20th Anniversary Of 9/11 Attacks: How Air Travel Changed With Stricter Security Measures

20th Anniversary Of 9/11 Attacks: The tragic 9/11 attacks that jolted the United States of America on September 11, 2001, changed the way the world travels along with other serious repercussions that were brought in.

The security procedure that was normalised post 9/11 had Continental Airlines frisking former President APJ Abdul Kalam before he was to board a US-bound flight from India in April 2009.

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After the 9/11 attacks, security concerns have continued to result in addition to the checks and restrictions that travellers have to go through. 

Here are some of the travel restrictions imposed in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks:

Documentation: The process of documentation for US visas has become a lot more elaborate in terms of seeking information about the travellers. Passenger profiling has also increased. 

“Advance passenger information system was introduced since then under which complete details of all passengers headed to the US are sent the moment after check-in closes. This list is examined closely as the plane heads to the US and then suspicious arrivals are quizzed in detail on arrival,” TOI quoted top airline officials as saying. 

Baggage Screening: Post 9/11, heavily armed National Guard troops could be seen patrolling airports. Knives, razors, and a lot of other potentially dangerous items were banned. The law also required all checked baggage to be screened.

Scanning: New advanced image body scanners can detect the smallest of items that are not normal to a body contour. Higher-risk and unknown travelers are scanned through programs. Voluntary facial recognition and biometric screening at some airports are also reported.

Frisking: Frisking passengers again at the boarding gate was made mandatory for airlines in the US. The airport officials also make passengers sit in an enclosed area where they don’t come into contact with people headed for other destinations.

During flights: In airplanes, armoured locks and cameras were installed in cockpit doors. In the aftermath of 9/11, it is required for pilots to check who is knocking to enter the flight deck before unlocking. 

Access to jump seats behind pilots’ seats became very restricted.

After 9/11, its the Coronavirus pandemic that has once again brought drastic changes in people’s travel experiences with measures like masking, social distancing, sharing COVID test results, vaccination proof, and more.