Airports are polarizing. You either love ‘em or hate ‘em.
I love them.
As long as there isn’t a blizzard hurtling towards me to ruin my Christmas plans, every part of air travel is great. From checking in, to showing up, and yes, even going through security and customs, the whole experience is fun. Call me weird.
Over the years, a few things always get my attention on trips. I jotted them down this week:
The air feels different on the ride to the airport. Buildings more detailed, the air stiller, everything looks sharper and calmer.
The uncertainty of whether you need to take your shoes off or not at airport security. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t have to? Sometimes they even let me keep everything, including laptops, in the bag?! The lunacy.
A guaranteed way to feel airport superiority? Take your bags to a side bench after they slide through the security conveyor belt to deal with your scattered—shoe half-on-half-off mess—as everyone else trips over each other unwilling to put away empty trays. Poor man’s first class, admittedly.
The feeling of boredom when you’re sitting at your gate. Consciousness hits you for the first time. Everything in the last few months of your life seems like a blur, but now, you’re here, awake.
The awkwardness of whether you will or won’t make small talk with your seat buddy. They look friendly, but they’re looking out the window. Excu—never mind they look serious now. Wait, they just looked at me. Maybe they want to talk? Ok, here goes nothing…
The awkward wait until the flight attendant asks you what you’d like for a snack and drink, as they start & stop the cart towards you. Are they asking my row now? They just walked past me. Are they going to come back? Uh, why do they always start with the window person.
The patient wait of approval when you hand back your used plastic cup with all the trash tucked neatly inside of it. Who’s a good passenger? Yes you are!!!
When the plane lands and parks at the gate. Ding. People launch into the aisle. Is there a competition you’re not aware of? You stay seated.
Who’s a good passenger? Yes you are!!! ......LOL . Too funny.
What about the part where you there for 3 hours wondering when and if you’re gonna crash? That’s me. Put me in the hate category. Tho I do admit there’s a kind of calm until the plane buzzes down the runway. It’s a fatal calm. Loss of control. Acceptance is the only way to fly.