The day that changed travel forever

First Lady Jill Biden said today that her sister was a United Airlines flight attendant on 9/11 and that she was in a panic because she didn’t know where she was that day. BOH editor Rob also worked for United Airlines and flew internationally. And BOH editor Jeff was flying around the world and just missed traveling that fateful day. He was on his way home to Hawaii. We all have stories to tell about where we were that day, but nothing compares to the families who lost loved ones here in Hawaii and around the world.

It was passionately prepared for this, and we hope you find it meaningful. First, we are reminded of how young most of the dead were and how full of life they were. And in a completely different way, how much our world has changed forever, including a trip to Hawaii that we’ll never forget.

Traveling to Hawaii and Elsewhere How 9/11 Changed Forever.

If you live in Hawaii, air travel is part of normal life. There is no way to avoid it. It’s hard to even remember what traveling to and from Hawaii was like before 9/11, but let’s just say it was a lot different. When we entered the world of travel security, we didn’t have TSA, endless long lines, and tons of regulations. Here in Hawaii we go to the airport 15 minutes before the flight and walk. Wow, we forgot how that tragedy changed travel here and everywhere.

The TSA was created two months after 9/11, and with it came screening of passengers, checked and held bags, and reinforced cockpits, among other things. Then came the removal of shoes and many other rules.

Every measure to keep us safer has made us suffer more.

There were also new rules about taking liquids. With each new layer, the journey is slowed down and made more challenging. Don’t forget to remove your belt and jacket. And of course your electronics, and your food. Then there were the pat downs, air marshals and flight attendants who protected the aircraft as new primary jobs.

Although TSA PreCheck and others help shorten lines for those willing to pay extra, the long lines that have gotten worse are what follows. We remember a long time ago when PreCheck was free.

And all of this will continue to evolve using more advanced filtering technology, facial recognition and databases that store information about us and our travels.

And this was all before covid hit and has boosted travel again.

No doubt about it. The tragedy of 9/11 changed travel for the worse and continues to be a challenge.

Remembering the men and women of Hawaii who lost their lives on 9/11.

Governor Ige of Hawaii said, “Each year we honor the sacrifices of the many first responders on 9/11 and honor the memories, hearts and memories of the men, women and children who lost their lives in the attack. With family in Hawaii – Michael Collins, 38; Patricia Kolodner, 39; Georgine Corrigan, 56; Maile Hale, 26; Heather Ho, 32; Richard Keen, 54; David Laichak, 40; Richard YC Lee, 34; and Christine Snyder, 32.

Michael Collins, 38, graduated from Leilahua High School and died in the WTC. He is survived by his wife.

Patricia Kolodner, 39, was born in Hawaii and moved to NYC. She died in WTC and is survived by her husband and two children.

Georgine Corrigan, of Honolulu, 56, of Honolulu. UAL 93 died that day on her way home from a business trip to Hawaii. She is survived by her daughter.

Mel Hale, 26, was born and raised in Honolulu. She died at the WTC while attending a work conference.

Heather Malia Ho, 32, a celebrity pastry chef who graduated from Punahou, then worked in San Francisco before moving to NYC to become a pastry chef at Windows on the World. The famous WTC restaurant on the 106th and 107th floors of the North Tower.

Richard Keane, 54, was working for the WTC when he died. He is survived by his wife, five children and two grandchildren.

David Laichak, 40, of Honolulu, died while working at the Pentagon. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Richard YC Ltd. Aged 34, he was also working at WTC when he died. He is survived by his wife and one son.

Christine Snyder, 32, of Kailua, died on flight UAL 93 returning home. She is survived by her husband.

May their memory be a blessing as we reflect on 9/11.