A good friend is finally embarking a long anticipated trip back to Greece to visit her grandparents. When she told me the news that she finally committed to buying the ticket, I was really happy for her and asked when she was going. She said she was flying out on Sunday. “Great!”, I said…”only Wish I could go with you.” (My last trip to Greece was in early 2001 – I’m due for another visit).

It wasn’t until later that I looked at my calendar and realized she was flying on Sunday, September 11. The 10th Anniversary of September 11. Whoa! Does anyone really choose to fly on that day unless absolutely necessary? I asked my friend why she chose that day to fly and she said it worked with schedule AND the tickets were $50.00 cheaper than any other day that week. That was rather surprising given that Sunday is typically one of the most expensive days of the week to fly. So clearly there is a national (international?) hesitance to fly on that day. But why?
Obviously there are a lot of very strong emotions tied to this day, even ten years later. Sadness, fear, pride, patriotism, loss. But is that enough to keep people on the ground or paying an additional $50.00?

I took a very small survey of friends and family, it seems most people do not believe there’s much chance of there being another terrorist attack on September 11. Given the heightened security and awareness, especially on this day in particular, terrorist would likely not get anywhere near an airport or a harbor with any sort of weapon or radical plot.

When asked, a few friends said they wouldn’t have any problem flying on 9/11, but the much more common response people gave was that they would fly if they had to, but that they would prefer not to. People are quick to point out they are not superstitious, but… The hesitation was due more to a negative feeling – less to a specific calculable fear.

I have to agree, I too would avoid a flight on that day given the choice. But why? Not so much out of fear, but maybe more out of respect for what happened on that day. Or maybe because I know how crazy security will be at the airport and would rather avoid the hassle. And would $50.00 change my mind and overshadow the negative feelings? It would certainly help. The fact that airlines are offering these discounts when they are pinching every other penny means this is hesitation is more common than not. What about you? Would you fly on September 11? If not, why not? Would love to hear your comments.