I just flew in from out of town, and boy, are my arms tired. I’m exhausted, but finally home, after spending hours in airports and traveling in what used to be the friendly skies. After 9/11 we felt violated and shocked when we had to take our shoes off as part of the routine security check in airports.
After a few years of that we’ve grown accustomed to being considered terrorists by our own Transportation Security Administration as we strip belts and necklaces off our bodies and pull loose change from our pockets to pass through the gate. A small price to pay for security?
Alma
April 11, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Hi Trina,
What's sad is that pre-911, regular airport security was always supposed to catch the pipe bombs, guns, snakes on a plane, and any other wacky carry-ons. Does it require all of us giving up privacy, dignity, and truly improved safety measures (like ensuring all ground personnel get screened) for employees to do their jobs? Maybe it's the years I've spent flying, but I certainly don't feel any safer now that the feds are doing the screening than before.
As for the airlines grounding aircrafts for maintenance, it's a necessary evil. Your question is right on point: "Would you rather take your chances on a questionable airplane or prefer your flight be canceled?" Maybe another question would be, "Given the complications w/air travel would you rather drive to your destination or have the option of flying?"
Trina from Carlsbad, CA
April 11, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Breaking News: Frontier Airlines just sought bankruptcy protection today, the fourth airline to do so in the past few weeks. Some say it is high fuel prices that are cutting into the company's earnings, as well as a weak economy that convinces passengers to stay grounded. Frontier said it was because their principal credit card processor said it would begin to withhold a larger share of proceeds from ticket sales. American Airlines has grounded more flights today too.
