Special “The Journey”
The morning of September 11, 2001 was not only a turning point in American history, but a moment that reshaped the air travel experience around the world. After the attacks, the US Congress passed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act in November of the same year, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established, bringing airports into a new phase of inspection, oversight, and risk management.

Doors were closed and procedures increased

Before that, the journey from the airport lounge to the plane seat was in many cases simpler. After the attacks, successive layers of protection were added, from enhancing passenger and baggage screening to tightening access to safe areas. Passenger aircraft and large cargo aircraft are now required to install reinforced cockpit doors to prevent unauthorized entry.

After 25 years... technology takes over

Today, airport security no longer depends solely on metal gates and inspectors. Airports are using advanced imaging devices, baggage CT scans, and technologies to verify traveler documents and identity, while biometric solutions are expanding to make procedures faster and less frictionless.
Bart Johnson, director of federal security at the TSA for a number of New York airports, says that the agency has developed over the years advanced technologies for screening passengers, luggage and cargo, in the face of threats that have continued to change since September 11.

From the site of a tragedy to memory tourism

The same day had a different tourist impact in New York. At the site of the World Trade Center Twin Towers, the National September 11 Memorial was inaugurated on the tenth anniversary in 2011, and opened to the public the next day. Two reflecting pools occupy the positions of the former towers, in the middle of a space designed for remembrance and contemplation.

After a quarter of a century, the traveler may not ask why he goes through all these procedures; But much of what today has become a normal airport routine began on a day that changed the concept of travel forever.