Factual error: In an early runway scene, a billboard for the film Chicken Little (2005) can be seen in the background.
Factual error: In one of the shots when the 757 is taxiing at Newark airport, you can see in the background an airliner in the new Air Canada colours. The current Air Canada livery was introduced in 2004.
Factual error: The UPS airplane shown on the tarmac at Newark Airport is painted with UPS's new logo, which was not introduced until 2003.
Factual error: During the take off roll, the curtain that divides First Class and Economy class is closed. This is in breach of FAA regulations that state the curtain must be stowed for taxi, take-off and landing.
Factual error: The emergency exits on the inside of the Boeing 757 are designed for a Boeing 747 not a 757. If you look closely the doors are not armed either, which they would be on a passenger jetliner so the slides could deploy if the plane crashed.
Factual error: In a scene in New York's air traffic control tower (I think the one where they show the second plane hit the south tower of the WTC), there is a man wearing a black lanyard around his neck that says "Transportation Security Administration" on it. The TSA was formed shortly AFTER the events of 9/11 thus he should not be wearing it.
Answer: At the time of the 9/11 incident, certain type utility or pocket knives like the ones the terrorists brought on board were not illegal. Airport screeners had more leeway then about what type of knives, tools, or other gadgets they allowed passengers to carry on board. Since then, the restrictions are far more stringent.
raywest ★
I can attest to this as my father traveled on aircraft with his pocket knife multiple times before 9/11. As long as it was under a few inches; it was more viewed as a tool than a threat to the aircraft.