WORLD NEWS

       The events of September 11 changed the way America views air travel. Previously, many of us had no doubts about boarding what essentially is a high speed metal tube as a form of transportation. Crashes occurred, but they were few and far between, and hijackings ended on an airport tarmac after rounds of negotiations.

In the course of a few hours, terrorists managed to turn commercial airliners into makeshift missiles and attacked American landmarks in an effort to rip the fabric of our society apart. Our nation's aviation system came to an unprecedented halt as thousands of flights were grounded and travelers were stranded. Was air travel still safe?

Here at Penn State McKeesport, I had to grapple with that decision as flights slowly resumed. I needed to find a way to go home to suburban Philadelphia during fall break, and up until September 11, I had no doubt that I would book a plane ticket and go home. Suddenly, I found myself wondering if I would make it home at all. I started looking at other alternatives like Amtrak, Greyhound, or even driving, but I ultimately decided that I would indeed fly home.

So, there I was at Pittsburgh International Airport on October 5, facing the changed world of air travel. I expected to see long lines due to increased security, but that wasn't the case. By then, passengers were once again allowed to be dropped off at curbside, but it was oddly quiet at the curb. There were only a few cars dropping passengers off, and once inside, the line at the check-in counter wasn't any longer than it normally would be. In fact, it was actually slightly shorter than usual.

Within 15 minutes of getting in line, I was up at the counter, checking in for my flight. When I returned to Pittsburgh after Labor Day, I remember that I wasn't even asked the required security questions when checking in at the counter in Philadelphia, which struck me as odd. Looking back, perhaps that lapse of duty is the sort of thing that allowed the hijackings to take place. This time, the ticket agent was extremely careful to scrutinize my driver's license and make sure I had indeed packed by own bags and not accepted anything from strangers. It was reassuring to hear those questions, although they would only stop someone from unsuspectingly being part of a terrorist plot. Would a determined terrorist be dumb enough to raise a red flag when answering those questions?

National Guard troops and state troopers acted as backups at the security checkpoint while the usual security personnel manned the x-ray machines and metal detectors. It was strange seeing men dressed in fatigues standing guard, but something I easily accepted in exchange for feeling secure. Only ticketed passengers were allowed through security.

I had forgotten to remove a pair of nail clippers from my toiletry kit, so they were confiscated after passing through the x-ray machine, and I had to claim them when I returned. Later on, when I realized my set of dorm keys were still in my pants pocket, I thought it was odd that the metal detector failed to pick them up. Meanwhile, a friend who I was traveling with was subjected to a search from a metal detector wand, because she accidentally brushed the side of the metal detector and triggered the alarm. Go figure.

Increased security was evident elsewhere in the terminal. Announcements were regularly played over the intercom, warning travelers about unattended bags and other security hazards. At a restaurant, silverware was not automatically provided as part of the place setting, with knives of any kind banned. National Guardsmen also made rounds up and down the corridors, keeping an eye on passengers.

The flight to Philadelphia was packed as a result of other flights being canceled. Gate agents were asking for an astounding 27 volunteers willing to be bumped off the flight. On board the plane, no announcements about what to do in case of an emergency situation other than the typical safety speech were made, as has been reported as happening on some flights. I noticed many off-duty airline employees on board. Whether they had to get to a destination or were there as potential security backups is anyone's guess. There seemed to be mutual respect between passengers and the flight crew, with everyone prepared to look out for each other's safety.

Thankfully, the flight was uneventful, although I would be lying if I didn't say the landing made me a bit nervous. I don't know whether it's because I'm used to looking out on the South Philadelphia sports complex during landing, but I had a view of the Delaware River beneath the plane as we landed, and it was frightening to see the water come closer and closer. I suppose my senses were on high alert. We also circled a few times before landing, and the thought of the hijacked planes making abrupt turns crossed my mind for a split second.

Having conquered that first post-September 11 flight, the flight back to Pittsburgh was much easier. It felt normal. Air travel felt as safe as it ever has. Terrorists may try to strike fear in our hearts, but they will not be able to take the friendly skies from us. I look forward to flying home for Thanksgiving break.