People Watching at the Airport: A Gen Z Student’s Fun Journey Through Human Stories

Airports are fascinating places for people watching. You see every kind of traveler as you navigate your journey. It’s like gaining entertainment for the price of your ticket.

I’ve always enjoyed observing people. Whenever I find myself in busy places, I watch everyone around me, noticing their quirks and behaviors. Airports are especially amusing because you see various types of travelers at every stage of their journey.

During my recent trip from Dublin to London, I took notes on the different “types” of airport travelers I encountered. Join me as I share my observations.

10am: Check-in Time. I spotted a young man struggling with his suitcase. He was rearranging clothes between his carry-on and checked bag. Clearly, he hadn’t weighed his bag before leaving home. Now, he was putting on quite the show for the Aer Lingus staff. Everyone nearby got a glimpse into his packing habits — wrinkled clothes, a hint of his underwear choice, and a surprising stash of Tayto crisps. You can never be too prepared, right?

10:15am: Security Check. While I frantically dug through my bag looking for my liquid containers hidden beneath a mountain of tampons, I noticed a woman gliding through security. She had prepared perfectly, already holding her boots and unbuckling her belt. She was a pro at airport security, making me grateful I wore a bra today. Trust me; I learned my lesson the hard way during a previous full-body search!

10:55am: Finding the Gate. I always feel like I need to see my gate before I can relax. So, even though I had time to spare, I camped out near the gate. My surroundings were vibrant. To my left, a man in shorts and flip flops revealed some questionable nail hygiene. Honestly, it was a bit hard to look at, especially considering the cold temperature in Dublin. What was he thinking?

11:20am: Nearly Boarding. A dad and his kids were gearing up for their flight. They stood in line, passports and boarding passes in hand, determined to be the first ones on the plane. If one of the kids needed a bathroom break, they’d have to hold it. The dad had everything planned right down to the number of copies of their boarding passes. It was a well-rehearsed routine.

11:45am: Boarding the Flight. I always find it amusing how seemingly laid-back some travelers can be. The last person to board the plane often struts in like they’re in no rush. They act as if the pilot will wait for them forever, while the rest of us are trying to settle in as quickly as possible.

1:15pm: Landing in London. One type of traveler I can never quite understand is the one who leaps from their seat the moment the plane touches down. I can’t help but think that no one is going to keep them on the plane indefinitely. There’s no need to rush past elderly passengers who are just trying to gather their things.

7:00pm: In the Hotel Room. Now that I’m settled in a hotel, I’m starting to question what kind of traveler I am. Am I Mr. Tayto Crisps or Mr. Overprepared? It’s tricky to analyze oneself. Maybe that guy with the questionable toenails could offer some insights instead.

Source link

This much I know column; Shape I