Air travel timeline
Sept. 11, 2001: Terrorists use commercial airliners to attack World Trade Center towers in New York City and other U.S. sites.
Nov. 19, 2001: Federal officials order cockpit doors locked and hardened.
Nov. 19, 2001: The Transportation Security Administration is created to oversee security on all modes of transportation.
Dec. 22, 2001: Terrorist Richard Reid tries to ignite bombs in his shoes aboard a transatlantic flight, prompting shoe inspections at all U.S. airport security checkpoints.
2004: Butane lighters are restricted on commercial planes. Later restrictions are added for all common lighters.
2006: British officials foil a plot to use liquid explosives on planes, prompting restrictions on liquids in carry-on bags.
2008: TSA deploys full-body scanners that can create what looks like a nude image of passengers.
2009: Alleged terrorist Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab attempts to detonate explosives hidden in his underwear, prompting expanded use of explosive detection devices.
2010: TSA orders more thorough pat-down searches on passengers.
2011: TSA tests new software to prevent airport scanners from creating digital nude images of passengers.
Source: TSA
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