pjs
Sep 18, 01, 8:11 am
I wouldn't normally write about my usual weekly trip to ATL, but given the new procedures in place, I thought I should share how PBI is reacting.
I got to the airport at 5:10AM for my 7:00AM departure, about an hour earlier than usual. FYI, Short-term parking is closed indefinitely because it is attached to the terminal building. I went to my usual row in long-term parking and was able to get a spot much closer to the terminal than usual due to the lower passenger loads. I didn't notice any extra security near or in the parking lot. I walked to the Delta counter and there were 2-3 people in both the regular and medallion lines. To my surprise, I was offered a seat on the 5:30AM flight. I noticed a sign behind the check-in counter that said 'All flights close 20 minutes before departure'. I looked at my watch and it was 15 minutes until this flight departed. The agent assured me that I could get on the flight and that there were first class seats available. I picked up my coach boarding pass and she said they would have my first class BP at the gate.
I walked to security and the only change is that it is roped off to allow only one entrance to the 3 scanners. There were 2 people checking ID's at the entrance. I noticed that one was a DL gate agent and one was part of the usual crack security team. I was asked to have my computer bag examined and the 97 year old security 'expert' looked in every pocket of the bag although he didn't ask me to turn on the PC. I had a disposable razor in my suitcase, but they didn't ask to search that bag.
When I got to the gate, the agent had my FC boarding pass waiting for me and I walked right on. There were about 4 empty seats in FC and about 20 people total in coach on this MD88. The flight proceeded without incident, including a breakfast service of cereal and croissant. When we got to Atlanta, I was surprised (although not really) to see the concourse so empty, especially at such a busy time of day (7AM). I've been there at every conceivable hour and/or day of the week and never seen it so quiet.
If anything unusual happens on my return this Friday I'll post another report.
I got to the airport at 5:10AM for my 7:00AM departure, about an hour earlier than usual. FYI, Short-term parking is closed indefinitely because it is attached to the terminal building. I went to my usual row in long-term parking and was able to get a spot much closer to the terminal than usual due to the lower passenger loads. I didn't notice any extra security near or in the parking lot. I walked to the Delta counter and there were 2-3 people in both the regular and medallion lines. To my surprise, I was offered a seat on the 5:30AM flight. I noticed a sign behind the check-in counter that said 'All flights close 20 minutes before departure'. I looked at my watch and it was 15 minutes until this flight departed. The agent assured me that I could get on the flight and that there were first class seats available. I picked up my coach boarding pass and she said they would have my first class BP at the gate.
I walked to security and the only change is that it is roped off to allow only one entrance to the 3 scanners. There were 2 people checking ID's at the entrance. I noticed that one was a DL gate agent and one was part of the usual crack security team. I was asked to have my computer bag examined and the 97 year old security 'expert' looked in every pocket of the bag although he didn't ask me to turn on the PC. I had a disposable razor in my suitcase, but they didn't ask to search that bag.
When I got to the gate, the agent had my FC boarding pass waiting for me and I walked right on. There were about 4 empty seats in FC and about 20 people total in coach on this MD88. The flight proceeded without incident, including a breakfast service of cereal and croissant. When we got to Atlanta, I was surprised (although not really) to see the concourse so empty, especially at such a busy time of day (7AM). I've been there at every conceivable hour and/or day of the week and never seen it so quiet.
If anything unusual happens on my return this Friday I'll post another report.