My 9/11 Story
My 9/11 Story: A Flight Attendant’s Perspective
On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was doing what I loved most—flying. I was aboard a JetBlue Airbus A320, departing New York City at 8:00 AM and heading to Oakland, California. It was a crisp, clear morning, and everything seemed routine as we prepared for takeoff. None of us could have imagined how drastically our lives—and the world—would change in just a few hours.
JetBlue was the only airline equipped with live TV onboard at the time, and at 35,000 feet, we watched in horror as the unimaginable unfolded. The news channels showed planes crashing into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Passengers and crew alike sat frozen, staring at screens that broadcast chaos and tragedy in real-time. Our route eerily mirrored that of one of the hijacked planes, and the realization of this weighed heavily on all of us.
As the gravity of what was happening became clear, our flight was diverted to Wichita, Kansas—a place none of us had planned to be but where we would remain for five long days. Those days were filled with confusion, heartbreak, and an overwhelming sense of loss. As airline personnel, we felt the pain deeply; these weren’t just strangers who had lost their lives—they were our colleagues, our friends, our family. We shared an unspoken bond with every pilot and flight attendant who took to the skies that day, and knowing so many had been taken from us was unbearable.
Despite the fear and uncertainty that gripped us all, my crew stood strong together. Jen, Brewa, Katrina, First Officer Rod, and Captain Larry Uptain—my forever hero and dear friend—were more than colleagues; they were my lifeline in those moments. We supported one another through tears and silence, through moments of courage and moments of despair. We cared for our passengers as best we could while grappling with our own emotions. In those days in Wichita, we became more than a team—we became family.
After five days in Kansas, we continued on to Oakland for two additional days before finally returning home. Those flights were unlike any I had ever experienced before or since. There was a heaviness in the air—a shared grief that connected everyone onboard. Yet there was also resilience and hope as we all tried to move forward together.
Passion for Helping Others Overcome Fear
As I transitioned from being a flight attendant to becoming a psychotherapist, my passion for flying never diminished. Instead, it evolved into a desire to help others overcome their fear of flying. I realized that the same love and excitement I felt for flying could be shared with those who were held back by anxiety. If I can teach and give anyone just 1% of my love for flying, I believe they will fly—free from fear and filled with wonder.
My mission now is to empower individuals with the tools and confidence to soar above their fears. Whether through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, or simply sharing my own experiences, I aim to help people rediscover the joy of flying. It’s not just about overcoming a phobia; it’s about embracing the freedom and adventure that comes with exploring the world.
A Forever Family
The airline industry isn’t just a career—it’s a way of life. It’s a community built on trust, camaraderie, and shared experiences that transcend borders and cultures. Over my years as a flight attendant—and even now in retirement—I’ve come to understand that this bond is unbreakable. My crew members weren’t just my coworkers; they were my family. The pilots I worked alongside weren’t just colleagues; they were my protectors and partners in ensuring every flight was safe.
Even though I retired four years ago, my heart will never give up my love for flying or my airline family. The friendships forged at 35,000 feet are unlike any other—they are built on trust during turbulence, laughter during long layovers, and shared moments that only those who have lived this life can truly understand.
September 11th reminded me why this bond is so special: because when everything else falls apart—when fear threatens to consume us—it is this family that holds us together.
A Reflection on Loss
In one single moment, life may never be the same. On September 10th, 2001:
- 46 people went to sleep preparing for their morning flights.
- 2,606 people went to sleep preparing for work in the morning.
- 343 firefighters went to sleep preparing for their morning shift.
- 60 police officers went to sleep preparing for morning patrol.
- 8 pilots and 22 flight attendants prepared for their flights the next morning.
None of them saw past 10:00 AM on September 11th.
A Message of Gratitude
As you live your life today—whether you’re traveling or staying close to home—take a moment to appreciate every breath you take and every connection you make with others around you. Kiss your loved ones a little longer tonight; snuggle them a little tighter; never take one second of your life for granted.
September 11th taught me about loss but also about strength—the strength to keep flying when fear could have grounded me forever. It reminded me why I love what I do: connecting people across distances while honoring those who came before me.
Today, I fly not just for myself but in memory of all those who lost their lives—friends like Laura Gilly from Tower Air and countless others who will never be forgotten.
Let us always remember them—with love in our hearts and gratitude in our souls—for they remind us why we must continue soaring above fear toward hope.
