After reading a lot of posts of observations since last Tues. I would like to point out some pre-Tues. observations I saw. Wed Sept 5th we checked into VWL at around 11am. We got our room, the cm said the resort was empty. Sun. Sept 9th after 3 day cruise we checked back into VWL at around 11am, we got our room, resort was still "empty" and we did not see lots of members checking in that day as expected. Our flight on Sept. 5th was an American 767 from Boston to MCO, it was "empty". We got a car from National at the airport on the 5th, there was NO line. The planes that were victim Sept. 11th were also "empty", Thank God! Today the radio also made that comment. The airlines was already suffering pre-Sept. 11th and after the last year of pilot/flight attendant strikes people were already a little distrusting of their service, reliability and dependablity. My point is, I think people are seeing a lot of what was already there and misinterpretting it. I think people are scared but I also think people are just waiting to see what's next. I don't think people are planning life long changes, and never to do's again, but are just cautiously waiting to see what is next and to see how THEIR world will be affected when the dust settles. Where one part of the economy falls apart another will make up for it. We are Americans, we will adapt! I hated flying before, in fact prior to 2 weeks ago(our last flight), I had told my DH I really wanted to drive, not like the unplanned 25+1/2 hrs straight it took us on Sept 12th to do, but now with the much needed security, the delays will further encourage driving for us. No big deal! Will the economy be hurt by our decision. NO! WE will stop to buy maps, take out food, gas, lodging, and who know what else, all over an airplane ticket. I never used a
travel agent before, that changes nothing. People who use travel agents will now have them book motel stops, greyhound, or bus tours, or amtrak, or something else. Most people just haven't figured out what plan "b" is yet. That's all! We will adapt! Just because someone loses their job in one sector, doesn't mean they no longer possess the skills for another newly created job. America is strong, and Americans are strong! We will adapt and rebound if need be!