How did 9/11 change aviation?

The terrorist attacks on New York City's World Trade Center towers in September of 2001 dramatically changed the face of aviation forever. The most immediate change was in the area of the security that you see every time you check in for a flight, but there was some other consequences that are not so obvious.

When you arrive at an airport now you will be required to go through a much more sophisticated security procedure. This level of security has steadily increased since aviation began but since the 9/11 attacks it has really ramped up in order to safeguard passengers and keep citizens safe. You'll now find that you can take fewer items on flights and that the security at the airport will have greater man power in order to detect and not let through any suspects onto flights from Los Angeles to Lima or even flights from San Diego to Manila.

Some routes are obviously considered more of a threat than others, so these are generally the routes where you will find that security is greater. 9/11 most dramitically changed how the cabin functions. In years gone by children may have been permitted to go up to the cockpit and meet the pilots and see how the flights is being flown and have the various devices that pilots use explained. Sadly this practice has now ended as it is to much of a liability to allow anyone the chance to be able to take control of the airport.

You may think that flights from Philadelphia to Charlotte Amalie would not be any reason to fear. It's a domestic flight that isn't travelling a great distance. But since 9/11 all precautions are being taken and even these sort of flights are likely to have sky marshalls undercover, ensuring security for all.