags were a few inches bigger than the guideline - as long as they were underweight. Now - airlines have limited the weight (down from 70lbs to 50lbs, i believe) and are strongly enforcing size restrictions. A lot of luggage that is sold in stores nowadays, falls into the realm of oversized. I got dinged an extra 50 bucks last time I traveled (in Feb.) and had to switch luggage with my parents in Detroit (where they lived, until 2 months ago). Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BushSucks Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 I hate flying last time I flew was last spring when I went to London. I kept looking around for suspicious arab dudes, call me paranoid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kilmer17 Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 Typical racist liberal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BushSucks Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 Thats called being aware of your surroundings. Vast majority of terrorists are Arab so I'm sure as hell not gonna look out for some white guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kilmer17 Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 That's because you're a racist and an idiot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BushSucks Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 Huh I'm racist? Yeah I just had lunch with my friend Ali. Go back to that trailer now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kilmer17 Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 Ah yeas, the old "I have black friends, I cant be a racist" ploy. Im sure you tell that story at your klan meetings Bubba. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mardi gras skin Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 :rofl: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelM Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 I guess I caught this thread a little to late to get in on the flying topic, but I'll add my two cents anyway. I have flown many times since 9/11 and haven't had any problems. As long as you know what to expect and limit your carry on and what you have in your pockets, you'll limit the chances to have something trigger the scanner. I've found the check in to be a breeze at Dulles and Reagan and the security process has been quite easy. I have normally made it to my gate at Dulles within 10-15 minutes of arriving at the airport. I feel much safer flying than driving on 95 or 395 and I don't have to worry about the traffic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blondie Posted May 15, 2003 Share Posted May 15, 2003 I absolutly LOVE to fly. Have flown many times since 9/11......and the only thing I dislike is dealing with luggage. I always carry too much. The last 3 trips I have made........I have been checked by the wand........take off my shoes......undo my belt and had to remove things from my purse. No big deal .........although I am sorely tempted to pack my undies in my purse!!!!!! :laugh: :laugh: Blondie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdsknbill Posted May 15, 2003 Share Posted May 15, 2003 If you own a pair of sneakers, I would suggest you wear them. Believe it or not, I have flown about thirty times since 9/11 and have never been asked to remove my shoes, when wearing a pair of tennis shoes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matty dread Posted May 15, 2003 Share Posted May 15, 2003 I hate to fly, hated if before 9-11, still hate it. But I don't let it affect my life, I'll get on a plane if it means going on vacation, visiting friends and family, etc. Statistically it's still the safest form of travel, even though my palms sweat the whole flight and every time there's a bump my heart jumps into my throat. There's just something about soaring above the clouds that isn't right to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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