URGENT!!! International Flight Security

[Threeriversdisneyfan]

We're meant to be flying next month from Manchester to Orlando on a big international airline.

I'm now seriously considering cancelling. It would have been the trip of a lifetime for us, my entire extended family included - and because of this it could be ruined.

I don't feel good

Let's step back, and think like this. MI5 did it's job, the plot was foiled. If the police stopped and arrested a drunk driver on your street, would you never drive again? If a child molester was caught by a undercover sting, would never let your child play outside again? Even though the terrorist failed thier plans, they now feel they still accomplished something when you say things like that. The best way for us citizens to combat terrorism is to continue a normal (maybe maybe a more careful) life.

Instead of treating this situation like a repeat of 9/11 or 7/7, we should aplauld the efforts of those in our government. I'm not saying we should be dancing in the streets, but feel much better about our governments (USA and UK) in thier roles as protectors. We must remember the past, learn from it, but never fear it.

 

[maelstrom]

You're not allowed to bring your laptop or iPod on your carry-on luggage on international flights at the moment. They expect you to check it. That's a great way to say goodbye forever to your laptop. It's either going to get stolen or broken.

I hope things calm down by November. I have a trip to Disneyland planned. But I'm not going if I'm going to be made to feel like a criminal by my own country.

 

[Dina]

You know those of you saying don't let the terrorists win. I totally understand what you are saying, but it's hard being a mother of small children, and feeling like if you are putting them on a plane-- you are putting them in harm's way. It's hard to say, I'm not going to let the terrorists win, so I'll put my 3yo on that flight. I'm rambling because I need to study, but I don't think we should be hard on people that want to cancel flights. You know, if it's just me, I don't care-- I'll get on the flight. But, when it comes to my children-- I don't know that's a tougher question.

 

[cgcruz]

For those of you who still don't believe that we are in World War IV, I hope this finally opens your eyes!!!

Oh, please just stop! Terrorism has been an issue for such a long time. I dont even worry myself when I hear about terrorist warning. I live in the D.C. area , so I guess i've gotten so used to them i just ignore them. The fact that authorities knew about this should ease you. When there will be a attack, pbbly no one will see it coming. Stop living in fear people. Its just a bad world out there. Damn news is focusing on this like something actually happened, argh!

I know this isnt a politically correct thing to do, but it doesnt do anything to make me feel better when a 90 year old woman gets checked at the airport. They need to be checking people who fit the profile of someone who can be the typical terrorist. Male, muslim decent, late 20s-early 30s. I am not being racist, but THAT is the type of person who has tried to cause harm to this country. I am not being racist, but thats the kind of world we live in today. Its a joke they'll make a little kid or an old lady have a thourough security check. But, the government is too worried about the political backlash from it.

I hate flying, not for terrorist attack, but I always worry that something mechanical is gonna happen to the plane and we will go down. Ugh! I hate planes!

 

[minnie61650]

We're meant to be flying next month from Manchester to Orlando on a big international airline.

I'm now seriously considering cancelling. It would have been the trip of a lifetime for us, my entire extended family included - and because of this it could be ruined.

I don't feel good

I am so sorry to hear this may be effecting your planned vacation.
I hope things will calm down in a few days and that you will feel better and will not have to cancel your trip.
Here's some pixie dust:

Feel better!

 

[Threeriversdisneyfan]

You know those of you saying don't let the terrorists win. I totally understand what you are saying, but it's hard being a mother of small children, and feeling like if you are putting them on a plane-- you are putting them in harm's way. It's hard to say, I'm not going to let the terrorists win, so I'll put my 3yo on that flight. I'm rambling because I need to study, but I don't think we should be hard on people that want to cancel flights. You know, if it's just me, I don't care-- I'll get on the flight. But, when it comes to my children-- I don't know that's a tougher question.

I totally understand, the safety your children should be number one priority. I will never put down anyone for cancelling thier trip because you don't feel safe. It's probally the most understandable reason I've heard on these boards. I guess I just wanted to point out every thing about life has risk vs reward. Every time we step out side our home there is a risk involved. We all heard that we are more likely to be in an accident on the way to airport, than compared to the actual flight. The question we have to ask ourselves is whether or not we feel safer today versus yesterday? IMO air travel will never be the same since 9/11, however I feel just as safe today as I did in the past five years.

The TSA is acting proactively rather than doing something reactively. Sure the new rules may seem bit of a hassel, but it done too increase our safety. Believe or not there was a time kids didn't have to wear a seat belt, let alone in a car seat. I bet now you would not even think about doing that now.

 

[HayGan]

You know those of you saying don't let the terrorists win. I totally understand what you are saying, but it's hard being a mother of small children, and feeling like if you are putting them on a plane-- you are putting them in harm's way. It's hard to say, I'm not going to let the terrorists win, so I'll put my 3yo on that flight. I'm rambling because I need to study, but I don't think we should be hard on people that want to cancel flights. You know, if it's just me, I don't care-- I'll get on the flight. But, when it comes to my children-- I don't know that's a tougher question.

While I understand where you are coming from (as a mother of 2 small boys myself), it shouldn't be a driving force in your decision.

You put your children in an automobile on a regular basis right? Well, their chances of being harmed in that situation is far greater than an aviation accident and far greater than in a terrorist event.

 

[frankiemom]

Question: Air tran doesn't say anything about the ban on laptops. I wanted to take our portable DVD player for my 20 month old to watch movies----Is that allowed?

 

[katytrott]

Question: Air tran doesn't say anything about the ban on laptops. I wanted to take our portable DVD player for my 20 month old to watch movies----Is that allowed?

It ceratainly isn't in the UK and I would imagine it's the same in the US. The main bans are on any form of fluid because that was how the explosives were going to be brought on board, and all electronic equipment is banned because the detonators were going to be brought on board via them.

 

[Dina]

While I understand where you are coming from (as a mother of 2 small boys myself), it shouldn't be a driving force in your decision.

You put your children in an automobile on a regular basis right? Well, their chances of being harmed in that situation is far greater than an aviation accident and far greater than in a terrorist event.

Alot of people say that-- "it shouldn't be a driving force in your decision"-- but why not??? I don't understand why it shouldn't be. Yes-- I totally understand what you guys are saying, we could be in a car accident, I could get hit by a car while crossing my street. I do understand all of that- honestly I do. But the thought of what those people in those planes went through on 9/11 just sickens me. The thought that there were children on those planes-- I get so sad just thinking about it. We are flying to Disney in two weeks, and yes, we're still flying (I wouldn't mind cancelling the flight and driving, but family is coming with us, and I can't bail on them). I actually prefer to drive regardless of the security status, but on this trip it would have been more expensive to drive (because my husband's on a big overtime job, so loss of time is loss of $$$) But, should I feel guilty for putting my kids on a plane right now??? I'm wrestling with that question right now (and I really need to study right now, so I have to get past this).

As for the extra hassle at the airport-- that doesn't bother me one bit, I'm grateful for the extra security. I'm a little worried about my son's asthma medicine and epi pens, but it seems like we'll be able to bring it.

I don't mean to be argumentative, or neurotic (which I often am)-- this entire thing just saddens me right now.

 

[HayGan]

Alot of people say that-- "it shouldn't be a driving force in your decision"-- but why not??? I don't understand why it shouldn't be. Yes-- I totally understand what you guys are saying, we could be in a car accident, I could get hit by a car while crossing my street. I do understand all of that- honestly I do. But the thought of what those people in those planes went through on 9/11 just sickens me. The thought that there were children on those planes-- I get so sad just thinking about it. We are flying to Disney in two weeks, and yes, we're still flying (I wouldn't mind cancelling the flight and driving, but family is coming with us, and I can't bail on them). But, should I feel guilty for putting my kids on a plane right now??? I'm wrestling with that question right now (and I really need to study right now, so I have to get past this).

As for the extra hassle at the airport-- that doesn't bother me one bit, I'm grateful for the extra security. I'm a little worried about my son's asthma medicine and epi pens, but it seems like we'll be able to bring it.

I don't mean to be argumentative, or neurotic (which I often am)-- this entire thing just saddens me right now.

I agree that this is a very sad time and I am not saying that your fear is unfounded. However, you place your children in risky situations everyday. You just take precatuions to protect them in an automobile just like our goverments are taking steps to protect them in an airplane. I think many of us are trying to explain to people that you need to see past the fear and think about the situation logically. I know it is hard but you and your family really are safe.

I will be flying several times (some international flights) in the next month and I feel totally secure in doing so.

 

[katytrott]

You know those of you saying don't let the terrorists win. I totally understand what you are saying, but it's hard being a mother of small children, and feeling like if you are putting them on a plane-- you are putting them in harm's way. It's hard to say, I'm not going to let the terrorists win, so I'll put my 3yo on that flight. I'm rambling because I need to study, but I don't think we should be hard on people that want to cancel flights. You know, if it's just me, I don't care-- I'll get on the flight. But, when it comes to my children-- I don't know that's a tougher question.

I completely understand your feelings, however my sister in law lives half hour from centre of London. She is so paranoid about terrorism she has never taken her kids into London to see all the wonderful things it has to offer, in fact she doesn't take them many places she thinks there could be a threat. She has said she will never take them on a plane. I think it is so sad that her kids are going to miss out on so many life experiences because of her fear. I generally don't have a fear of going anywhere these days ( might have a slight twang now however) but I know I am not going to risk my son missing out on loads of life experiences just because of a very tiny risk. As everyone else has said, I put him way more at risk then flying everyday when on the roads. Please don't let these people spoil all the opportunities we can give our kids today (I know my sister in law is the extreme!)

 

[The Mick]

Please don't let these people spoil all the opportunities we can give our kids today (I know my sister in law is the extreme!)

That's exactly the point. That's what it means to say "don't let the terrorists win".

We can't change our lifestyles out of fear. We have to continue on. Or else they DO win. Or else they are achieving their goals.

We just need to abide by the new rules. Go on our vacations, take our flights, travel.

 

[flortlebap]

I guess all I can do is hope nothing goes wrong on our plane... but I am terrified of them at the best of times. I was just starting to manage my phobia until this came along and now I'm not so sure

Look at it like this... we've been told that UK-US flights are being targeted. As are major national airlines. Both of which apply to us. And it's not just my own life that I'd be taking into my own hands - it's my DD's too now.

I know it's more likely to be killed in a car accident than a plane crash - but what if someone told you that the car you were travelling in had a bomb in it? I wouldn't get into a car then either and I've never been car phobic!

 

[Dina]

Thanks everyone!! You've made me feel better. I was starting to feel a little guilty putting them on a plane. They trust me with their safety, and I'm putting them on a plane right now-- you know made me feel bad. I tried to call my DH to talk to him (he usually makes me feel better when I get a little neurotic) but he's busy right now, and my mom would tell me to cancel the flight, lock all the doors and hide in the closet (she still won't even go to NYC -- she's so afraid. My dad wanted to go to London, and she said no. Now that I don't get because without my kids, I'll go anywhere-- it doesn't really worry me. Plus I don't get her NYC fear-- I mean-- we live in Philadelphia?? but whatever ). But, you guys have made me feel better-- thank you!!!

 

[flortlebap]

I completely understand your feelings, however my sister in law lives half hour from centre of London. She is so paranoid about terrorism she has never taken her kids into London to see all the wonderful things it has to offer, in fact she doesn't take them many places she thinks there could be a threat. She has said she will never take them on a plane. I think it is so sad that her kids are going to miss out on so many life experiences because of her fear. I generally don't have a fear of going anywhere these days ( might have a slight twang now however) but I know I am not going to risk my son missing out on loads of life experiences just because of a very tiny risk. As everyone else has said, I put him way more at risk then flying everyday when on the roads. Please don't let these people spoil all the opportunities we can give our kids today (I know my sister in law is the extreme!)

I won't let my DH travel into London either - not with the terror alerts being as high as they've been in the country at the moment!

And I don't care if it's letting the terrorists win... at least I'd be alive, and it's potentially a few less lives they're taking... which in my book shows ME as the winner!!

 

[cgcruz]

I just dont understand living your life in fear like that. Being stuck in a little cave because of paranoia is not a way to live your life. No one is in this world forever. We have such a short time in this planet, you might as well enjoy it. The least likely way someone will die from is a terrorist attack. You can have a car accident, get mugged, etc.... Don't let the media dictate your fears, enjoy yourselves while you still can.

 

[Jynohn]

I can honestly understand the point of view that it's better to be safe than sorry, especially where our children are involved. But it really IS what the terrorists want. That's why they call them TERRORists. They really don't care how many lives they take, it's the shock and fear they create as a result that is the main goal, as well as the ramifications it will have on the economy, (stock market, decline in tourism, etc.)

As another poster pointed out on a different thread, our soldiers are out there fighting terrorism so we can live in freedom. The least I can do is enjoy it, instead of living in fear. I hope those of you who have trips scheduled in the near future go on vacation as planned and have a wonderful time.

 

[cpanagiotakos]

i fly to disney on sunday, ive been contacted by both the airline and my travel agent sayinf all liquids and gels were banned but it said nothing about laptops, electronics etc. I was going to bring my laptop but now i dont know- what should i do?

 

[pigletforever]

My Uncle who traveled to Eurpoe right after September 11 said "they may kill me but the won't terroize me."