With the right perspective and a positive outlook, wasted time should be a rarity. If you get stuck at every red light in town, be thankful. One of those lights could have kept you from an accident.
Recently, I read a post about someone’s bicycle tire going flat; the bicycle being their main source of transportation. What normally would have been a frustrating ordeal, ended up providing the time to enjoy scenery which typically goes unnoticed.
Why complain when we experience hiccups in our schedules? Why not just appreciate and enjoy those unexpected moments? With a positive outlook, you can change that hiccup into a fun, happy occasion. Whereas complaining won’t do anything, but upset you more.
(One caveat – if the trip is for an emergency, then rarely can a delay of any kind be turned into a positive one.)
That takes us to airport delays. Call me strange if you want, but I enjoy delays and layovers. When at all possible, I even try to arrive extra early just so I can have more airport time.
Everywhere we go, people are fascinating to watch, but especially at airports. There is such a variety of emotions to be seen there. Sad goodbyes, joyous reunions and relieving farewells. I like to imagine peoples’ scenarios. Who are they leaving behind? Where are they going? Why are they going there?
Aside from imagining the reason for someone’s departure, there are other forms of entertainment all around. Mothers chasing their kids down the moving walkways, parents who have obviously never traveled with their children before, and couples arguing in the corner.
There are also those people who have never heard of inside voices. No matter how many gates down they are, they can still be heard, as if they’re sitting right next to you.
Then there’s the elderly. They are precious to watch and I love to see the crinkled smiles on their faces when airport staff stop to assist them.
Newlyweds are cute! They’re so lovey-dovey, giggly, and just downright adorable with how they interact with each other. I watch them, hoping that their closeness remains and that they grow old together.
Years ago, I used to want to be a flight attendant. So obviously, watching the flight staff brings on even more imaginary thought. What cities have they flown to? What do they do during their downtime at each destination? That would be a fun career, I think. However, I’ve also listened to them complain to their co-workers about horrible treatment and low wages, so maybe I should rethink that.
Daily Post asked what would I do during a 6 hour delay at the airport. My answer: grab a coffee, kick back, and watch people. That would keep me entertained for hours, and would provide a lot of blogging material for later.
However, if the delay was late at night, people watching would still be number one, but in between dosing off. A woman’s got to get her beauty sleep, right? Ha! Thankfully, I’ve found numerous semi-comfortable positions to sleep in, on those lovely rock hard seats the airports provide.
People. What more do you need for entertainment?
This post is a response to the Daily Post prompt: Terminal Time
You’re at the airport, your flight is delayed for six more hours, and none of your electronic devices is working. How do you pass the time?
Me - Who am I? 
This is a wonderful post. Very well written and the sentiment behind it is conveyed really well 🙂
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Thank you, Akriti. I appreciate you reading and commenting.
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Love this! Thanks for the link!
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Thank you, and you are very welcome!
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So you said, “Call me strange if you want.” Okay, you’re strange.
I think people have different perspectives on airport delays depending upon the frequency of their need to fly and whether it’s for business or pleasure. For those of us who fly often and do so for work, airport delays are not something to look forward to. Either you’re going to be late getting to your destination and then feel pressured to make it to your meeting on time (or, if you arrive the night before, to get a decent night’s sleep), or you’re late getting home after a business trip when all you want to do is get home and kick back.
So it’s good that you can make the most of your airport delay times, but I bet you don’t have to fly frequently and you don’t have to deal with such delays very often.
If I’m wrong about that, I do apologize. But in any event, it’s a well written, entertaining post.
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You’re right. In comparison to you, I fly very little; normally from 2 – 4 times a year. Last year, on the other hand, I flew more times than I can count. For business travelers, such as you, I can completely understand why you would want as few delays as possible. Especially being that deadlines are involved, and family time gets interrupted. I did think of you when I wrote this, and even thought about mentioning the difference when it comes to business travel. Therefore, I’m glad that you shared your thoughts, as you certainly have a different, yet understandable perspective on the topic.
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I love people watching. Food Courts in large shopping centres (malls) are a great place to watch others whilst enjoying a cuppa and something to eat. 😀
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Malls are a great place to people watch too. A cuppa – hot drink. Had to look that up. 🙂 My mother and I used to spend a lot of time at the mall people watching. It’s always entertaining.
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Sorry, I forget sometimes that there are things we say each day that others don’t understand. Yes, we often say to each other “We must catch up for a cuppa” lol
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Look for the white knuckler next time – a person like me. One who is wide eyed and breathing heavily. Counting the number of breaths taken before the long walk down a narrow corridor to sit in a tin can smooshed between a bunch of strangers who want to suck you into their universe.
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Ha! I love the way you explain this. I wonder what caused your fear? I suppose the reality of a flying tin can is probably reason enough. 🙂
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I don’t really know what caused my fear. I never enjoyed it, but it turned into a phobia. Maybe it’s something I can overcome on shorter trips, but with our last trip to Missouri, I was too exhausted to test the theory.
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Some airports (e.g. Denver) have the best boutiques. I’m not a shopper, but I do like time for the boutiques (not to be confused with the trinket shops)! We also have a couple of fabulous art galleries right next to security screening 🙂
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That’s true. They do have some great shops, and I’m not a shopper either. It’s a great time way to pass time. I’ll have to check out the art galleries next time. I’ve missed them, probably because I’m always eying the security line.
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great post! I love to people watch!
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Thank you! They can be both, great teachers and entertainers.
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“Mothers chasing their kids down the moving walkways, parents who have obviously never traveled with their children before…” I am guessing that you don’t have children. I don’t mind delayed flights and layovers when I am traveling alone or with my husband. However, it can be a nightmare with children who miss their nap and need a quiet, comfortable place to sleep. It is also overstimulating to spend too much time in an airport for some kids, especially when they are used to a healthy routine. I do agree with your comments about enjoying unexpected moments. These are the times that I meet an interesting person, read my book, relax and enjoy the scenery, etc. Thanks for your post!
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Actually, I do have a son. The comment that you mentioned was meant for two separate groups of people. I agree that kids do get very restless and therefore run around and act in ways that they would not normally act when at home. The “parents who have obviously never traveled with their children” comment was made because of the people who are trying to learn how to carry luggage, car seats and children all at once. By all appearance they appear to be newbies, but entertaining to watch regardless. Restless children are a completely different situation. My son is autistic, and can get a bit worked up at the airport too, because of all the hustle and bustle, and the many people. Reading books and meeting interesting people are both great forms of entertainment also. Thank you so much for your comment.
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I am so very sorry. Sincerely, Cate
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No apologies needed. Hugs!
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Perhaps if you took the time to read some of the posts written by mewhoami you would know she has a son, and is an exceptional mother. Why would you make the statement “I am guessing you don’t have children?” You might have posed the question, do you have children?, and gone on to make your point, but to make an assumption and write it was insulting and arrogant.
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the reply was to Cate Pane The Clear Parent
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Please see today’s response. I made an enormous mistake. I have apologized and I AM the offender.
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I have never minded sitting in the airport waiting or laying over. 🙂 It’s almost like time is suspended. Watching everyone else get about, go about, talking, rushing, or dragging. It is a great way to see people, and it’s amazing how many will make eye contact and share a smile.
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Yes, suspended time. That’s a great description. I like your comment about eye contact and shared smiles. The airport is a great place to form temporary friendships and bonds with people.
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I am glad I am not the only who enjoys airports! 🙂
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Great way to kill time if you have a delay!
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Yes! Might as well make it enjoyable.
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Love this! 🙂 As I don’t travel a lot.. in fact it’s been nearly 20 years since my last flight… I would wouldn’t mind a long delay. I too would sip coffee and watch people. I do it nearly everywhere I go. I find people terribly interesting.
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Thank you! Wow, 20 years? That’s a long time. I believe it then, that you would probably enjoy the delay. People are very interesting aren’t they? Each one is so different from the other. There is so much to learn from them, from their good behavior and their bad. 🙂
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