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Topic: First flight since 9/11 (Read 33 times) |
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Lee
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« on: October 16th, 2001, 10:01am » |
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On October 15, I took my first airline flight since 9/11. (I travel a lot for business, but this was the first time since the attacks.) I would like to give my impressions of the changes that have been implemented.
The valet parking situation at the airport has not changed.
As we drove to the terminal, I could see that the short-term parking was closed off close to the terminal. I had thought that this restriction had been removed, but most of the short-term parking area was empty and closed off.
There did not appear to be any change in the check-in process.
When we went through security, we had to show our tickets, as only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond security.
The rule about one carry-on bag seems to be streched as far as possible by some people. Some had a large suitcase-like carry-on with a large laptop carrier to fit the "one carry-on and a briefcase" rule. However, once on the plane it was evident that there were fewer bags in the overhead than previously.
Boarding the plane was a little different.
- Instead of the usual boarding from the back of the plane by row numbers, we were boarded in groups. There were three groups, and the group numbers were printed on the boarding passes. First the First-class passengers were boarded, then group one, which I think was the frequent flier priority passengers (gold, silver, etc.). Then group two appeared to be the back of the plane, and group three was the front of the coach section. I don't know if this was just a new thing for American Airlines, or if it is done on all arilines now.
- When you give your boarding pass to the gate attendant, you also have to show a photo ID.
The plane from Hartford to Chicago was full, and the plane from Chicago to San Francisco was about 2/3 full.
There were some National Guard troops in all of the airports, mostly just a low presence. However, I did see one in San Francisco with an M-16 rifle near the security area.
If anyone has any other experience flying since 9/11, please let us know the details.
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| « Last Edit: October 16th, 2001, 10:03am by Lee » |
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Lee
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YaBB Newbie
Posts: 10
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« Reply #1 on: October 21st, 2001, 8:06am » |
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This is a follow-up to the first post.
On the return trip, I discovered that they have a new procedure when boarding at the airport in San Francisco. As you are boarding, they pick out people at random (?) to be checked again. They have people with wands there who check you out, and they also go through your carry-on bags.
Also, while there were National Guard personnel at all of the airports, at San Francisco, each pair of soldiers had one with an M-16 rifle. I did not see rifles at either Chicago or Hartford.
On the return flight, the plane from San Franciso to Chicago was about half full, and the plane from Chicago to Hartford was almost completely full.
There was still relatively little problem with finding overhead space for carry-ons.
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