By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – A year of post-September 11th analysis has brought about much change in how we live as Americans. Heightened awareness and security have become almost routine throughout the public and private sector. Some of the most dramatic changes are taking place in the aviation industry.
Three years ago, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority offered WBFO a full tour of Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The revealing visit, guided by one of the airport's top NFTA officers, provided a behind the scenes glimpse into the airport's strict access and security procedures. But today, no one is showing or telling anything.
The mood here is serious. Everyone, from the security screeners to the passengers appear to be afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing. Post 9/11, all airport communication matters are offically handled by NFTA spokesman Douglas Hartmayer. Hartmayer says nervousness is understandable given the increased security and scrutiny.
"In some cases, certain sectors within the aviation industry have become very sensitive, obviously, about going public with things that they are doing or aren't doing, and maybe have taken a guarded position, if you will," he said.
And just what is being done? As anyone who's flown since 9/11 knows, quite a lot. From reinforced cockpit doors to the advent of federal security screeners, the routines have all changed.
Passengers now arrive about two hours before their flights to begin the check in process. Inside the terminal, people line up, obediently following new rules and tolerating sometimes invasive inspections. Hartmayer says people now accept this is as the norm.
"I would say 99.9 percent of the customers understand the reasons for the increased security, obviously, and look at it as just a further means to protect their security, to protect the security of the airport, the airlines and the employees that are working for the airlines and at the airport," he said.
Patience does seem to be in good supply. On this visit, a zig zag of passengers is lined up between ropes at the far end of the concourse, waiting for their turn through the security check-point. But the position of that check-point has cost some concessionaires to lose patience.
George has been the airport barber for about 34 years. As you can hear, he's friendly, always willing to share a cup of coffee and a welcoming smile. But George says fewer people come in to visit him these days. His shop, along with a hand full of food and gift shops, is located in the concourse -- before the security point of no return. And George says that's cost him about a third of his business.
"Well, you know the customers, in the morning, everybody is anxious to get in (through the security check-point)," George said. "So, once they get in, they don't come back."
And George says he's lost the business of family members who once came along to meet or see a loved one off on a flight. Only ticketed passengers are allowed past the security check. So, gone are the prolonged airport visits -- the teary reunions and goodbyes, standing at the gate waving as the plane touched down or taxied out of sight. Hartmayer says the beautifully redesigned airport now stands largely as a relic of a by-gone time.
"It was designed as a truly meet and greet airport, with large windows and with what we call the observation area, which now only ticketed passengers can get to," said Hartmayer. "That's the way it is, unfortunately. And yes, it's kind of a sad turn of events."
For musicians, the new rules pose special challenges. Paul Bresciani plays the double bass for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Bresciani says he's accustomed to airport hassles over his conspicuos instrument, even before 9/11. Now, he says he welcomes the added security. But a recent trip to Italy left him concerned about the consistency of aviation standards.
"Leaving Buffalo, the security was incredibly tight. They searched every stitch of bag, and bass, and music, you name it, they went through it. And it was actually quite reassuring," said Bresciani. "But on the way back, they searched nothing. They looked it up on the computer, and said contra basso, punched it up and in it went -- nobody searched anything. That was disconcerting."
The more relaxed rules have left many people uncomfortable, particularly as dark clouds decend over the anniversary of 9/11. Gone are the National Guard troops, with their imposing M-16 rifles. Airline attendents no longer ask if anyone else has handled your bag. And car inspections at short term parking have been eliminated. Building modifications reduced the security risk -- and allowed the NFTA to start recouping lost parking revenues. The total financial impact for the airport -- in lost revenues, added security and insurance -- stands at about $4 million. And with two airlines already declared, more are taxiing toward bankruptcy every day.
Passenger traffic in Buffalo has dropped about 25 percent. The NFTA's Doug Hartmayer says the challenge is reaching a balance between security and convenience -- to help encourage people to return to the air.
"People will arrive at a comfort level to use airports again, to fly again at various levels," said Hartmayer. "Some people have reached it already, and some haven't, but that's a very personal decision."
In November, the federal Transportation Safety Administration takes over security screening at the airport. It's hoped that the higher paid, better trained professional screeners will also reassure passengers. But with the searing images of last year's airplane attacks, the feeling of complete security may be a distant memory.