Student Travels in a Post 9-11 World
In May, 2002, I had the opportunity to travel to Nanjing, China. Even though it was eight months after September 11th, I was terrified to fly. Flying itself did not scare me. This would not be my first trip on a plane. In fact, I had flown twice with my father and stepmother to Spain. Terrorism scared me. It wasn’t until after September 11th that I started having nightmares about my plane crashing into buildings or towns. Still, I managed to get on the plane and have never regretted it since. You too might be scared of traveling by plane, especially after the 9-11 tragedy, but you must consider the security measures that are being taken to keep you safe.
New Security Measures
If you haven’t flown since before September 11th, or if you have never flown at all, there are some security measures that airports are taking to avoid another terrorist attack. Security must now more carefully search carry on items, checked luggage, and even your shoes. There are things you can do to make it easier on you and security.
Pack well. The Transportation Security Administration recommends labeling your laptop. Also, pack shoes on top of your clothes in your suitcases. Avoid over packing, and spread your luggage into multiple bags. Make sure you know weight limitations for carry on and checked luggage. ID tag every piece of luggage you bring, and consider placing ID tags on the inside of your luggage as well.
Know the prohibited items! There are certain things you cannot take onto an airplane in your carry-on bag, and certain things you cannot take at all. You can get the full list on the TSA website: http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Permitted_Prohibited_8_23_2004.pdf.
Have Patience with Security
Security lines are not fun. Taking your shoes off so that they can be checked for shoe bombs can make you impatient and uncomfortable. What you must consider is that these measures are being taken to protect you. One of the most essential things you can do for a smoother airport experience is allow yourself plenty of time.
Check the Transport Security Administration website for estimated checkpoint wait times. You enter in what state you are flying from, what specific airport, what day of the week, and what time of the day. TSA provides a historical estimation of how long you can expect to wait at security checkpoints. The TSA asks you to remember to factor in non-security related activities such as checking your luggage and parking your car when you are calculating the amount of time you will spend at the airport.
So when you are in those security lines, read a book or work a crossword puzzle. Do anything to take your mind off of your wait, and know that you are being protected.
