The Oprah Winfrey Show

John Nance, a pilot and international air safety analyst for ABC News, got on a plane last night—for the first time since the tragedy—to come to Chicago and answer our questions.

Everything in the aviation world changed last Tuesday morning. All assumptions about pilots in the cockpit and safety in the airport were basically wrong. No one thought this type of hijacking would happen domestically, and that was a mistake. John explains how the airlines responded immediately, how they are doubling their security efforts, what plans are in the future and how we can help.

New Safety Measures
"I would love to be able to say that [airline travel] is absolutely 100% safe, but that would be lying to you. There is always a risk, but the risk is very, very minimal."

~ Airlines are taking extra measures to match tickets to passengers.

~ Only ticketed passengers can proceed past security to the gates.

~ Security is screening baggage more carefully.

~ Curbside baggage check-in is no longer allowed.

~ New task forces are coming together to plan more security for the future.

Cockpit Safety in the Near Future
"Just the fact that we are never letting anyone in the cockpit again, that changes the whole equation."

~ Reinforced Kevlar-type doors may be installed to secure the cockpit.

~ Cameras may be mounted outside of the cockpit so pilots can see activity in the cabin.

~ Air Marshals may become part of air crews for the purpose of defending the cockpit if all other barriers are broken.

What Travelers Can Do to Help
"I've always said as an airline captain, you are part of my crew as a passenger."

~ Cooperation and understanding in dealing with delays while more screening and security measures are put in place.

~ Whatever your age, if you see something that makes you uncomfortable, ask about it.

~ Press the flight attendant button over your head and tell a crewmember what is worrying you.

~ Be cognizant of situations in airports and don't hesitate to report them.

~ Remember: There are no dumb questions in aviation.

Back to top or previous page.