Flyertalkers of color: your recent flight experience?
 

I've admittedly lost some sleep and time I could have wasted more effectively playing Internet games http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif worrying about my upcoming flight this Friday. Not worrying particularly about security or being hijacked (I'll leave that to my wife, who's always been more of a reluctant flier, being dragged along by her frequent flier husband) but of what 'may' happen because I'm of South Asian descent...

So without all the arguments on the 'other' threads about whether it's right or wrong to profile or throw people off planes or whatever, I'd just like to hear folks experiences on different airlines out of different airports. Anything of note will be appreciated to help either confirm or deny my personal paranoia http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks and good luck to all flyertalkers, color or not (especially you transparent Americans of no color <Grin> )

My husband flew to Japan last week on United - no problems, just extra security at the SFO airport. He is from India.

I was worried a little too - since he has a beard.

take care
alka

You don't say where you are flying to, like, international or not?

Coming back, just a few days ago, through BKK, then HKG, I couldn't have seen more, uh, terrorist-looking people (sorry if that isn't the most PC way to say it) if I tried. The Dubai flight was at the gate next to mine in BKK but, still, even in HKG no one was bothered by such foreigners.

Those connecting to LAX, all 6 of us, were the ones treated uniquely as they rushed us through HKG airport, with a personal escort, to our connecting flight. And, once there, I have never had a GA so anxious to shove me on a plane.

I like to be the last one onboard. It almost didn't happen because I was rushed by a gate agent, and they had extra there, while I was still seated! Get on the flight, get on the flight. I was, like, give me a break.

My jetlagged point is, if you are going international, you will be part of the majority. And, if you're domestic, if you get hassled, it seems you can easily sue.

In fact, if you encounter any problems at all, I would call over a security person to take a FULL report, even if they don't want to, making sure to note the names of those involved, both against you and witnesses. I can't think of a climate where you would have a better case. Its just up to you to get all the details recorded.

Cheery, huh. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif Sorry you have to go through this. But, don't worry. I'm sure all FTers who read this will be thinking of you and wishing you a comfortable journey. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I've flown sixteen segments (all domestic and all on CO) since flights have resumed after the 9/11 attacks.

Here is how I rate it on a scale of one to ten (ten as being the best experience)

Airports in gen'l and Check in: Although it varies by airport (some are much more stringent than others) its been very good, lines not that bad and counter people and security very friendly and understanding, even the people in line are being much more friendly I do arrive 100 to 120 minutes early for my check ins. You got to love this new rule about ticketed pax only past security. It makes it so much easier to board and de-plane without a bunch on non-pax crowding the door and taking all the seats in the gate area. Same for the Prez Club. (8 out of 10)

Flights: Approximately 2/3 full overall, F is anywhere from 50% to 100% full. For example my IAH-IAD on Sat had 4 of 10 seats in F occupied and one was a non rev FA. (tough to rate, its great to be on an empty plane yet I feel bad that they are empty, its catch 22)

Ontime factor: All segments on time or early, simply amazing (10)

Food: (unchanged) but I'm lucky to still get food

Crew: AWESOME all the way around. Great communication, great service, great attitudes, it makes you really respect them now. (10)

Baggage: Some things never change, although with lighter loads, it does come out a bit faster. One good note, i never lost anything, (7)

In short, flying IMHO so safe now that I do not have any concerns about flying at all. This includes flying with pax of middle eastern descent which some members of this board have a huge paranoia about.

good luck and enjoy your flight

I only have a sample of one round trip (ORD-LAX-ORD). I do look like someone that will fit the profile and I even have a beard. Before my flights everyone that knew I was about to fly suggested that I should at least shave my bread off or cancel my flight (it was a "fun" trip planed long ago). I refused to shave my beard, or cancel the trip, on principle (I'm not going to let a few evil people impact my life, at least as much as I can help it).

I had anticipated to be heavily questioned and searched. I had no problems, as far as I was concerned it was even easier (except for the LAX Lot-B deal) than before (less people in the airport and almost everyone was extremely nice). I was flight on UA and I'm a 2P, I'm not sure if that had anything to do with why I wasn't questioned or searched.

Good luck,


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Sagy

Thanks for the responses. I kind of figured that the reports of problems were pretty rare, but you know how it is -- the one flight that has such an incident is covered over and over again, and the thousands that don't you hear little about.

As per my own upcoming trip, it's a short hop from home to Atlanta to visit my sister-in-law. I know I've been making myself sick worrying, and really with no point. I've been out and about after a little bit of self-imposed home arrest with no problems, so I'm 'coming out of my shell' so to speak, slowly.

Well anyway thanks for the feedback!

I (swiss, 'white', being in a minority of about 5% to 95 %Thai people) was treated with all possible max courtesy on all my inner-Thailand flights on Thai Airways to/from Surat Thani etc;

I didn't feel discriminated at all.

I love Thailand and Thais - all smiles - all perfect hosts!

Since this is MilesBuzz, I've received frequent flyer miles on my recent flights.

For the first time in a long time, my passport was not scrutinized and I was not asked about my relatives and friends in Iran. It was sort of amazing really, Passport control and AA/TWA pre-screeners were remarkably mellow. I wonder how my short FRA trip for miles will make the security screeners react.

I hold an american passport, I am an american citizen, I just come from a "terrorist" country. Sigh.

lala

pitflyer,

Just identify yourself as a FLYERTALKER. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

(talk about profiling!) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Dan

TrojanHorse

You left out one thing new about LAX, no one hitting us up for donations to "worthy" causes! I had gotten that you couldn't walk 100 feet without someone putting a bucket in your face.