Arnie Weissmann
This week marks my 20th anniversary as Travel Weekly's editor-in-chief. That means this column is in the vicinity of 1,000. This column is written at 33,000 feet from ORD to LGA.
As I was making my O'Hare connection, I walked by the Prairie Tap. It reminded me of a column that I wrote shortly after I became editor. I recounted in that article a conversation between two Prairie Tap patrons about post-9/11 travel. I believed it to be the new norm.
The common truism that history repeats its self is often repeated after calamity. Pessimistic thoughts are likely to return in the aftermath of calamity. The concerns that I heard back then are similar to the apprehension of travelers today.
I'm going to repost that column and return to some of the fears expressed almost 20 years ago by travelers. Keep in mind, however, that despite all the worry about the travel uncertainty of that time, there was a two-decade period of excitement and unparalleled growth in the travel industry (albeit with some bumps along the road). Although we didn't completely eliminate all concerns expressed back then, the passage of time allowed us to continue, through innovation and adaptation, and acclimation.
From the Window Seat, February 4, 2002: "Eavesdropping On Phil and Chad"
I'm enjoying a portobello sandwich with mushrooms and salt at the Prairie Tap in O'Hare's Terminal 3.
To my right, a man is heavyset and glasses wearing glasses. He also has his hair sprayed with more salt than pepper. He pulls on his sweater vest and orders a Leinie’s Red. Mike, the counterman, fills a cup for him.
He is seated to his right by another older man. His glasses are thick and he wears a sweatshirt that says "Abercrombie" across his chest. What's left of his hair cover with a hat with the logo "Polo Sport."
They wait in silence until the younger man brings them food.
"Want some fries?" He asks the man wearing the sweater vest, "Want some fries?" He declines but it is an opportunity to have a conversation. The younger man provides updated football scores.
The conversation moves on to discuss the firing of coaches and the predictions made by sportscasters for the Super Bowl. But, the topic of travel is more interesting.
"Where are you going, sir?" The younger man questions.
"New York. The name is Phil.
"I'm Chad. New York? Where are you staying?
"The Waldorf"
"Not bad!" You travel with style. Which line of work do you have?
"Legal. "Legal.
"This trip is for business or pleasure?"
"Business. "Business. Even on vacation, I don’t like traveling."
Chad doesn't say anything, but Phil is compelled by the curiosity on his face to keep going.
"Security is driving me crazy. Crazy! I travel 40 weeks per year. Every hour spent at home is important to me.
"So -- Thanksgiving weekend, right? According to every news report, I have to be there early. I fly out of Midway and check in three hours before the deadline. I breeze through security and end up talking for two-and-a half hours in a bar.
"So, I believe it's all hype. I'm flying out of LaGuardia. I arrive an hour and a quarter early. First-class security takes an hour. Then, the check-in process takes half an hour. I miss my flight."
Chad smiles. Phil, you know what I'm missing. Meals. Meals on flights It's impossible to predict when you will be fed. I'm not sure about you but I get grumpy if I get hungry. Believe it or not I miss my old Bistro bag.
"Have you ever been stopped for random security checks at the gate?" Phil counters. "I have American status. I am Executive Platinum. I board early and enjoy it. I don't check bags and always bring my carry-ons.
"If you board early, there is always space above your seat. Two times now, I have been removed from the boarding line to undergo a random security screening. After they have gone through my stuff, I can't see any more and must check a bag at the gate.
Phil hesitates, "To be truthful, I don’t mind the tougher safety."
"Of course. It's just a hassle. What about international flights?
"Canada."
"Just wait till you travel overseas. It's not easy to leave America. You never know how long it will take. Everyone is nervous about coming home on a U.S. airline. "Just get there early. That's all I have to say."
Phil stopped and ordered another Leinie. "Chad! This may sound silly, but I used to love to fly. It was actually something I enjoyed! They have to do this. I miss the old days. "I do."
