Going to the airport for travel is serious business
For decades prior to the early 1970’s, air travelers could arrive at the airport 30 minutes before their flight, go up to the gate, family and friends in tow, show one’s passport and ticket, pass immigration, board the plane and take their seat just a few minutes before the flight.
Navigating from the airport to your plane seat was much swifter - making your departure pleasantly comfortable, and when you landed at your destination, reaching the baggage claim was equally hassle-free. Airport security upto that point was pretty much invisible.
Up until the 1970’s, security was barely an issue, documentation control was minimal, customs inspections were random if not cursory and the only threat that existed was potential unruly behaviour by passengers. Then the hijackings of planes occurred with attempts increasing in frequency. This led to the first security controls been rolled out for accessing the boarding area and the airplanes themselves. The presence of airport security staff, some carrying guns, explosive detection screening for passengers and bags were notable visible changes.
At some airports, the controls began from the entrance itself. These security protocols that often included time-consuming procedures involving a series of document checks along the journey from the entrance to the gate, represented a major shift in the way travelers experienced at the airport.
Then came the 9/11 catastrophe – twenty years ago. Within three hours on a bright and sunny September morning, air-travel as we knew it; changed forever. A blanket new security enhancements and initiatives was thrown over passengers and airline personnel alike; who now face increasing security procedures in airports and on aircraft – not to mention additional taxes on tickets and travel to pay for the heightened level of security. Even, non-ticketed persons who wish to enter the airport face stringent security checks.
Getting to and from destinations is an exercise in endurance – physically and mentally. The hassles and delays involving long lines, emptying one’s pockets, taking off shoes and belts, are all a part of the adventure (or should I say misadventure?), of travel nowadays. What particularly irks me is the lack of standardization in security. In one county you’ll be allowed to leave your footwear on, but take off your belt and wristwatch, in another country it might be the opposite?
Just as people were getting used to this culture of security - which despite been annoying, was intended to keep travelers and everyone else inside the airport and airplane safe…came the coronavirus pandemic. Wearing a mask, social distancing, proof of being fully vaccinated, testing before and after travel, limiting contact with frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons, and carrying hand sanitisers to frequently use it, plus other ‘do’s and don’ts’, are all now in the mix.
The airport experience has dramatically changed. Long gone are the days of strolling through an airport without the need for even a boarding pass.
Ilzaf Keefahs is a freelance writer who enjoys focusing on hospitality related matters that he is passionate about, and likes to share his views with hoteliers and customers alike. He delves into the heart of hospitality to figure out both customer service and consumer trends that impact the industry.
|
|
|
|
