With the potential of spring finally landing, I’m ready for a get away. I’m very excited to plan out trips and think about moving and shaking, but I’m not always excited about the actual travel part. I’ve been delayed in the airport quite a bit. Especially coming back and forth from Minnesota, you stare and the giant screens and see big red DELAYED signs. And that’s summer and winter. Instead of getting all aggravated and angry, I see it as an opportunity. I head over to the nearest terminal map and look for a restaurant or bar where I won’t mind hunkering down for a bit.
And then I write.
See, the beauty of writing is that really all you need is power. And if you’re a paper and pen kinda gal, then that’s really all you need. You don’t even need the laptop. Well, I pull up a chair, find a spot where I’m not going to bother anyone, order a snack, and make the situation work for me.
I don’t end up being crabby.
See, I hate flying. When I was 11, I had blisters against my eardrum in my left ear. We found out about them from the doctor a couple days before flying to Japan. Yes, Japan. And so, because we couldn’t exactly ship me via cruise across the Pacific, I got on the plane with what medication I could take. The pressure burst my blisters, and I’ve since lost a good amount of my hearing in my left ear. Like any other ear problem, flying messes with my balance. If I have too many connecting flights, the equilibrium in my inner ear is thrown off.
I’m also what you consider an “experienced traveler.” Thank goodness at MSP we have a line for us who know all the security rules. Let me tell you, jumping to the front on the 23rd of December was kind of awesome. I HATE being behind people who have never paid attention to the rules, who have multiple quart-sized baggies of liquids, still don’t understand why we take off our shoes, and so on.
So I need a chill pill. But I can’t actually take one because when I travel by myself, I’m paranoid I’m going to miss my flight. No medical relaxers for me.
That’s why writing is so important. Instead of sitting there, being angry that the weather gods have not aligned the planets to fit your travel plans, use the time to write. Be productive. You’ll probably have some really interesting things to say if you just document your people watching. Imagine what you’ll pump out if you have some real content to push. Plus writing doesn’t always require the internet. You can type from Word or even go the pen and notebook route.
Or read! Learn something! I almost never get to read magazines all the way through (and I mean ones with real words, not just celeb pictures). When I sit in a terminal hoping they’ll board my flight soon, I’m all about the cover-to-cover action. I love it. Plus, it’s a conversation starter. Take a look around, see what other people are reading. I’ve swapped out magazines in airport restaurants with other fliers before. It’s nice because you can save a few bucks and still get great info. Plus, you might have made a new friend!
So what do you do to make the time pass? Make the airport work for you? Become your best traveler self?
Photo Credit.
Right there with you Emily! I’m all about jumping those lines at the aiport. I actually make sure I don’t wear a belt, wear slip on shoes and have my baggie in my purse.
When I’m delayed in the airports I LOVE to find a vacant terminal, pop open my book or bring out my pen and paper. Sometimes I end up brainstorming papers and posts for an hour (depending on the delay). I actually kind of enjoy not having to run to my flight, so when I get there early, I grab a drink and settle in. In college some of these delays produced some of my best papers!
I’m all about planning the airport outfit, Kristina. I even modify it to look more business-y during the summer, and then I don’t get mixed in with all the summer travelers (even if it’s a non-business trip).
You know, it’s surprising how great your ideas get when you’re in an unexpected environment. Sometimes, when I just need a mental break, I’ll go to the airport obscenely early. All the chaos around me can force me to focus, or like you, I find an empty spot and just park it. Plus, I’ll probably talk to just about anybody, and you hear some great stories…and then there’s even more inspiration.
Emily I’m right there with you. I’m flying thru Minnesota to visit Kate in SoDak for spring break and you better believe I’ll be catching up on reading and reflecting. 35 min layover on the way back, let’s hope I make it or you might be getting an unplanned visit from mr 🙂
Girl, you can stay with me whenever you need! Reading and reflecting sounds fabulous. I know sometimes I get out of the house just to do that. After writing the Alternate Life post, I’m more into reflection and planning. It’s all about making things happen!
For me, flying means primo writing time. No Internet, so it means no email, no distractions. I use the time to write what needs writing or read what needs reading. Layovers and delays are for email.
I also like to scour the terminal pre-flight to find newspapers and magazines that have been discarded. It’s like finding free money.
Hi Sam! I actually ripped apart an issue of Fast Company once to write because I couldn’t get a hold of my computer. People next to me might have thought I was strange, looking for the ads with the most whitespace to write on. Sometimes, you just get inspired! And yes, discarded magazines are free money. Sometimes when they collect things at the end of the flight, I’ll see something in the attendant’s hand that she’ll give me. I love it…
Hehe, I’ve been EXTREMELY lucky and can’t say I’ve really had too many long airport waits. A flight has never been canceled, and the one time my flight was delayed I was with my mom and we just went to the bar, had some drinks, and chatted. (Not to mention that I usually cut it way too close and almost miss my flights… but never have yet!)
But I agree with you about using your travel time wisely. When I’m sitting on a long flight I almost always pull out a magazine, book, or notepad to write. I actually really enjoy traveling because I’ve found it to be one of the only times I really do that.
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Carlee, I’m so jealous! I literally got delayed once with only one shoe because someone dropped a bag on my foot and broke my shoe. A bartender took pity on me and chatted with me, made me laugh. I hadn’t been blogging then, but I did write about my trip later on the plane. That might have gotten me started on actually liking the airport. Flying, not a big fan of…airport, I’m ok.
Flying usually makes me groggy and not feel so well, so I have a hard time reading during a connection. If I can, that’s what I’ll do. If not, I’ll try to catch up on a few ZZZ’s, or I’ll people watch. That is one of my favorite things to do in airports. Eventually, I find myself creating little stories about each person/family/couple I encounter! You’re right: great blog material!
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Hi Jen, I always wish I could sleep. For some reason, I can’t do it. I’m probably even worse now than I was a few years ago. It’s probably nerves and anxiety. But making up stories about people is usually fun. The people in the bars are the best, always a little kookie!
This is such a great post because most people only think of the hassle of the airport. Since you have been through a lot of the things that you described in your post, I can see how you might not like to fly. From the sound of your post, I think you have definitely run into more hassles that I have while traveling. That being said, the “chaos being peaceful” thing that you described is exactly how I feel at the airport. I love to boot up my laptop, pop in my earbuds and focus while everyone is hustling around me. This is also why I love walking through the city with headphones on, I am an avid people watcher and always wonder what everyone’s day has in store for them.
Also, I have had some of the best conversations at the airport bar while waiting for a flight. Just a thought. 🙂 Great post Emily, I will definitely be thinking of these tips when I fly home next weekend.
Hey Ben, sorry I didn’t reply right away! You’re right on, even I can think the airport is a hassle. I almost never actually go to my gate until I know that the plane before me is deboarding. I use my phone to track the flight that’s coming in so I know when my plane actually arrives as opposed to when it’s supposed to. Here in MSP there are tons of neat spots to just park it, and I love that. When I visit my parents, STL has some empty areas for peace and quiet. You can just find a spot near a plug and chill for a long time.
I’ve actually started bringing some of my airport habits to regular activities. Sometimes I like to grab a bite random places and usually end up on my own. No problem, I’ll just people watch and write! Thanks for the comment and have a safe trip!