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?
Thanks for sharing. . NEVER FORGET
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.
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.