Steven

I've flown twice since 9/11 and was pretty freaked out both times. Mostly it was just my imagination running wild but it also had to do with what I think have been the cosmetic but not substantive security measures put in place post 9/11. The security guards were patting down and searching elderly women and pregnant women nearly exclusively. They let go without a second thought people who I thought deserved at least a question or two.

Obviously everything worked out just fine. I gave everyone a good, hard look-over and that calmed me down a little bit.

The one bright side of it all is that it seems people are friendlier, both passengers and crew. That's a nice side-effect.

Sherry

Thank you to all who have shared. It has helped a lot and you've brought to the table some very valid points. And to the person who's name is, "response to Sherry"...I know Lisa Beamer is a very brave woman. We should all take a page out of her book. I break down in tears almost everytime I see her. I can't imagine what that woman is going through!

Maybe my issue is exclusive to Logan? Many people here have mentioned the heightened security measures at airports. It's terrible but almost every night our local news in Boston has some story on how pathetic security is at Logan. Someone always seems to "get by" security or planes get turned around on the tarmac and are sent back to the gate to be re-searched. Based on what I see on the news, Logan is the posterchild for incompetent security. I'm sure a lot of airports throughout the US have people working in security that can't get a job at Burger King but frankly, that scares me because that seems to be the hiring criteria for Logan. I'd feel much more secure if I were flying out of Telaviv. I don't want to run scared, and I DON'T want to give into the terrorists it's just hard to get on a BOS-LAX 8am flight without thinking of those flights on Sept 11.

Dan

I felt safe. Iknew that thousands of flights take off each day, and even if there was a problem it probably wouldn't be on my flight. While driving on the highway, I realize that cars do not allow nearly enough space for emergency stops. I'm pretty sure I won't die in the air. I can't say the same about the roads.

Rosa

I booked a trip abroad post-Sept. 11th for October. I had no problems at all, except for having to stand on the train to the airport 'cause of all the people who suddenly chose Amtrak. There is never a promise of total security, anywhere, but that can't keep us from enjoying the life that we have.

rj

I finally broke down in December and flew overseas. Before going I imagined the worst but once there I felt really good about overcoming "the terror" and living free. You will find the airports very different and much more intense; such as National Guardmen with guns but I was glad there were there. Also, I like that there are fewer people in the waiting areas due to only people with tickets can pass through security. It makes the airports less crowded. You will be glad you took steps to overcome terror.

lisa

Mostly I felt the same as I always did prior to 9/11: excited to travel! Only differences: (1) Washington National airport was far less busy -- no lines at any of the counters; (2) I felt safer with the added security; (3) my ticket cost less than it would have prior to 9/11; (4) people generally seem friendlier to their fellow travellers, more tolerant, and grumble less about flight attendants/ticket agents/security personnel. I have been on 14 flights total since 9/11 and they have all been great.