by Wendy
Follow me on twitter @wendylooksleaps
I generally like airports. When I walk through the sliding glass doors, I feel energized by the sense of travel possibilities. Time can feel like it has stopped while you’re in this in-between space; you’re on your way but not there yet. Time is also your main focus – how long to get through security, is my flight delayed, can I order another drink before I have to trek to the gate? Airports can also be annoying, but I am determined to keep liking them. Especially after being inspired by Sunny and MJ, whose recent post proves that they really know how to keep their cool in an airport. Even when the wait is long, or the flight is cancelled, and it’s crowded, my sis and niece stay upbeat. My airport attitude is pretty good, but there’s always room for improvement. Here’s how I spend quality time in an airport:
Prep for pat down/ Pull yourself back together after pat down – Even after I go through the scanner in the security line, I always seem to get an extra pat down. Lucky me. I’ve had agents pat down my ponytail, scrutinize the snaps on my blouse, or smooth out a long skirt. So I start anticipating this well before I even step in line for screening. Remove jewelry and hair clips. Peel off any layers, unroll any cuffed sleeves or pants. That’s in addition to the basics: get my ID and boarding pass ready, find the ziplock bag of liquids, take off belt and shoes, empty jeans pockets. Wonder why I haven’t splurged for TSA Precheck yet. Afterwards, I need a few moments to pull myself and my belongings back together again. At that point I usually take hand sanitizer, hand lotion and lip balm out of my ziplock bag and keep them in a more convenient spot in my purse, because they are all-star objects when you fly.
Prep for the flight – If we’re going on a long flight, Jack and I save a few last-minute to-do tasks since we’ll likely have time to spare. Visit the sundry stores and buy bottled water and snacks for the flight (faves include peanut M&Ms, cheddar cheese/pretzel Combos and those little packs of olives). Stop by the bookstore to buy magazines or a popular novel. Always have something good to read.
If we’re going overseas, we usually exchange some money. If we’re flying back from Europe, we might browse the duty free for last-minute souvenirs (or I’ll at least spritz some sample perfume) but more importantly than that, we always get sandwiches from someplace like Paul bakery. Sure, international fares usually come with a complimentary meal but we have never regretted buying a delicious ham and cheese baguette. These are so good mid-flight. Why are the French bread sandwiches from Europe more delicious?
Mom and I shortly before boarding our flight to Spain!
Wine down/grab a bite – Plan to eat something at the airport. It’s true airport prices are expensive but this is obviously a great way to kill time. If you’re like us, you usually wind up at the airport early enough to enjoy some wine from Vino Volo or another place with nice dinner/drink options to kick off your trip the right way. Or console yourself when your vacation flight is now leaving 2 hours late.
Freshen up/nap if you can – I take my contact lens out before an overnight flight. Brushing your teeth and splashing some water on your face can help you feel a little more fresh and alert during a layover. During a long connection in Iceland, Jack and I found a perfect corner spot – two benches facing each other where we could stretch out, near a window, air conditioning vent overhead creating a cooling breeze, plenty of space for luggage between, an outlet nearby – sometimes, it’s the little things. I was incredibly comfortable on that bench.
Amenities/shops/displays – Sometimes airports have surprisingly nice amenities, even for those of us without access to fancy lounges. If time had permitted, I would have totally dropped by the Madrid airport hair salon for a blowout before the flight home. I’ve seen a lot of nail and massage pop-up shops, but my dream would be an airport Drybar. I tried a shoe shine for the first time during a recent delay at DCA. My boots looked brand new, and it’s inexpensive (so leave a giant tip)! Instead of sitting around, take a walk through the other wings and check out the shops – get that circulation flowing! As Sunny notes, kids like this too. Some airports have rotating art, history or aviation exhibits on display that are worth a look.
Dad and Jack checking out a particularly interesting airport exhibit.
A little screen time – Charge devices, check email, write blog posts, maybe play a few rounds of CandyCrush. Jack likes to download a few episodes of a series before long flights. Do last minute research on your destination, such as the easiest public transportation options from the airport to your hotel.
Games – April and I played many games of cards when camping out in airports during our college trip to Europe. Or consider Airport Bingo. Try to spot all the typical characters and behaviors. Discreetly of course – we’re all guilty of this stuff at one point or another. Clueless in Security Line, the Overpacker, College kid wearing PJ bottoms, Dude sporting the neck pillow in a restaurant, Lady with insanely high heels rushing to the gate, Mr. or Ms. Business VIP, Space Invaders, Nervous Flyer-Drinker, Charging Outlet Monopolizer, Passenger queueing well before their boarding group has been called, Chatty Seatmate, Armrest Bully, Seat Kicker, the list goes on…
Prep for boarding – Leave a little time to get organized. I always feel bad for the perplexed traveler who is fussing with stuff in their bags in the overhead compartments, blocking the aisle and being glared at by flight attendants who need to secure the cabin for takeoff already. Get it together before you step on the plane – have your purse or a small bag that fits under the seat ready with your snacks, book, ipad, headphones, neck pillow, wrap, etc.
Of course, Jack and I are familiar with those occasions when the flight is so delayed and we’re so desperate to get going that we’re reduced to pacing back and forth or just staring into space waiting for the tenth announcement on plane status or plane repairs or whatever. Even in these situations, we always try to be kind, polite and focus on the positive. It’s all an adventure, right? I wish you all happy and smooth travels!
