Security Woes Deal Financial Blows
Friday September 8, 2006
It is difficult to assess just how much the stricter security measures will cost the airlines. Not all too surprisingly a lot of passengers are fed up with the fuss and finding other ways to get where they need to go. Your liquids and gels won't be banned on the bus or train. And with the hassle, it looks like some passengers are exploring alternatives to air travel.
Firm numbers aren't in yet, but after having a busy travel year, the foiled terrorist plot in London in August is starting to have a measurable effect on some airlines that are reporting drops in traffic.
Reuters is just one of the outlets reporting the drop in demand for air travel during a time where more passengers are wondering whether flying is worth the effort.
This feature covers the security changes mounted in the aftermath of the terrorist plot thwarted in London.
I quit flying commercial air when the same people that declared the air safe on September 10th implemented new higher cost security that did nothing to make any of us safer. Even with terrorist in the planes, flying is safer, but it isn’t worth 2-4 hours of security BS. What the 9-11 group failed to do, Homeland Security has accomplished, and our habits have been changed. Since 9-11 I’ve made 8 trips from Indiana to Texas (900 miles) and three have been bus, two in RV (8 mpg) and 3 by car. I don’t like missing sleep on bus or car, but I prefer it to taking my shoes off at airports because they are afraid of offending profiled terrorists. I do plan to renew my private pilots license for future trips, but not everyone has that option.