Reflections from flying on September 11, 2012: Just an ordinary day
Skift Take
The travel industry hasn't returned to the activity levels of pre-September 11, 2001, but it has recovered in so many ways. In the big picture, despite the ongoing challenges, the industry is thriving.
September 11, 2012, was just an ordinary day.
And, that was the beauty of it.
At Sarasota Bradenton Airport in the morning, the TSA agent is cheery, greeting everyone in the security lane with a hello and a smile.
Noticing my New Jersey driver's license, the agent volunteers that she's originally from Pompton Lakes, New Jersey.
"My brother moved down here and we all followed," she offers.
Then and now
Yes, there are differences from back then.
You take off your sneakers and belt, and dump them into a gray container.
There are a lot more carry-on bags now because the airline-fee frenzy came later.
You march, dressed, into a naked scanner -- one of those millimeter wave scanners -- and raise your palms above your head as if you are about to break into a ballet. And, the radiation zaps you as the glass doors squeeze shut.
Oops,
