REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK -- Paul Clinton

Joining other shellshocked travelers on a United Airlines flight --

less than two weeks after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks -- wasn’t the

most calming experience.

On the morning of Sept. 20, my fiancee and I boarded Flight 112 to

Chicago’s O’Hare International as the first leg of a trip to Pittsburgh.

Los Angeles International was an eerie place on that Thursday, with

the nearly empty buses running from the remote parking lots.

Walking into the terminal, we instantly spotted long, snaking lines at

the United ticket counters. The identification protocol at check-in was

the same, but the mood of the woman who checked us in was somewhere

between mild stupor and barely concealed irritation.

Of course, considering what happened Sept. 11, it was to be expected.

It must have been tough, in those early days after the attack, for

airline workers to put on a brave face at work.

Our first brush with the heightened airport security, the result of

new rules imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration, came as we

headed through what has become widely known as the “screening area.”

One of the screeners -- wearing the familiar navy blue jacket, white

shirt and blue tie -- pulled my fiancee aside after her backpack went

through the X-ray machine.

What appeared to be nail clippers on one of the monitors resulted in

an elaborate search of her bags. They found nothing, but the

dressing-down was, strangely, a relief.

Our nerves were jumping as we boarded the flight, which was less than

half full.

Apparently, we weren’t the only ones coping with flying. An older guy

sitting next to me was an absolute wreck -- his 80-proof breath and

twitching hands a clear sign of his discomfort.

And it was impossible to notice passengers shooting nervous glances

around the plane, scoping out who was on board.

Though I believe flying is as safe, if not safer, than any other form

of transportation, it was impossible not to feel some anxiety. As the

plane skidded safely to a stop in Chicago, almost 4 1/2 hours later, my

confidence began to be restored.

After three more flights, to Pittsburgh and back to Chicago and Los

Angeles three days later, I was feeling nearly as comfortable about

flying as I did before Sept. 11. Of course, the memory of the horror of

Sept. 11 will always be in my mind.

* Paul Clinton covers the environment and John Wayne Airport. He may

be reached at (949) 764-4330 or by e-mail ato7

[email protected] .