Everybody is rushing. To home, to class, to work, to practice, to the future– so many people are hurrying from Point A to Point B. And once they reach Point B, it’s time to get to Point C. A whole alphabet passes by, and then the process just repeats. There is some overlap with these Points, but if one were to take a step back and examine the physical and mental locations of oneself on a given day, the result would likely be a scatterplot with criss-crossed lines covering the page.

Imagine the most recent time someone you know mentioned traveling. Was the actual method of transit portrayed favorably? Or was the transportation just a means to get from one place to another? Was this much thought even put into the mode of traveling?

If people were to answer these questions, they would likely assert, “Not really, yep, and no - why would anyone reflect on this?”

And the question posted at the end is a valid one – why would anyone reflect on the manner travelled? After all, it is assumed the most compelling details lie in the adventurous tales that happen at the destination.

So how does this relate to airports?

First, we should analyze what an airport is. Airports are defined as “tracts of land or water with facilities for the landing, takeoff, shelter, supply, and repair of aircraft, especially used for receiving or discharging passengers and cargo at regularly scheduled times” (Dictionary.com). Very straightforward, no surprises there. Airports are efficient, streamlined, and effective. Some are artistically unique and spend a great deal of resources on aesthetic appeal, but the traditional boarding terminal has dark patterned carpet that transitions to stark white linoleum, navy blue vinyl seats edged with shiny metal, and the occasional window. Airports decrease the time taken to get from Point A to Point B, and their goal is to get us to our destinations safely. There is not much time to enjoy the journey, and arguably not that much journey to enjoy.

But, we can find joy in airplane travel. I certainly do.

Airport boarding areas may appear bleak… but they’re also beautiful. So many different people around the world convene in a single location in order to embark (or continue) on awesome journeys and adventures. Chaos, raw emotion, and apathy join together to make an exquisite mess. And when you’re there, you’re a part of that mess, and you’re surrounded by a plethora of people who are also a part of that mess. The beauty of airports lies in the people who gather there. Every single person in this world knows something you don’t; all that matters is taking the time to ask a few questions.

Granted, not everyone wants to spend a plane flight conversing. Some people do not care to hold a conversation with a stranger. And that’s okay. The point here is that the journey on an airplane CAN be fantastic. Acknowledging this opens up a wonderful sense of possibility – you never know who you’ll meet. You might never see them again. But then again, what if you do?

Our lives are so much more than scatterplots connected by rigid lines. They can be defined by multiple dots on occasion, but these Points are just a sliver of the dynamic lives we lead. Yet, we often choose to narrowly focus on reaching our destination. For some, this is the right decision. But some of us (myself included) crave spontaneity, and talks with strangers have the potential to be some of the most rewarding conversations. We are given opportunities to make new friends, and we can choose whether or not we seize them (the opportunities, of course, not our new friends).

We’ve heard Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” It is time for us to apply this adage, not only to our lives and goals in general, but also to tangible travels. Obviously, safety is paramount (we should not abandon common sense in favor of having conversations with strangers). But, if you want make airplane travel more enjoyable, I highly recommend conversing with surrounding people.

This advice is not limited to fellow travelers, either; I had a lovely chat with a janitor today while he was replacing the trash can liners. TSA agents do not necessarily have time to talk, but most appreciate a “Hi! How are you?”, as do other airport staff members. This advice is not exclusive to airplane travel, either; buses, trains, and any other group transport also work nicely as avenues to discourse (though keep in mind that passengers in airports undergo security procedures not commonly implemented in other transportation methods).

Mustering up the courage to say hello to a stranger is difficult. And as for questions to ask, the possibilities are endless. My personal favorites are:

• “What are you passionate about?”
• “If you were to give a talk, what would it be on?”
• “What was the happiest moment of your life?”

Just remember: everyone has something extraordinary to offer. Few moments are as powerful as those spent connecting with others. And airports offer multiple opportunities to do just that.