Travel Tips: The Characters You Find In The Airport
Airport travel journal...
On our recent trip to Florida, we were chatting about the different people you find in the airport. Let's be real, the airport is kind of an odd place. Everyone in close proximity, but not communicating (except that one lady who likes to chat with every-one), but also keeping an eye on what each other is doing. ODD STUFF. I came up with a few of the main character groups you seem to always find when you're traveling...
Vacationed Out Dad loves his family but is ready to be home in their regular environment where a snack doesn't cost him $6-10 per kid. He's done with being asked questions, driving the rental mini van, and trying to wrangle everyone in a restaurant for meals. He can be identified by his white tube socks (that will be most likely pulled up to his calves) with matching white tennis shoes and khaki cargo shorts. You can find him in the concourse with eyes closed while his children 'run a muck'. If the vacation has been extra trying or was in a kid-focused destination, the Vacationed Out Dad might be taking part in airport libations until boarding the plane. If you find a VOD, give him a reassuring nod or Leo Dicaprio Gatsby style cheers for what he just went through (one of my favorite GIFS).
The All Business Frequent Flyer is one of the most popular characters you will find in the airport. Day or night, they will be there with their small carry-on rollers checking emails on their ThinkPads. They would never be caught dead carrying a boarding pass...iWatch scan only, thanks. To the airport newbies: try not to stand in front of them when you go through security as your lack of speed and experience will probably annoy them especially if they didn't get pre-check. Business Frequent Flyer can be identified by their sensible travel gear and accessories: leather business bag or aforementioned carry-on roller suitcase (with purse attached) for hands free navigation. Attire=blazers or sleek jackets with pockets for cell phones and suit jackets with no tie and jeans. Don't worry, they might be practical but they won't forget a little dash of flashy: i.e. businessman=patterned socks, businesswoman=killer heels. Frequent Flyer can be found in the hip lounge or in the corner...for sure on their phone.
These are some of my absolute favorite travelers. Excited, happy, and crazy cute. The 'Mooners can be identified by their matching luggage that doesn't look like it has been [literally] thrown from the airport to that cart thing. Sidebar: you know the matching luggage was a wedding shower gift. This duo usually picks a style vibe which often leans towards the sporty spice. If they're extra great, they might have the gear branded with "Mr./Mrs." on anything from their waterbottles, luggage tags, hats, or t-shirts. The Honeymooners can be found in the concourse staring at each other and/or giggling. Note: any women in this situation will have a french mani/pedi combo.
It's easy to spot the First Timers in the airport. They're the ones having moments of full-on panic at check-in trying to figure out what to show the ticketing agent and what to do with their assortment of bags. At TSA you will run into them throwing away their full bottle of lotion because they didn't know about the safe ounces requirement. You can identify them because they probably have about 5x too much stuff and it's obvious that carrying all of it around is adding to the level of stress. The First Timers can be found at the end of the security checkpoint frantically gathering items and putting their belt/shoes/accessories back on. If you see them, answer their question and reassure them it's all going to be okay...
Not hard to spot, the Bachelor Bros are either heading to or coming back from somewhere STRIKETHROUGH, Vegas. You will be able to tell if they are coming or going by their demeanor; if they are flying out, they will be rowdy af and [loudly] talking about all the "epic stuff" that is about to happen. Lots of [again loud] laughing and backwards hats. If they are coming back, they will be wearing sunglasses in the airport and not speaking to each other. Where you find The Bachelor Bros will also depend on if they are pre or post bachelor party. If they are pre-party they will be at the airport bar (cue rowdiness). If they are on their way home, they will be on the moving sidewalk traveling as one herd/unit.
Power Mom is the biggest source of hustle in the airport. Constantly doing a head count of the kiddos, she is on.top.of.it. Her Mary Poppins-esque tote is a never ending supply of snacks (to avoid the sugary/costly snacks in the airport), distractions for the kids, and practical items like hand sanitizer and bandaids. The bag most likely also contains a folder with extensive paperwork including everyone's boarding passes, ideas for activities once they arrive, and printed confirmation emails for the hotel and rental car (PM would never trust just the email confirmation). You can identify Power Mom by her mom sneakers which she rocks regardless of what her outfit is. She can be found in the bathroom talking to littles about their upcoming trip or in a concourse laying down the law because 'there are other people in here and that is just too loud.' If you spot a PM, give her a thumbs up...homegirl has a lot going on.
Flying out of the airport used to be monumental for people...it was a truly fabulous and celebrated experience. Next time you travel, try and capture some of that vintage glamour; the excitement and spirit of traveling. Whether you are a seasoned airport-er or first time flyer, enjoy it…oh and let me know what kind of characters you find in the airport...
Sincerely,
Ashley