Although I haven't been jet-setting as much as I would like to be, I found myself at Detroit Metro Airport going away for a nice family vacation, just after the semester ended. Having not been on a plane or in an airport for over a year, I was shocked at what had changed. No SkyMall?! Annoyed. For the most part everything was pretty normal -- you go through security, you wait, you get on the plane, you wait, you takeoff, you wait, you land, more waiting, and then finally, you're at your destination. In the midst of this all, I came across some things that I think are pretty valid towards traveling, and definitely make the whole airport/airplane process easier.
1. Wear your biggest shoes.
No, I don't mean your tallest heels. I mean the shoes that would normally take up the most space in your suitcase. For me, these are my tennis shoes. They would take up space that could really be used for more clothes. I wear my tennis shoes on the plane also because I'm scared of feet and I don't want to have my open feet near other people's open feet, of which I do not know where they have been. End of story.
2. Do not lose your boarding pass.
This is a challenge for me. But hey, it gets you on the plane. It's important. Hang onto it.
3. Be on time.
Although you'll be boarding something that leaves at a specific time, you want to be on top of things. Being early is being on time. You do NOT want to be that person who is running to his or her gate, and you definitely do not want to be holding up the plane from taking off. People will glare.
4. Be patient.
Newsflash: you are not the only person in the world. Thousands of other people are trying to do the same thing you're trying to do -- get from Point A to Point B safely and soundly. Trying to get off a plane is like trying to pour 50,000 gallons of water through a spout the size of a needle. Things will be smoother for you if you're on time (see #3) and patient, understanding that Rome was not built in a day, and grand things take time.
5. People watch*.
I enjoy the hustle and bustle of the airport and especially watching so many people carry on with their lives. I specifically love the people who talk very loudly on their cell phones, and run into me (lol).
*This is not so much of a tip but a suggestion. Something to do to pass the time. A perk of traveling, if you're really not a fan.
6. Enjoy!
Most of the time, traveling is the gateway to another land, a warmer place, etc. The whole plane/ airport shenanigans is like the hard work to vacation. Get through it and relax. Now it's time to explore!
