The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001 significantly changed air travel and airport security in the US and the world over.
Cockpits were easier for passengers to access, with flight attendants often encouraging children to visit mid-flight. In light of the hijacking, however, the US’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated that airlines install bullet-resistant cockpit doors. Cockpit visits before takeoff or after landing are still possible on some airlines but up to the pilot’s discretion. the American public largely perceived a greater risk associated with flying While some of this was caused by businesses freezing all non-essential air travel.
By April 2003, all airlines had satisfied this rule. The US aviation industry experienced a sharp drop in passengers of roughly 30% after 9/11. Airline revenue was decimated and mass layoffs took place—United Airlines filed for bankruptcy in December 2002. The industry didn’t recover until at least 2005.
