New travel restrictions require extra time
Federal officials have been purposely vague about the new travel restrictions being put in place after an attempted terrorist attack on Christmas Day. But one thing is for sure: It can’t hurt to get to the airport extra early. So far it appears most of the new travel restrictions only apply to international flights, but I say better safe than sorry.
One blogger recommends arriving an hour earlier than usual, so about two hours before the flight leaves. I say use your best judgment, but that’s really not a bad idea. Obviously, some people decide to just skip flying altogether.
New travel restrictions affect airlines
I bet airlines are wishing they could get guaranteed payday loans to help them through the next couple of years. Attempted terrorist attacks have a lesser effect on how often people travel than attacks that get carried out. Still, a lot of people will very likely decide that getting on a plane isn’t worth the risk.
Plenty of people decided never to fly again after the Sept 11th attacks. Airlines already saw their profits slashed after that day, and when the recession began, business got even worse for the airlines. Since there are now stories about an attempted terrorist attack all over the place, and new travel restrictions slowing airports even more, airlines are likely to see profits drop through the floor.
Up and down
This damper on airline business comes at a tough time for a couple of reasons. Airlines generally see a spike in ticket sales around the holidays for obvious reasons, but that is usually followed by a very slow period. January is already a very slow month for travel, and because of the attempted attack and new travel restrictions, airlines will probably see an extra slow season this year, possibly longer.
People that would normally jump on low ticket prices in the slow season might opt out, since it’s not worth the risk or hassle. Some will remain skeptical, no doubt, about whether restrictions will have any effect whatsoever. Why do I say understandably? I’m glad you asked.
Federal failure
If procedures already put in place had been followed properly, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab would have never made it onto that plane on Christmas Day to attempt to blow it up. Abdulmutallab’s father called the American Embassy in Nigeria about a month ago to report that his son was a threat. Nonetheless, his name was not added to the “no fly” list.
President Obama was nothing short of furious that Abdulmutallab was even let on a plane, and though the details about the new restrictions as yet, it seems somewhat unpreventable. Abdulmutallab has warned that there are other bombers on the way, and all we can do is hope that the authorities will take blatant warning signs seriously this time.
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