In just a few days it’ll be September 11, 2026, which is also the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It’s wild how that was 25 years ago (I realize a whole generation of younger people weren’t even around then), and it’s also an incredibly somber occasion.
I’ve flown on September 11 many times over the years, without thinking twice about it. This year is different, and I intentionally planned my travel to avoid it. I’m by no means suggesting this is rational — quite to the contrary, I recognize it’s irrational — but I can’t help but feel more comfortable skipping US airports on that day this year.
In this post:
I’m intentionally avoiding flying on September 11 this year
As mentioned above, I’ve flown on September 11 many times in the past, and it’s mostly a day like any other from a travel perspective. I’ve seen some “moments of silence” in the terminal to commemorate the timing of the planes hitting the Twin Towers, and there’s definitely more of a solemn vibe, but that’s about it.
I’m jetting off later this week on a quick review trip, and I was about to ticket my outbound flight for September 11, without thinking much of it. However, something made me feel a bit uneasy about it, for a reason I can’t easily put into words.
I say that as someone who typically puts zero thought into airline safety, and who is willing to fly virtually any airline. I tend to think that even the unsafest airline is safer than the car ride to and from the airport, so I try to be rational in that sense.
I certainly don’t want to put any bad energy out there, and it’s not like I have any inside information (so don’t come knocking on my door, FBI), but let me explain my general thought process. It’s obviously the 25th anniversary of 9/11, a major milestone. On top of that, the United States is more or less at war with Iran.
While we haven’t seen any major attacks involving airplanes in decades, we also know there are quite a few vulnerabilities in the system. I tend to think the lack of attacks comes down to a combination of good high level intelligence, plus a lack of actual intent to plan such an attack. I mean, I don’t think anyone believes that all of our checked bags or carry-ons are being screened with anywhere close to 100% accuracy.
Again, let me be very clear — it’s not that I actually think anything bad will happen, and I certainly hope it doesn’t. It’s just that I’m a little uneasy for some reason, because I figure this is about a “high risk” of a 9/11 anniversary as we’ve seen. The irrational side of my brain looked at a ticket I was about to book, and said “meh, let me just push it back by a day.” Maybe I’m also just becoming a bit more timid, now that I’m a dad of two.
Every traveler should do what gives them peace of mind
Obviously the biggest thing that comes to mind with 9/11 is the immeasurable loss and tragedy that so many families faced. I don’t in any way want to make this about me, because me having a weird feeling flying on a certain day shouldn’t really matter to anyone else.
But I do think this gets at a bigger point. Often people will ask me whether a certain airline or destination are safe. As I see it, there are two aspects to this. First, is the experience objectively safe based on data? Second, does the experience make you feel uneasy for whatever reason, even if you can’t explain it?
When I fly a seemingly “random” airline, some people are concerned that might be unsafe, due to lack of familiarity. That concern is fair, but it’s not something I even think about, because I’d like to think I’m rational about that. At the same time, I think it’s important to emphasize that everyone should travel in a way that makes them comfortable.
If flying a certain airline makes you uncomfortable or scared, then there’s no reason to subject yourself to that. We can all set our own boundaries on things, and I think that’s totally fair.
I can be quirky in this way, I have to admit. As I’ve covered before, a bit over a decade ago I checked into a fairly new hotel in Abu Dhabi, and something about the room just felt off. I just didn’t feel comfortable staying in the room, and I wasn’t sure why.
So I went to the front desk and asked if I could get a different room. It’s kind of hard to make that request without sounding a little nuts, but hey, if you don’t feel comfortable staying somewhere, it’s better to raise a concern early.
Bottom line
September 11, 2026, is the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. While I’ve traveled on September 11 many times over the years, for some reason this year is different. It’s the first time I’ve ever given a second thought to seeing September 11 on a flight itinerary, and I decided to just push things back by a day.
I don’t claim it’s rational, but somehow it gives me more comfort. And I say that as someone who has flown millions and millions of miles, and who doesn’t really get spooked in any way by air travel…
Anyone else adjusting travels based on 9/11 this year? Either avoiding it, or maybe intentionally booking it, in hopes of airports being a bit quieter?
I won't NOT FLY due to possibility of terrorist activity, but i WON'T fly on 9/11:
- I was flying on 9/11/01
- I has a coworker die on the jet that crashed into the field
- I had several close friends working in the Pentagon when it was hit
- Muslim extremist groups DO like to choose the anniversary of an event to make their statement (look at the Bengazi attack.......
I won't NOT FLY due to possibility of terrorist activity, but i WON'T fly on 9/11:
- I was flying on 9/11/01
- I has a coworker die on the jet that crashed into the field
- I had several close friends working in the Pentagon when it was hit
- Muslim extremist groups DO like to choose the anniversary of an event to make their statement (look at the Bengazi attack.... it was going to happen.... but the date was intentional)
Not flying at all would let the bad guys win.
Not flying on the 11th is purely out of remembrance AND caution
I definitely don't have a problem with this, and I'm certainly aware that it's a solemn anniversary, but, that being said, I just don't see any way that a similar terrorist attack could happen again. If there were one, it likely wouldn't involve hijacking oneself into the cockpit of an airliner.
I'm not flying anywhere because I'll be at a hospital getting a scan of my thyroid. At least I'll be in the right place if something goes wrong.
Hope it goes well.
I was living in Manhattan at the time. Not only the event but what it did to the airline industry for years afterwards. I will be flying. A big F U to those that hate this country, including the mayor who despite asking not to be there will make his presence known.
"A big F U to those that hate this country, including the mayor who despite asking not to be there will make his presence known."
Would you like a tissue, snowflake?
He's the mayor of New York City. Just because a bunch of racists don't like him or don't want him to be visible (If they don't see him, he doesn't exist? Sounds like a case for Schrodinger.) doesn't mean he doesn't exist or shouldn't be a part of 9/11 memorials.
Cry some more.
He was told by the widows that his presence was not wanted. I guess according to you their wishes should not be honored. He's a spoiled grifter that likes playing King.
I remember living in NYC during the late 90s and through the 00s. No craziness on the subway. The few homeless you would see were docile. I'd think nothing of walking home late at night. People were proud of how low crime was...
He was told by the widows that his presence was not wanted. I guess according to you their wishes should not be honored. He's a spoiled grifter that likes playing King.
I remember living in NYC during the late 90s and through the 00s. No craziness on the subway. The few homeless you would see were docile. I'd think nothing of walking home late at night. People were proud of how low crime was in the city and how livable it became and that the belief all cities would be crime ridden was a myth. But then again people like you desire total chaos.
Thanks for sharing. . NEVER FORGET
Forget what?
This is how the terrorists win.
And unfortunately it worked.
All good, Ben. No one should feel pressured to travel. It's often a privilege, and we shouldn't take our safety (and health, mental and physical) for granted. Personally, was not in NYC during 9/11 (thankfully), but have lived here, on and off, nearly 10 years; witnessed the rebirth of Downtown, including the new WTC complex (in fact, they just started the new 2 WTC, which will be the new Amex HQ; still waiting on the...
All good, Ben. No one should feel pressured to travel. It's often a privilege, and we shouldn't take our safety (and health, mental and physical) for granted. Personally, was not in NYC during 9/11 (thankfully), but have lived here, on and off, nearly 10 years; witnessed the rebirth of Downtown, including the new WTC complex (in fact, they just started the new 2 WTC, which will be the new Amex HQ; still waiting on the new 5 WTC, which should be residential). If you haven't been, highly recommend the Memorial and museum during your next visit to NYC; the Perelman Performing Arts Center is also excellent. Folks, try to be respectful. Take care out there, everyone!
I have a work trip to Germany and will be flying on 9/11. I had not even thought about it from a safety standpoint. Nor will I. The reality is that anything can happen at anytime...that is the only rational conclusion. As well, if you're a terrorist, I highly doubt you want to pick such an obvious day when of course security will be tightened.
Here's the thing, while we could have terrorist attacks, airline cockpit doors can no longer be forced open the way they were 25 years prior. Enjoy your flight to Germany!
Wouldn't have stopped me if my plans happened to overlap, but I kinda sorta get it.
Anyways, even *if*, the odds of being caught up in anything are too slim to bother trying to avoid.
So what makes 25th so different?
Or are you avoiding every 9/11 from now on?
I have multiple flights on 9/11 this year.
I didn't even notice it was 9/11 when I booked them.
As you say, to each their own. Although I think a Kenya Airways E190 from Nairobi to Nampula is unlikely to be a target of anything.
@ Sean M. -- Hah! For the record, this is intended to be US specific, which I didn't do a good job clarifying. I wouldn't think twice about booking a non-US airline outside the US.