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Show of support

Airlines, county, passengers all do their part during crisis

From a flood of blood donations to offers to provide equipment and emergency personnel, the Detroit Metropolitan Airport community opened its hearts and wallets to the victims of the recent terrorist tragedies in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.

Potential blood donors stood in line for as long as five to eight hours according to various reports, while the airlines, airport operators and passengers alike displayed unprecedented levels of cooperation and support in the aftermath of the incidents that left thousands dead and thousands more injured.

Though the offer ultimately proved unnecessary, Wayne County Executive Ed McNamara quickly assembled a team of more than 50 county employees who were ready to be sent to the sites of the attacks to assist in identifying victims, removing debris and assessing damaged structures.

The county's emergency management director, Mark Sparks, also contacted New York officials to offer the support of dozens of experienced employees, including equipment operators, structural engineers and forensic pathologists.

"This is a national tragedy and we all have a responsibility to help out in any way we can," said McNamara. "These are the areas of greatest need the City of New York expects to have in the coming days and weeks and we're ready with the resources and experience to help."

Such was the reaction throughout the ranks of the airline industry. Nearly in unison, the nation's carriers offered to do their parts.

"Northwest Airlines joins the nation in expressing our sympathy for the victims and their families involved in the tragic incidents at the World Trade Center in New York and in Washington D.C.," the company said in a statement. "We are working with various federal agencies to assist in any way possible."

Subdued passengers left the airport calmly and cooperatively at the onset of the two-day commercial flight shutdown that followed. As the airports slowly reopened beginning Sept. 14, patience and courtesy ruled while both passengers and airline and airport personnel alike struggled to adapt to new security restrictions.

The airlines, nearly unanimously, have loosened reticketing and rescheduling rules to accommodate the needs and concerns of air travelers.

Northwest and many others waived change fees for customers with travel scheduled between September 11 and 14, for travel to/from or within North America. Those travelers were allowed to extend their outbound and inbound travel period by up to one year, from date of ticket issue, without any penalty or change fee. Tickets for travel Sept. 15 and beyond may be refunded, per the fare rule.

"The re-opening of our national airspace is good news for travelers, for the airlines and for our economy," Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta said as airplanes were allowed back to the skies. "But I must caution everyone that a system as diverse and complex as ours cannot be brought back up instantly.

"We will re-open airports and resume flights on a case-by-case basis, only after they implement our more stringent levels of security. This phased approach will assure the highest levels of safety, which remains our primary goal."

Changes to security procedures include:

• More rigorous security checks, including canine patrols and more uniformed security officers.
• More frequent hand inspection of carry-on luggage.
• Elimination of curbside check-in or check-ins at hotels and other off-airport sites.
• Prohibition of knives, regardless of size, in any secure areas of the airport.
• Access to secure areas of the airport restricted to ticketed passengers and electronic ticket holders only. Electronic ticket holders should carry a receipt or evidence of their ticket.

AAA Michigan, which operates the state's largest travel agency, offered a variety of tips to help passengers in and out of the airport:

"First of all, we suggest contacting your scheduled airline for up-to-the-moment flight schedules and to confirm your travel arrangements," said Larry Dickens, director of Travel Vendor Relations for AAA Michigan.

Dickens also advises patience when airports reopen. "Airports will be crowded and under a heightened state of security."

To speed the process, AAA counsels air passengers to carry two pieces of photo identification and cautions travelers not to leave luggage unattended or carry anything on board an airplane for someone you don't know.

AAA also suggests that passengers help reduce long lines and congestion at the airports by contacting the airline or their travel agent by telephone to confirm or rebook their flight.

Passengers should plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of their scheduled departure time for a domestic flight, and at least three hours ahead of time for an international flight.

Travelers should call their airline's reservation number or visit their websites for information on rescheduled flights. Contact information can be found on Metro Airport's website at www.metroairport.com

"We appreciate the patience and understanding travelers have demonstrated during this difficult time and are asking then to remember that any additional delays they may now experience with flight check-in are for their own personal safety," county Deputy Executive Mary Zuckerman said.

Passengers whose flights were cancelled leave the airport Sept. 11 (left), while law enforcement officers secure the area. Photos by Larry Caruso

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