Interesting email I received from a friend whose family flew yesterday, gotta re

As my daughter and son-in-law took a flight this evening
cross-country, with one change of plane...I thought I'd share this story with you. A few of you might find this story interesting and you might want to share it with other travelers.

Love, Lill


THIS IS VERY INFORMATIVE FOR ALL TRAVELLERS...PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ AND PASS ON TO ALL FRIENDS AND CLIENTS WHO TRAVEL... BEST WISHES

True flight announcement

I just wanted to drop you all a note and let you know that I arrived safe and sound into Dulles Airport tonight at about 6:00. It was an interesting flight. The airport in Denver was almost spooky, it was so empty and quiet.

No one was in line for the security check point when I got there so that went fairly quickly, just x-ray of my bags and then a chemical test to be sure nothing explosive was on them. Then I waited 2 1/2 hours to board the plane. What happened after we boarded was interesting and thought I would share it with you.

The pilot/captain came on the loudspeaker after the doors were closed. His speech went like this:

First I want to thank you for being brave enough to fly today. The doors are now closed and we have no help from the outside for any problems that might occur inside this plane. As you could tell when you checked in, the government has made some changes to increase security in the airports. They have not, however, made any rules
about what happens after those doors close. Until they do that, we have made our own rules and I want to share them with you. Once those doors close, we only have each other. The security has taken care of a threat like guns with all of the increased scanning, etc. Then we have the supposed bomb. If you have a bomb, there is no need to tell me about it, or anyone else on this plane; you are already in control.

So, for this flight, there are no bombs that exist on this plane. Now, the threats that are left are things like plastics, wood, knives, and other weapons that can be made or things like that which can be used as weapons. Here is our plan and our rules. If someone or several people stand up and say they are hijacking this plane, I want you all to stand up together. Then take whatever you have available
to you and throw it at them. Throw it at their faces and heads so they will have to raise their hands to protect themselves. The very best protection you have against knives are the pillows and blankets.

Whoever is close to these people should then try to get a blanket over their head--then they won't be able to see. Once that is done, get them down and keep them there. Do not let them up. I will then land the plane at the closest place and we WILL take care of them.

After all, there are usually only a few of them and we are 200+ strong! We will not allow them to take over this plane. I find it interesting that the US Constitution begins with the words "We, the people"--that's who we are, THE people and we will not be defeated.

With that, the passengers on the plane all began to applaud, people had tears in their eyes, and we began the trip toward the runway.

The flight attendant then began the safety speech. One of the things she said is that we are all so busy and live our lives at such a fast pace. She asked that everyone turn to their neighbors on either side and introduce themselves, tell each other something about your families and children, show pictures, whatever. She said "for today, we consider you family. We will treat you as such and ask that you do
the same with us."

Throughout the flight we learned that for the crew, this was their first flight since Tuesday's tragedies. It was a day that everyone leaned on each other and together everyone was stronger than any one person alone. It was quite an experience.

You can imagine the feeling when that plane touched down at Dulles and we heard "welcome to Washington Dulles Airport, where the local time is 5:40". Again, the cabin was filled with applause.

Wow...I'm headed to Ireland in two weeks...thanks for sharing! Dee

Wow - that is wonderful. I know some of the captain's speech was probably given to him by the airline company, but who cares...It spelled things out well and armed each person on that plane with knowledge and peace of mind. That's just wonderful!

I was very moved by this and will share it with my family and friends. My DH and I returned to NYC from Paris a wk after the tragic events on American Airlines. No annoucements of this type were made. I think the pilot of that plane was an caring and wonderful person. I feel
more empowered and more comfortable about flying in the future.
Thank you for sharing this valuable and touching story.

SandyR

Well, sorry but I did not feel at ease reading this and remember we all read things differently. The following made me feel very uncomfortable:-

The doors are now closed and we have no help from the outside for any problems that might occur inside this plane. (That's a bit scary - true maybe, but scary)

They have not, however, made any rules
about what happens after those doors close. (Why not???)

Then we have the supposed bomb. If you have a bomb, there is no need to tell me about it, or anyone else on this plane; you are already in control. (How come the bomb was not detected by security at the airport and why would the pilot not want to hear about it????).

Whoever is close to these people should then try to get a blanket over their head--then they won't be able to see. Once that is done, get them down and keep them there. Do not let them up. (Easy said!! Takes a brave person to tackle a crazed terrorist! Yes, there were brave men aboard the plane that crashed in Philadelphia)

After all, there are usually only a few of them and we are 200+ strong (All it takes is a few, or one).

I am going to be travelling within the next few weeks and I really don't think I want to hear these words on my flight. However, I did agree with the rest of it and found it heart-warming. Which airways was this - don't think I want to travel with them - sorry friends - this is my opinion!!

That is fantastic. No one should let fear keep them from flying! Our whole economy is going down the tube because of fear. We have to get back to trusting our airline industry.....as Churchhill said,
"We have nothing to fear, but fear itself"!

"eyes"

I thought it was an excellent message and understand it's been on the radio as well. Don't know where it originated but there's plenty of common sense in there.

Louisa I suggest you stay home and let the rest of us fly.

I thought it was an excellent message and understand it's been on the radio as well. Don't know where it originated but there's plenty of common sense in there.

Rosie - I didn't say I was frightened to fly - been doing it all my life. You see, here again the point has been missed. I happened to disagree with some of the post - but the general tone was comforting, especially the efforts of the crew to make everyone get to know each other and make them feel at ease. The announcement by the captain was probably drawn up by the airlines and not his personal message. I am flying to England and then Germany next month as it happens to be with my daughter when she has her baby and to see my 87 year old mother and nothing is going to keep me from getting to them. Please don't misunderstand the point I was trying to make and I am allowed to make them you know. Remarks like this :-" Louisa I suggest you stay home and let the rest of us fly ........." was not a very nice thing to say. I didn't attack you in any way shape or form and my friends here at DG will tell you the same!! Don't let's start another controversial issue over this - there has been enough already. God bless and peace!!

This message was edited Saturday, Sep 22nd 4:03 PM

((((((((((((louisa)))))))))))) and don't worry, when you do fly, you are leaving alot of us here who will be praying for you.
I had the same thoughts about the bomb comment, I know this message is meant to make us feel better, but think that was a touch off.

Thanks tig - That meant a lot to me!! You know that I am a peaceable type of person - would never stir a hornet's nest...lol!! God knows we need to support our airlines and their wonderful crews - life for them must be a nightmare - such a responsibility!!

And Rosie, your post was well meant and well taken - it was some of the airline's instructions I found a little hard to swallow. However, they have had such little time to perfect the 'imperfections' and are obviously doing their very best :-)

((((((((((((((((louisa)))))))))))))))) I had to give you one, too! Everyone handles things differently. I got goosebumps when I read it 'cause I felt like the captain was empowering the passengers ~ telling them that they could save themselves and how to do it. I am a hardheaded Aries, so would welcome a statement like that from the captain because I would know that there would be someone to tackle them while I'm throwing pillows (I'm not THAT brave! LOL!). The mention of a bomb didn't really bother me, but I can see how it would bother someone else. Or then, maybe I took the whole thing pretty well because I know I'm never going to hear it? I have a serious fear of flying and I'm NOT getting my fat butt that far off the ground! LOLOL!

Wingnut, hugs back!! I can understand your feelings but I can't believe you have a fat butt...lol! Seriously though fear is a horrible thing! My family and I have already had close encounters with terrorism and violence - some pretty horrific moments in fact. I really don't relish facing it again. You have to have faith that all will be well and not dwell on what might happen. About your fear of flying - have you thought of attending a short seminar on exactly that subject? I believe you get to go on a simulated flight - just a thought!!

I think if I knew I was going to be getting on a plane soon, and flying to two different countries, I might be a bit bothered by a few of those statements too. Most of what was said would be comforting, especially if I was just going to another state (which wasn't so safe last week). But with things uncertain like they are at the time, flying out of the country, not only to one other country, but two, I would want to consider long and hard, what is being said and done for todays security. I have heard it said, that they are now putting Marshalls on the planes, but they also stated it would take awhile to put a Marshall on every flight. It doesn't sound like one was on that flight, or at least they did not say so. I don't think people should stop flying and I don't think they can. Too many businesses rely on it and too many jobs will be lost if we don't fly, and jobs are already being lost. I can understand all points on things these days, even if I don't agree with them. :) Let's all try to be happy. Louisa, my prayers will be on your flights with you. ((((LOUISA))))
Respectfully,
Michele

At the moment I have no fear, only Faith. Michele, you are a peacemaker and that's the greatest gift any of us could have. Rosie, I'm sorry if my post upset you, really I am - as I said before, my remarks were directed at the airline, not you.

I heard Paul Harvey speak of this on the the radio and I found it comforting too. It makes me wonder how many hijackings in the past would not have occurred if people would have stood together.

Rosie:
Looks like you tried to change the message and clicked on Send instead of Preview the second time. What you could have done was after your first message was posted was to 'edit' it. If you look at the post after it's posted, under your name is an "Edit" to click on if you need to change anything.

Everyone else: I don't think Rosie meant to post the end part of her message. Otherwise, why would there be two almost exact messages.

Louise: (((((((you))))))

well you all have valid points guys! I understand where you are coming from but most of all???

I am with you wingnut.... my fat bum is going NOWHERE! hahah

lauraX

What we need is a few well placed stun guns on the plane...for use by the crew. At least there'd be some chance of stopping hijackers. But, if there's someone brave enough to get out of their seat and fight for us, I'll be very proud of that person.

Friends of ours took a coast to coast flight recently and said there were sky marshalls on the plane and they felt very safe.

You're exactly correct GrannyLois, I meant to delete it. Thank you.

No problem Louisa, everyone is stressed right now. We're all allowed to be boneheads once in a while (or so my kids tell me). So we're both one for one, lol.

(((((Louisa)))))

Must interject a mis quote,sorry "eyes" I'm a history buff'

First Inaugural Address March 4,1933
Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

I watched Larry King tonight and he had a lady that was on a highjacked plane a few years ago (was shot in the head and thrown out on the tamarack). She said there had been FOUR sky marshalls on that plane, so.......I think any sky marshalls we have in the future will be more altert to danger, as we are ourselves, more aware now. Jo

Wow,that's frightening'Seems like I remember back when that happened but didn't know she lived' We can't take anything for granted anymore,especially our safety' Sis'

Funny thing - I feel a real sense of calm lately - but never did feel fear!! Just heard on the news that two trains crashed head on near my daughter's village. Had we planned our trip to Germany with the first option that was open to us, this is the town and track and similar train we would have been using!! That felt a bit spooky!! There but for the Grace of God :-)