This week we memorialized and remembered the most tragic hijacking incident in U.S. history. As flight attendants, we put our lives at risk every day. We never know what can happen. Incidents occur as a result of weather and maintenance. I am grateful to have the opportunity or luxury to fly despite of the risks. I know a lot of people that will not get on an aircraft let alone fly on 9/11 remembering what happened sixteen years ago.
I am reminded daily, or at least every time I walk through the front security of an airport of what has happened and changes made since 9/11. Long gone are the days where your friends and family can walk you to your gate and see you off. They can't even park longer than five minutes in front of the airport terminal. Passengers can forget about carrying more than 3 oz liquids in your carry on bags.
I know since 9/11, to the passenger, traveling has gotten so much stressful. However, what most people fail to realize so many new security policies were set in place to keep them safe during airline travel which came into play after a major incident.
PROSPECTIVE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS.......WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW!
Now, if you want to become a flight attendant, it is important for you to know or be made aware, you must have thick skin when it comes to airline tragedies. I'm not sure about training with all carriers but I know the training I went through and feedback I've received from a few others; at least a full day is dedicated to understanding certain airline tragedies like 9/11, the landing on the Hudson (USAir Flight 1549), and other airline emergencies that may or may not have caused fatalities. Understand this, in the U.S. with each situation came extensive investigations which in turn the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) implemented stricter policies to keep from these incidents from reoccurring. In essence it is a very safe time to fly. But with that comes the procedures most passengers find cumbersome and frustrating.
Check out some of the high profile aviation incidents. USAir Flight 1493, United Airlines Flight 811, Continental Airlines Flight 1713.
As flight attendants we have to understand traveling can be very bothersome and stressful for some passengers. We should be empathetic we don't know what's going on in their lives or even why they are traveling. Not everyone is traveling for vacation. We have to be patient because a lot of passengers have gone through quite a bit to get to the aircraft. We tend to forget what it is like because we don't have to get to the airport hours in advance. We don't have to wait in long security lines and we definitely don't have to practically get undress while going through security.
5 SIMPLE TRAVEL TIPS FOR PASSENGERS!
If you are traveling, here are some simple tips to minimize travel frustrations:
1. CREATE A CHECKLIST of items you don't want to forget; certain clothing items, medications, sunscreen (if you're headed to the Caribbean or beaches), phone chargers, electrical adapters and passport (if you are leaving the country). Creating a list minimizes the stress of wondering if you forgot something.
2. PACK EARLY! I am a very last minute person and don't really plan thins out. If you are like me, it is imperative to pack the night before again to minimize stress of making sure you have everything, but also so you can take your time when leaving out to travel. I know there are some items you must use prior to packing, like makeup…maybe toiletries. If you have to use items before you can completely close your suitcase, put those small items on your list as well, and check them off right before closing your suitcase. I sometimes tend to scramble the morning of packing last minute items. Don't be like me because at most airports I have the luxury of not needing to travel through the regular TSA lines so I get to save some time that way.
3. BOARDING DOOR CLOSES 10 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME! Therefore, be prepared to be ready to go through security one hour before departure time. That means if you are getting dropped off at the airport and have already checked in online, and don't need to check a bag, arriving one hour before you flight is due to take off is safe and sufficient. However, if you need to drop off a rental car you should be at the airport one and half to two hours before departure time. Most of the major airports passengers have to take a tram or shuttle bus between car rental facilities and the terminal. These shuttle buses don't always run as frequently as they should. Give yourself some time for wiggle-room. If you are traveling internationally the rule of thumb is to be at the airport 2 hours before departure time. Depending on your airport, I say 2 and half hours.
4. DRESS COMFORTABLY: Since 9/11, all passengers are required to go through body scan machine and take off their shoes. To minimize how long it takes and how undressed you have to get, I suggest wearing shoes that doesn't need tying or buckling. Minimize excessive jewelry as you would have to take all that off to go through the body scan. I completely understand the need to look cute. Just put those items in your purse or bag and put them on later after going through security. That will save you time getting dressed before leaving; as well as save you time going through security.
5. Get some STATUS! If you travel at least a few times a year, I suggest looking into TSA PreCheck ✅. PreCheck allows you to go through a special (usually shorter) security line. PreCheck passengers don't go through the body scan which means they don't have to remove shoes or jewelry; and don't have to remove liquids or laptops from bags. The cost is $80 for five years. Passengers are required to go through a security background check and get interviewed by TSA. Small price to pay to minimize stress.
As we REMEMBER……
9/11 was a tragic day for us in the U.S. and a lot has changed since then in the aviation world. I pay homage to their lives. As a result of their loss of life; more of us are safer to fly. I leave with this…..so many people are afraid to fly because of the possibilities, think of the possibilities if you do fly.