Below are a series of NewsBite alerts we sent out on the morning of Sept 11, 2001. I get chills just reading them.
<< **NewsBite from: TravelSkills**>>
>DATE: Tuesday, September 11, 2001, 10:00 am
FROM: travelskills.com
RE: Terrorist Attack Halts ALL Air Travel
Dear TravelSkills Readers:
Due to the alleged terrorist attacks, including hijackings, in New York City and Washington this morning, the FAA has suspended ALL FLIGHTS at ALL AIRPORTS across the country, according to CNN.
If you have travel plans today, expect lengthy delays, cancellations, and other interruptions.
>DATE: Tuesday, September 11, 2001, 12:00 noon
FROM: travelskills.com
RE: Delta Reports All Planes Safe and Accounted For
From Delta Air Lines:
“It has been determined that all Delta aircraft, including Delta, Delta Shuttle, Delta Express and Delta Connection carriers Atlantic Coast Airlines, ASA and Comair have been accounted for and are not involved in the reported incidents. Delta continues to provide assistance to customers and employees during this emergency. Delta is cooperating fully with government authorities.
The Delta Emergency Center is fully operational and being led by Chairman and CEO Leo Mullin and other senior executives. The Federal Aviation Administration hold on all flights continues and Delta will advise all its customers of any changes.”
At this point, both United Airlines and American Airlines report the loss of two jets each.
>DATE: Tuesday, September 12, 2001, 11 am
FROM: @travelskills.com
RE: The Aftermath
Dear Readers:
Shocked, saddened, angry and confused only start to describe our emotions, many of which are shared by you all. We know that many of you are out there stuck, or wondering when or if you should fly again.
Here’s some info that we hope will help:
>If you don’t HAVE to fly this week, stay home. US flight operations will take at least a week to get back to “normal.” Due to the severe circumstances, expect airlines to offer full refunds and waive change/cancellation fees for at least the next 5-7 days.
>If you are stuck at an airport trying to get home, and looking for alternatives, be aware that most rental car agencies—- especially those at airports– are sold out of cars. If you are lucky enough to get a car, ask around for others going your way. Also, consider AMTRAK 1-800-USA-RAIL or Greyhound 1-800-231-2222 / 229-9424, both of which are operating.
> Don’t expect an immediate resumption of service at noon today, as reported by most mainstream media. This morning, the FAA is in conference calls with airlines to determine resumption schedules. Delta has canceled all flights through at 6:00 p.m. EDT today (Weds, Sept 12). The cancellations affect all Delta, Delta Shuttle, and Delta Express flights, but does not include Delta Connection flights (Atlantic Coast Airlines, ASA, Comair or SkyWest) which may resume earlier or later in the day. (Delta automated flight info: 1-800-325-1999, AirTran: 1-800-247-8726, press 1.)
>All international flights yesterday were either held in overseas, or landed in Canada, so it will take another day or two to get all aircraft back into position, and passengers moving.
>Once things get cranked back up, expect EXTREME vigilance at airport security. Similar to restrictions during the Gulf War, electronic devices of any kind may be forbidden in carry on bags (pack them, mail them, or don’t bring them); only ticketed passengers will be allowed in airport concourses (no meeters or greeters allowed); curbside check in and baggage checking will not be available; tow trucks will be stationed at airports to immediately remove unmanned cars; any unclaimed baggage will likely be removed and/or destroyed.
Looking to the near future, we think that leisure travel is going to take a big hit, but we think that business travelers will be back out there again in a few weeks. A recession or a depression will keep business travelers at home, but a cowardly and despicable terrorist act won’t keep us down for long.
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