CA, US & World
How 9/11 Changed Air Travel and Airport Security 25 Years Later
For millions of Americans who travel by air each year, the security process at airports has become a familiar part of the journey. But much of today's system did not exist before September 11, 2001.
The terrorist attacks 25 years ago transformed commercial aviation security, bringing new screening procedures, federal oversight and security responsibilities for passengers and airline employees.
Two months after the attacks, Congress created the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA. The agency has since grown to more than 60,000 employees and operates under standardized security procedures at hundreds of airports across the country.
Aviation security consultant Jeff Price says the difference between flying before and after 9/11 is difficult to overstate.
“I think the first thing is anybody born post 9/11 would not recognize pre-9/11 security.”
Among the major changes were mandatory security screening for passengers and checked luggage, expanded use of identification requirements and the continued use of federal terrorism watch lists.
The Federal Air Marshal Service also expanded significantly. Before 9/11, the program had only a few hundred officers. Today, several thousand federal air marshals work to protect the nation's aviation system.
Cockpit security also changed dramatically. Commercial aircraft were equipped with reinforced cockpit doors designed to resist forced entry and withstand ballistic and explosive threats.
The role of flight attendants evolved as well. Crews have increasingly received training to respond to unruly or violent passengers, a concern that became particularly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Passengers themselves are now considered another layer of aviation security.
Former FAA and NTSB investigator Jeff Guzzetti says travelers have become more alert to unusual behavior aboard aircraft.
“Passengers are now very wary of other passengers that may be acting erratically,” Guzzetti said. “I think, in general, the flying public is readily more able to react more quickly.”
There has not been another successful hijacking of a commercial aircraft in the United States since the September 11 attacks. But attempted attacks, including the 2001 shoe bombing attempt and the 2009 underwear bombing attempt, have continued to influence aviation security.
After 25 years without another hijacking in the United States, aviation security experts say complacency remains a concern.
Price says the absence of another major attack should not lead travelers or the aviation industry to assume the threat has disappeared.
“Complacency is probably our most dangerous opponent right now,” Price said. “Simply because nothing has happened in 25 years doesn't mean something couldn't happen in the next 25 years.”
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 11, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1 Silias Bloodworth with the scoop and score, 2) Eusebio Gallo with the kickoff touchdown, 3) Keymorie Rogers with the throw on the run, 4) Damian Durinzi with the rushing TD, or 5) Mario Gallo with the dot towards the endzone #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
Hundreds gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” rally, protesting President Donald Trump’s handling of the performing arts center. The demonstration came after the Kennedy Center board voted to close the facility for repairs and amid an ongoing dispute over the center’s future. Actress and singer Lynda Carter was among those who addressed the crowd. apnews.com Watch the latest video on NBC Palm Springs.
Alice B. has announced it’s closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings