Do you recall what you were doing on September 11th, 2001? It’s a vivid memory for this flight attendant:
I was looking forward to a fairly easy 3 leg day to Northern California. Texas had been hot all summer and I couldn’t wait for cooler temperatures. I didn’t get much farther than the first leg of my trip and never left the state.
After landing in LBB (Lubbock, TX) I noticed that we sat on the ground for quite a bit of time. All we heard at moment was that there was a ground stop.
“It was a nationwide ground stop”
Not uncommon, happens all the time do to weather, air traffic control issues; But we were in West Texas on a clear hot sunny day with the nearest airport 300 miles away.
Photo: Soumya Ranjan_Pexels
Soon after, we heard it was a nationwide ground stop and all passengers were asked to deplane the aircraft. It was then when we heard about a plane crash.
My Crew, 3 Flight Attendants and 2 Pilots, headed down to the operational offices to find out what was going on. That’s where I heard Peter Jennings describe what happened in New York City. Moments later I saw the second plane crash into the second tower at the World Trade Center. It was then that the seriousness hit like a ton of bricks.
“While we all may work for different airlines, there is a strong connection amongst those in the industry.”
I excused myself from the room, sat in the hallway and said a prayer. My immediate thoughts went to my brothers and sisters in aviation who perished that day. While we all may work for different airlines, there is a strong connection amongst those in the industry.
The days that followed were much like everyone else’s across the country – stunned, confused and filled with grief. Some of us were stranded away from home with nothing to do but watch the endless commentary about the 9/11 attacks.
The question has been asked, “Why did you keep flying?” I had only been flying for 3 years and it is the best job in the whole world; I still feel that way today. I didn’t have the fear or anxiety that some suffered coming back to work.
For me the inside of the cabin felt like one of the most comfortable places on earth.
This piece was supposed to be about what I remembered about that tragic day. To be honest that day is still a bit foggy. What stands out for me are the days and weeks after. I remember flying over New York City weeks later and still seeing the smoke rising from the World Trade Center. I remember the gatherings and vigils held. I remember the sadness that united America as one.
– Anyonymous Flight Attendant –
