I have yet to meet someone who has been excited to spend their holidays holed up in an airport. It’s not something we brag about to our friends and family. Oh your going to visit your family up north? Cool, I will be spending the day eating A&W around other mildly depressed strangers.
There is nothing I can say that will make it sound like the most fun way to spend your Christmas. What I can do is tell you how I get through it, and it’s actually not that bad!
There are generally three types of people loitering around the airport on Christmas. The stranded people. The ones that have misconnected and are being held against their will hoping to catch the next flight. These people are generally the most depressed. The second type are the cost savers. They have chosen to fly on Christmas to save money and while they aren’t exactly happy about it, they probably came to terms without beforehand. And lastly, the aircrew. That would be me! We for the most part know it’s our job and are looking to make the most out of it.
Now the question is my friends, how DO YOU make the most of it?
1. First off, come to terms with it. Scream a bit, maybe let out a tear or two and then make the decision to get over it. Once you do that you can find that there are many ways to have a good time.
2. Treat yourself to a nice meal. Forgo the fast food joints and find the swankiest restaurant your airport has. Sitting down, ordering and enjoying a meal is civilized and can almost fool you into thinking you are somewhere else.
3. Napping is easier than you think. Some airports have lounges. And some lounges offer a day pass. If not find a corner in a spot that does not have a lot of gates. Go as far from the traffic flow and use all the materials you have to make a bed. Too much for you? Just find a couple chairs instead and take a nap!
4. Be friendly! Everyone is in the same position as you. You will be surprised as to how talkative and in good spirits the people around you will be in. Way more receptive than any other time of year. I bet if you asked the stranger next to you if they want to play a game of cards they will enthusiastically oblige.
5. If there was ever a moment in your life to dress in Christmas attire, it is now. Bust out the reindeer ears or the ugly Christmas sweater and be proud. It will lift your spirits and make the people around you smile. Today I wore a Santa hat all day at work and it lifted my mood and made me excited to be there.
At the end of the day I can’t say I would choose to spend my holiday away from loved ones and in a grey and very limited building. But I also don’t choose to not have married Ryan Gosling yet. Some things are out of my control. Having a general happy outlook and using a couple of these tips, will make your experience if not better, just a tad more tolerable.
Cheers from 30,000 ft
@elzzster
P.S Be nice to employees. They have things like chocolate and connections that can make your time there a whole lot better!!
(Photo Credit: jjgardner3)