Tag Archives: how to spend time in an airport

Air Travel Basics

by Wendy
As I prepared to go through the security checkpoint during a recent airport visit, a guard approached me and remarked, “Your flight must not leave for an hour or two.”

“Yes…why?” I asked. “Am I in the wrong line?”

“No, you’re just walking like you’ve got all the time in the world,” he shrugged.

I supposed I was fairly relaxed – an ideal state for travel. It was a quiet afternoon in a mid-size airport, my flight was scheduled to depart on time, and I was feeling particularly efficient that day. Continue reading →

Hanging out in Heathrow and Gatwick

by Wendy
Spending quality time in an airport like Heathrow isn’t difficult. There is so much to notice. It’s enormous, one of the busiest in the world, with plans to expand. Prepare to navigate crowds, queues, escalators, elevators and moving sidewalks to get where you need to go.  Continue reading →

Spending Quality Time In Airports – More Options

by Wendy
Follow me on twitter @wendylooksleaps
When you love to travel, you learn to love airports. I’ve offered suggestions on how to spend quality time in an airport in a previous post, and told you all about a beautiful vending machine in another. During a recent trip, I spotted a few additional alternatives for those of us cultivating the art of cheerfully waiting around for a flight. Continue reading →

Coolest Vending Machine: Benefit Cosmetics

by Wendy
Follow me on twitter @wendylooksleaps

Until they invent a vending machine that delivers a plate of freshly made patatas bravas or croquetas de jamon y queso with a cold glass of cava, I’m deeming the Benefit cosmetics vending machine the coolest.

Have you noticed these in airports? I’ve run across 3 or 4, most recently in Reno/Tahoe and Savannah/Hilton Head, and every time I linger to wistfully admire the candy-color display. There’s something about Benefit’s cute packaging and cheeky product names that makes its brand kinda magnetic for gals who think makeup is fun. Not that their products don’t work well – those I’ve tried certainly do. But part of their allure is that they remind me of the thrill of messing about with blue eyeshadow and frosty pink lipstick as a preteen. Or wearing multi-colored fake eyelashes to a 7th grade mixer which your classmates think is weird but you feel as cool as David Bowie or Cyndi Lauper. I think Benefit celebrates that sense of play and individuality – it’s not just utilitarian makeup. Continue reading →

How to Spend Quality Time in an Airport

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: Continue reading →