How 9/11 changed flying

The nation will once again pay tribute to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the September 11th terrorist attacks.

The enduring power of that day is clear.

Most people who are old enough recall the day remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news.

Yet as times goes on, a growing number of Americans have no personal memories of that day, either because they were too young or not yet born.

Life across the country changed after that day, nearly 21 years ago.

It’s hard to imagine now, but we used to be able to arrive at the airport just minutes before a flight. We would keep our shoes and coats on as we went through a metal detector. Then 9/11 changed all that.

Now, many of us stand in long lines at security checkpoints, sometimes waiting more than an hour to get screened.

We take off our shoes, empty our pockets, and take laptops and other devices out of carry-on bags before stepping into high-resolution, full body scanners.

Also, no liquids in our carry-ons, unless it’s 3.4 ounces or less.