Cecilia Cuellar’s Post

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Jr. Research Economist, Ph.D. in Economics

The events of September 11, 2001, shook the world to its core and brought about significant changes in how we think about security. These tragic attacks not only resulted in the loss of countless lives but also forced nations worldwide to reevaluate how they protect their people, infrastructure, and way of life. This event sparked a significant change in the way we think about security, crossing borders, and inspiring governments, institutions, and individuals to ask: What can we do to prevent this from occurring again? Prior to 9/11, security measures were relatively lax. For instance, before the attack, ID was not required, and only security screening was a metal detector; passengers were allowed to keep their shoes on while going through security, and arriving just 30 minutes before their flight was sufficient to ensure they made it(Ford et al., 2020; Bolluyt, 2018; O’Connor, 2016; 9/11 Commission, 2004). In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, there were significant changes in airport security protocols to prevent further incidents of commercial flights. These changes were aimed at preventing similar incidents from occurring during commercial flights. Passengers quickly became familiar with procedures such as enhanced passenger screening, stricter baggage checks, and the introduction of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States. However, as security measures became stricter, the amount of time travelers spent going through airport security checkpoints also increased. As an economist, this is where the concept of opportunity cost becomes apparent. The time spent waiting in lines, removing shoes and belts, and undergoing extensive screening processes has become an integral part of air travel. While these measures undoubtedly enhance security, they also consume a considerable amount of time. TSA reports that the average extra time spent on security screening is 30 min. Using the average hourly wage of each occupation, the opportunity cost per passenger due to increased security measures is calculated by multiplying the time spent on security screening by the average hourly wage. This results in a cost of at least half an individual's hourly salary. The average cost of all security processes per passenger is approximately $10.18, with all other factors remaining constant (however, the cost may vary depending on the wage, as shown in Table 1, which provides a breakdown of the opportunity cost estimated per occupation). After all, the security changes made at airports after 9/11 have saved lives, even though they often cause travelers to wait longer. Think of it like this: the time you spend on those security lines is worth something. This shows how committed we are to keeping people safe. The terrible events of 9/11 remind us how crucial strong security is. So, even if it feels like you are giving up some time, remember that it is a small price to pay for keeping so many lives safe. #September11 #opportunitycost

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