A half-hour episode of the ITV reality documentary series Airline, which aired in May 2002 as part of its sixth series, offers a glimpse into how the September 11, 2001 attacks changed the aviation industry and the way people travel globally. The episode focuses on the reactions of passengers and staff at British airports in the aftermath of the attacks, showing how travel norms from the 1990s gave way to a new, more uncertain era. It includes footage of passengers who were initially unaware of the full impact of the attacks, with some demanding refunds or acting inappropriately during the chaos. One memorable moment features a mother at Luton airport, frustrated by flight cancellations, exclaiming, "Look at me, I've only got half a bottle of milk!" This moment symbolizes the shift from the relative peace of the 1990s to the global instability that has defined the 21st century. The episode also highlights the challenges faced by airline staff as they adapted to new security protocols and managed the sudden surge in flight cancellations. Employees used both internet and fax machines to communicate changes, showing how quickly the industry had to evolve. Tensions between passengers and staff are evident, with some travelers showing little understanding of the gravity of the situation. Narrated by Tony Robinson, the episode also touches on the rise of low-cost airlines like easyJet, which were transforming the way people traveled, with Luton airport becoming a key hub in this new era of aviation. Photographs taken by photographer Ringo Chiu in the days after the attacks provide a powerful visual record of the devastation at Ground Zero. These images capture the human toll of the tragedy, including the efforts of first responders, the emotional memorials left by New Yorkers, and posters displaying the faces of those who went missing. These photos serve as a somber reminder of the personal and collective grief that followed the attacks. The Airline episode acts as a historical marker, illustrating the transformation in airport security and the broader societal changes that came after 9/11. It also reflects on a time when air travel was less restrictive—passengers could pay with cash, bring liquids on board, and enjoy no-frills flights without the heightened anxiety that now accompanies air travel. In recent years, the episode has seen a resurgence in popularity, especially among younger viewers who have discovered it through social media platforms like TikTok, where it has been reedited and shared widely.