Life Lessons at the Airport

Since we moved to Destin and I switched sectors within Northrop Grumman, I have been spending an average of 2 weeks per month in DC. Traveling that much has meant lots of time in airports. Literally - after flying round trip from FL to DC about 12 times since May & a trip back home to Missouri wedged in there, I have only had an on-time trip twice...and one of those was when I went home to MO. I am at least 1 1/2 delayed each trip which gets incredibly old.

There really are a couple of good things about traveling, but don't outweigh the sacrifices of traveling. First, the benefits. After traveling just since mid-May thru mid-September, I am already a Gold Marriotts member and a Silver Delta flyer. So that means free upgrades and other 'perks' now when I travel. In fact, i already have enough points for a free 5 night stay at Park City Utah Marriott Spa resort that hopefully Jim & I will take advantage of this winter (we have invited my brother to come with us for part of the trip!). And by the way - I will be able to fly there for free.

BUT....I would 110% rather be here with Jim & my fuzzy boys, Truman & Cosmo, any day of the week than earning 'free stuff' from traveling. I really miss Jim when I am away & we talk quite often during the day when I can. Right now though, this situation is the best for us both, as Northrop was awesome to work out a position that would allow me to stay with the company. In addition, the flexibility of my job has been HUGE when it came to Jim & his career opportunities (more on that later). So we have been very blessed & will enjoy the 'perks' that come with my travels! Don't get me wrong - it will be awesome to enjoy free vacations! :)

Ok - so back to the original point of this post....Life Lessons at the Airport. I hope I can remember some of the stuff that I have observed over the summer. I have seen people at their worst, but also people at their best.

People at their best:
1 - there was a huge long line at the Burger King & a gentleman walking up to the cashier realized he didn't have the cash (his wife did - at the end of the terminal at their gate). A woman that was waiting for her food offered to buy him his dinner. How unselfish!? "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." Matthew 25:35. That display of giving really struck a chord with me that day.

2 - I had a horrible horrible flight experience one day trying to get back to Destin. We were literally 3 hours delayed (was 10 pm), & finally got to board. We taxied out to the runway, and were at the end getting ready to take off, when we instead went back to the back of the taxi line because there was weather brewing. We waited in line there another 20 minutes, and then the pilot came on & said - this flight has been cancelled because the crew will be timed out by the time we take off. So here I am with no luggage at 11:30 pm in Atlanta. How is this an example of people at their best you ask? I got a shuttle to the airport Marriott for the night. The guy that checked me in at the hotel asked me how I was & I said "fine". Then I smiled & said, actually - I just lied to you - I have had a horrible night!! I told him a quick version of the story with a chuckle, since there is really no use getting upset about it. He gave me one of their best rooms on the concierge level, and also provided me a coupon for a free Starbucks in the morning. May not seem like a big deal to you all reading this, but after the night I had had - I thought it was such a neat gesture & I appreciated it very much.

3 - Most people are just really polite. I have talked to so many fun people on flights, waiting while delayed, etc. I have met some fun people! It's always fun to hear their stories and also listen to their horror travel stories too!

People at their worst:
1 - See #2 above. The guy sitting next to me on this hellish flight called the Delta line and SCREAMED at them and about how horrible Delta was, blah blah blah. Very very ugly. However.....this poor guy had just missed his daughter's 15th birthday party. He had switched to an earlier flight to make it home in time for it. The earlier flight was the one I was on that never made it. His original flight left on time & it would have meant he would have made the party. The kicker? He even paid $50 switch fee to change flights. I can understand his frustration...but let this be a lesson on how to handle tough situations!

2 - In general, there is always a "spillover" neighbor in the airplane. You know - the guy/gal who really should have 2 seats, but doesn't & 'spills over' into your seat! I hate that. Also - I have decided I must have some proximity issues, because I can't stand when people get all up in my business in lines at airports. There is no reason you (or your stuff) should ever touch me in line! Back off! I have literally been run into or luggage pounded into my legs, purses banging into me, etc. People everywhere....please control yourself & don't take that LAST step you take when standing in line. Stop one step sooner....we'll all be happier.


See - I told you I had lots to say. I haven't even begun to catch up with the blogs. Today is going to be a busy, finger cramping day.