How to Enjoy an Airport
Transform your terminal time into a pleasant experience with the right approach.
“And then you will go to hell, which as you frequent flyers know is located in Concourse D of O’Hare International Airport.” - Dave Barry
It’s hard to believe but there was a time when flying in an airplane was actually glamorous. Air travel used to be a modern luxury, and carriers were thrilled to pamper their guests with plush, ample seating, white glove service and fabulous dining. Few could afford to travel by air, so people dressed up and enjoyed a novel and memorable experience.
Well not anymore. Today sweats and hoodies dominate airport attire, seats are cramped and if you’re flying domestic you’re lucky if they feed you at all. Many of my nearest and dearest refuse to even set foot in an airport and I can’t say I blame them. Crowds, waiting around and security screenings are not any fun.
But, for those of us not yet ready to confine ourselves to roadtrips, all is not lost. There are ways of ensuring your airport time is efficient, productive and if not exactly calming, at least not anxiety-producing. Here’s how:
Use travel rituals - A lot of stress comes from the unknown. So minimize it by developing routines that you use every time you fly. Always park in the same general place, have specific storage pieces for your travel gear like passport, electronics and itinerary information. Stop and get the same coffee, wear the same travel outfit. Our bodies find routines to be soothing and they’ll reduce the number of decisions you’ll need to make on travel days, helping you save energy.
Fly early - Not everyone is an early riser, but if you can manage it, grabbing the first flight out means fewer delays and cancelled flights as well as more options for connections if something does go wrong. Early flights are often the most affordable ones of the day, so you can indulge in a pricey coffee to help you wake up and enjoy the airport when it is the least crowded.
Get lounge access - A perk of many airline credit cards is complimentary lounge passes. In addition to free food and drink, these lounges offer staff who can help with rebooking in the event of flight cancellations. They also have amenities like reading material, wifi and even showers. It’s worth doing some online searching to see how you can access the airline lounge you would use the most, as savvy travelers have shared a lot of information about this tip. Don’t assume you have to be a frequent flyer - there may be many other ways to gain entry.
Don’t check a bag - The former CEO of American Airlines Doug Parker was recently asked for his number one travel tip and he said “don’t check a bag.” While it seems like your airport time would be enhanced with the absence of a rolling suitcase, I find it’s actually the opposite. Keeping your things with you gives you the most flexibility to adapt to any travel situation. Flight cancelled? No problem, just book another and head to that gate. Also, you know your luggage is not going to get lost and you have everything with you, making it easy to grab whatever you may need.
Don’t rush - Rushing is the opposite of calm. It spikes your blood pressure and makes you prone to costly mistakes. Far better to anticipate the expectations of air travel and plan accordingly. Give yourself time to get through a long security line, move to a new gate or just pop in to a little shop that catches your eye. A sense of peace and a spirit of adventure are indispensible for navigating today’s aviation landscape.
Bring along snacks - A lot of travel day stress comes from being hungry or from eating strange foods that don’t agree with you. Making it a habit to bring along your own high quality snacks frees you from grabbing whatever may be available, allowing you to be in a far better frame of mind for whatever the day may bring. And if you decide to sample a restaurant at the terminal you have the freedom to have a glass of wine at 9 a.m. and no one will give it a thought.
Explore - As someone who flies regularly, I have discovered fascinating things at American airports. Underground trolleys, photo galleries, displays of local history and works of art are just waiting for you to find. As important hubs of local traffic today’s airports strive to showcase aspects of their cities. You’ll gain a lot by taking the time to stop and look at what’s on display rather than rushing past. You may also find a quiet chapel, an out-of-the-way quiet zone or some interesting people watching as you wander. Airports offer many rewards for those who pay attention.
Cross things off your to do list - At the airport no one is calling you or interrupting you. It’s the perfect time to work on a project, read a novel, organize the photos in your phone or do some other task you never seem to get around to doing. Listen to a podcast or book, stretch your legs or preview your trip. Pick a spot near the window and watch the planes take off and land. Percolate on the marvel of air travel. In a matter of hours you’ll be somewhere far away. What a marvel that is. Bon voyage!
Barbara Wayman is the author of Living An Extraordinary Life: 9 Transformational Strategies for Living Your Best Life Now.