Changing Faces of Travel

In the wake of the arrests in London of suspected terrorists who were planning on using liquids as the basis for a bomb on international flights, the face of air travel has been changed once again. Now before I delve into the blog very deeply, I want to take a moment to applaud the authorities and intelligence agencies that were involved in stopping this plot and making the public aware of what is going on. Thanks to their continued vigilance, we shall hopefully never again have to experience an event like September 11th, the bombings in Bombay, or the deadly subway attacks in Japan from years past. That being said, what's up with the airlines now?

Well, in case you haven't been keeping up with the news the past few days; shortly after the arrest of a suspected terrorist cell in London word came out that the group was planning to use liquids which, when combined, would become a bomb. They were then set to use this watery bomb to set off a wave of attacks targeting cities in the United States including Washington and New York. In the wake of this revelation, security officials have now elevated the nation's security level to Code Red (meaning a terrorist attack is imminent) and implemented more security restrictions on airline travel.

The one that will affect most folks is the fact that for now at least, passengers will be banned from bringing beverages or liquids onto the aircraft in their carry-on luggage. This means no more sodas, coffees or water for you. From the time you hit the metal detectors to the time you reach cruising altitude you will not be able to carry anything to drink. At least, that's what it seems on the surface; not having traveled via airline in a few months I can't say for certain but I do know this, once you pass security, unless you're in some backwater town with a dinky airport, there is plenty to eat and drink after security. But will passengers like that?

It takes very little for folks to start complaining about "how inconvenient it will be" or how "the airlines are doing this to make more money," or some other such story. It's not an inconvenience or a money making scheme if it means you will be safe on your trip. I mean personally, I would much prefer to arrive home safely rather than save a buck or two bringing my own soda. I understand the dilemma. Airports do sell these things but they are often sold at a higher price. Airlines don't provide much by way of food or drink these days to help save on costs. All these things come into more play if you look at things economically. What is the reason for this? Maybe the fact that we were doing quite well a few years ago?

What do I mean? Well think about it. About ten years ago, the economy was booming and everyone was starting their businesses on the net. The money was flowing and so some industrious folks came up with the novel concept of bargain airline travel. No frills, just low cost. The concept took off and soon the larger airlines also jumped on the bandwagon. As a result you barely get any food on the airlines anymore (unless it's international travel or a long flight). Airlines encouraged passengers to bring their own food and refreshments. As it was, costs for such things were on the rise in the airlines so people were happy to do it. But now, you can't bring things on that you may necessarily want.

Had the economy not done so well and had we not helped bargain airlines thrive, perhaps we'd still have airline food (as bad as it may be)! But I'm not complaining. If I can't bring my extra hot no whip caramel machiatto through security because some stinking terrorist has figured out a way to use it as a weapon, then I will gladly gulp it down or toss it out as long as it makes me safer. For now I'll show up at the airport early, shoes in hand, sans drinks and hair gel, laptop out of case, jacket on other shoulder, carry-on ready for inspection with belt buckle undone (to show that nothing is hidden underneath) with the proper number of matchbooks or lighters, along with my photo ID and boarding pass in hand. Keep it safe out there!