Many people find the airport a very stressful place. And I get it! It is stressful for me, but here are some reasons why I just love the airport and can’t wait to be there.
1. Love the airport means I am traveling or picking up someone who is coming to visit!
I mean….being at the airport means I am traveling and who doesn’t love that? I am about to be in a new place, new country, new time zone, or all of the above. There is also some sadness of course when I am coming back from a trip because my trip is over, but there is joy in seeing familiar sights and people again.
If I am not traveling and I am picking someone up- who doesn’t love visitors? I get to play tour guide and visit with someone who I probably haven’t seen in a long time. Check out the post I collaborated on with a friend of mine who came to see me in Prague!
2. People Watching
I am the type of person who will get to the airport with time to spare. This gives me plenty of time to people watch. There are people running around, people lounging, and people in between. There are young people, older people, and puppies. The airport is such a diverse place! There are people from everywhere! It isn’t like only French people fly to France or only Californians fly to California. There are people from everywhere flying. It is real proof how connected we are besides the internet. We are really connected in person as well! For frequent travelers, check out my post about the 5 travelers you meet while on the road– are you one of them?
3. Open Discussions with New Friends
When you are just sitting at the boarding gate sometimes you strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you. Or at least, I do! I was once told by my script writing professor in university that I am weird for being a Forrest Gump and talking to random people. Anyways, I have passed many waiting periods talking with someone about anything. Where they are from, where they are going, etc. I have learned a lot about different professions or cultures or traveling tips. Check out my insights into solo traveling, which I briefly discuss this topic!
4. You Can Be Whoever You Want
I am a big promoter of being yourself no matter where, but I really think the airport you can be whoever you want. You want to wear sweatpants for 7 hours? You want to dress up? No one cares. Everything is accepted. Personally, I find fitness clothes very comfortable (leggings, sweatpants, etc) and will only wear it while flying, but if you want to dress up and put your best foot forward- all the power to you!
5. It Tests Your Patience
Let’s be honest, everyone could use a little more patience- I know I do! Waiting in line for check-in or waiting in line for security- it can get very annoying and irritating. But it shows me, at least, how to be more patient and how I can use this in other aspects of my life. Everyone will get through security, everyone will get on the plane, being irritated won’t rush the process so why bother being irritated?
Any other reasons I might have missed? Why do you love the airport? Or do you think I am crazy? Haha.
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I too am a lover of the airport scene – the energy is so electric! The prospect of going somewhere new, the excitement of picking someone up, and naturally the thrill of meeting new people and hearing their stories along the way! Thanks for the awesome piece!
Awesome! Happy to meet other airport lovers! 😊
Wow, I absolutely hate airports! But I love that you look at the bright side and see all these amazing things about it! And don’t listen to anyone calling you weird for talking to strangers. They’re probably just jealous!
Lol maybe!
Being at the airport on the one hand is fun because it is the first stage of an exciting journey. However, I don’t like it when the flight is very delayed. Personal control is also sometimes quite stressful.
Yes, delayed flights suck
I have never thought of “liking” airports but I do resonate with your perspective on people watching and being whoever you want to be! A nice blog on the lighter side.
Thank you!
People think I am absolutely crazy to enjoy the airport – but this is exactly why! So glad someone agrees with me! 🙂
Me too!
I really like your first point – getting ready to head out on an adventure is so exciting!
Yes it is!
I love airports as well, mostly for the first reason that you have mentioned. I can be so excited that I’m finally going somewhere just the place is exciting
Thats why its my number one! 😊
I have a love hate relationship with airports. I love that I’m about to go on an adventure. I hate that I’m about to be trapped in a small space for 13 hours and (most importantly for me) won’t be able to vape! Thinking about it now, I do think I have more patience at the airport today than I did 10 years ago… not sure that has generalized to other areas of my life though. I laughed about wearing sweatpants. I have what I call airport pajamas that I wear on overseas flights. Recently my luggage was delayed a day and I was stuck in my airport PJ’s with no coat and only one day in the city before catching a train to move in. It was a little traumatizing.
Oh no! I usually keep a set of clothes in my carry on just in case for this reason!
I love being at the airport as well. People watching is one of my favorite things to do while I’m at the airport. You also get to experience many emotions whether it’s stress, happiness or sadness. I love seeing reunions at airports, it so beautiful to watch.
True! Reunions are amazing!
Those are all great reasons, but I hate airports.. in a way. Yes, lot’s of times it means that I am going on an adventure, but for me, as someone who lives far from family, airports mean the time of saying goodbye. I hate saying goodbye and I just wish I could take my whole family every time I travel. Usually, I leave for 9 or 10 months and lately it’s been longer. Airports are always a reminder of that.
Fair enough!
I am reading this while sitting in an airport. Lol. But I also love airports. People watching is my fave.
Have a good trip!