And there are measures that are taken -- seen and unseen -- every day to improve our security -- transportation security by rail, as well as by air.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

Germany: The government has offered a wide range of assistance, including evacuation by air, medical services, transportation services, water treatment capabilities, assistance in searching for victims, vaccination teams and supplies, and emergency shelter.

CNN: Offers of aid from around the world

The dogs used by the Transportation Security Administration are trained at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas.

CNN: Are dogs the key to bomb detection at airports?

Last year, disability-issue complaints filed by air travelers with the Department of Transportation jumped a hefty 18.3% (DOT doesn't break out wheelchair issues).

WSJ: Airports Battle Bogus Requests for Wheelchair Assistance

"The passenger was detained, not arrested, and then released pending further investigation by the TSA (Transportation Safety Administration) and federal air marshals, " said Tom McKenna, a Kansas City International Airport spokesman.

CNN: American Airlines passengers will not 'always love her'

Following trials, the New Distribution Capability could be fully rolled out by 2015 or 2016, according to the International Air Transportation Association.

BBC: How airline pricing works

The need for such reform is underscored by the promise of fantastic breakthroughs in ATC technology, dubbed the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NGATS).

FORBES: Magazine Article