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Gaining the Courage to Fly Again |
Since
the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, many people have reverted
to traveling on trains and buses. This has caused many airlines to ask for
government assistance. Airline companies have lost millions of dollars per
day, and have laid off thousands of employees. Altogether, airlines would
need billions of dollars in order to pay off their debts. Congress
approved an airline relief package, which has aided airline companies with
15 billion dollars.
After the tragedy in New York, there was very little activity on the 105-west bound freeway headed towards LAX. It is the same at the off ramps, and hardly any flights are coming in or leaving the airport. LAX has 35% fewer fliers than before September 11. Many people have lost all hope in air travel since September 11th. People need to realize that they are affecting our economy by, not traveling as much.
If
this downfall continues, there will be a lot of unemployed workers.
Americans have little reason to worry about terrorism on planes because
all security in the airports and on the planes have been modified and
improved. Airlines are considering security guards on planes. These
security guards wouldn’t be on every flight, because that would be too
predictable. Besides the security guards, airline companies have done much
more to protect their travelers. They are also considering placing an
indestructible door on a lot of planes. This means that no one is allowed
in the cockpit, not even stewardesses. No one can get in, and no one can
get out until the flight has ended. Terrorist wouldn’t have a chance at
getting at the controls of a plane.
Sophomore,
Whitney Levin commented on the indestructible doors, “ It’s a
good idea, because it keeps terrorists from taking control of the plane.
On the bad side, terrorists could kill everyone on board before the pilots
can do anything about it. Since the guards are not on every flight we
never know when a terrorist could attack.”
There are security checks at major airports all over the United States. At LAX, security guards have been stationed at metal detectors. LAX has basically turned into a military base. There is no reason not to travel. Airports are begging for customers by offering cheap fairs. You can fly with Southwest to New York one way, for only 200 dollars. You could probably get a cheaper fair with club cards and frequent flyer miles.
Teacher, Mrs. Laubenstein flew with Southwest after the tragedy, and she said, “ It took over an hour to get through the metal detectors at LAX. There were National Guards armed with rifles and pistols. They padded down suspicious travelers. All men and women wearing jeans were checked. They didn’t check me, because I was wearing a dress. Also, a skycap saved me time by taking my bags. I thought that you couldn’t get a skycap to take your bags anymore. They didn’t even ask me about my bags, which is a state law. Besides that, my trip went smoothly.