“‘Tis the season” at NIU and with that season comes the end of the semester, Christmas, New Year’s and for many students, a rush to get airline tickets for flights home and to holiday hot spots.

This year is different from past years though, because of the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks. Despite the differences, students still can expect the same-old-same-old: lines, crowds and confusion.

“I’m flying to Florida over New Year’s from the 29th of December to the 2nd of January,” said Gini Martin, a senior political science major.

Despite the recent problems the airlines have faced, Martin is not worried about any terrorist attacks or crashes. The only thing she is not looking forward to is long lines.

“I think security is going to take forever to get through,” Martin said, “but I’m not worried about delays or anything.”

Martin’s sentiments are shared by James Schubert, a professor in the political science department.

“Overall, I feel as safe as I ever felt, probably safer.” Schubert said.

“I’d feel better if they were screening the checked baggage,” Schubert added, alluding to one aspect of the recent airline security debate in Congress.

Part of the recent legislation requires airlines to screen all checked baggage before loading it. However, the airlines have said they will not be able to meet these new safety measures for a number of months, if not years.

Despite this fact, the airlines already have implemented stricter regulations regarding carry-on items and searches.

“Any cutting instruments, even things like Swiss pocket knives, should be left at home [or kept in checked luggage],” said Kurt Ebenhoch, senior manager of media relations for Northwest Airlines.

“[Also we advise against] wrapping Christmas gifts,” Ebenhoch added. “They will have to be opened and torn up, so wrap them when you get to your destination.”

Other changes at Northwest include the stopping of meal services for flights that are not either between the three hubs or on the west coast, and a change in the recommended check-in time before flights.

“We are lowering the check-in time from 90 minutes before the flight to 30 minutes,” Ebenhoch said. After the attacks, the mandatory time was upped for most airlines, but that time now is being relaxed.

Even after the Sept. 11 attacks and the recent crash in New York, the airlines are gearing up for a very busy Christmas season.

The total number of flights that have been reduced since the attacks will be lessened over Christmas, according to news releases on the Northwest Web site, www.nwa.com.

While the number of flights will be cut, travelers are likely to still face long lines, full flights and the usual hustle and bustle of holiday travel.

Sophomore psychology major Ariana Johnson is looking forward to chaos at the airports.

“It’s part of the holiday. Packed airports are to be expected over Christmas, and it can be frustrating, but as long as we don’t miss our flight, it’s kind of fun,” Johnson said.

Johnson is going to Minnesota a few days before Christmas to be with family.

“I’m looking forward to going snowmobiling, and maybe trying out snowboarding. I’ve never gone before,” Johnson said.

Johnson said she usually only flies a couple of times a year, so she isn’t sure what to expect at the airport.

Schubert, on the other hand, takes two flights a week between New York and Chicago when classes are in.

“As everybody knows, the lines are a little bit longer, but I have not had any real problems. The longest I’ve stood in line at O’Hare is about 12 minutes,” Schubert said, “and at smaller airports I just walk in and go through. I’ve experienced no real inconveniences.”

Schubert added that, despite the stricter security, he hasn’t noticed a big difference in the average trip.

“I never check baggage, and normally they do not go through my bag,” Schubert said. “They run it through the scanner and I take my computer out now and put it in a separate tray. But they never ask me to open it up and turn it on.”

“In order to go through security, I’ve had to show a photo ID and a copy of my ticket, or a receipt if I have an electronic ticket,” Schubert added. “The receipt has to have your name and flight number.”