While I haven't literally lived in airports, I grew up spending many a layover in the Chicago airport. My Dad worked for American Airlines and Chicago was their main hub. This meant about 99% of our travel included connecting in Chicago and waiting around as standyby's, hoping to get a seat on board. My parents would call an impromptu family meeting right at the gate to discuss which of us would go on and which would stay behind to wait for another flight if there weren't enough seats for all of us. It was reminiscent of the Life Boat game, only my brothers and I would wait to hear our fates from our own parents. Thus Chicago O'Hare became like a second home, and I spent many hours lamenting my fate and combating acute boredom. These were the days before WiFi, iPods, laptops, portable DVD players, blackberries, Gameboys, Nintendo DS, and cell phones. The horror.
I've learned that waiting in airports all day really sucks.
This week's holiday travel was no different and brought many hours of sitting around in an uncomfortable airport filled with anxious passengers, stale coffee, and the scent of airline fuel. The flight I had booked through Orbitz was nearly 5 hours delayed out of Newark Airport. Luckily I had registered my phone number with Orbitz when I purchased our tickets, and started receiving calls about the flight status that morning. I decided not to take our situation lying down and skipped trying to talk to Orbitz. Instead, I contacted Delta directly to see if there were any other flights available in a 40-mile radius. I was surprised to learn that there were two seats left on an earlier flight out of Laguardia. Because our original flight was delayed due to a mechanical problem and not weather (in other words, the airline was at fault), we were re-booked without a change fee. Had I called Orbitz, they would have charged me a $100 to do the same thing.
While my husband and I eagerly awaited our new flight to Atlanta, we discussed our good fortune of getting to leave early. We envisioned getting home in time for a glass of wine with my parents and tasty leftovers. I planned to watch a movie and take a hot shower, then turn in early with a good book. But as luck would have it, our new flight was also delayed several hours and because of the busy holiday weekend, there were no more flights with empty seats. It seemed impossible, but we were stuck and there was no other option but to wait.
But over the years, I've learned some tips to combat the airport blues. Here's a few tips to keep you busy if you're stranded:
Relax - There's very little you can do when a flight is delayed and getting worked up will only make your situation worse. Use the opportunity of being stuck as a chance to rest. We're all busy and working away at warp-speed, a flight delay may be one of the few times you can just rest and be alone (sort of) with your thoughts.
Call the Airlines - In many cases, it's easier to just call the airlines than talk to the gate agents, especially if there's a long line with annoyed passengers. Ask the representative if there are any other available flights. Be prepared to run to a new flight if need be, the airlines are not afraid to put you on a flight that's about to leave.
Talk to the Gate Agent - If calling the airlines doesn't work, find out when the next flight is departing yourself. Show up at the gate and ask if there are any available seats. The gate agents will either re-book you or offer stand-by status. Some airlines charge a nominal fee to do so, others will give empty seats for free. Keep in mind you can only get re-booked or fly stand-by on the same airlines you're already booked with.
Find a Comfortable Spot - Once you've made the rounds of trying to sort out your flight status, get yourself settled. Often the floor is a far better option than seats at the gate. There is usually tons of negative energy radiating from irate passengers and cranky gate agents. Not to mention the gates are almost always cramped and not at all comfortable. Lay out your jacket in a slightly out of the way area and sit down (make sure you can still see your gate to check for status changes and hear the gate agents' announcements). Get out a book, magazine, laptop, or cell phone and unwind. Sip on some water or if you really need to take the edge off, a beer.
Be Nice to the Airport Personnel - Gate agents, bag checkers, security, clerks, and airport personnel have a lot of power. Be pleasant, but firm with your needs. Always say thank-you and attempt to sympathize. Something as simple as "You guys must be swamped" can go a long way. If the gate agents see that you're trying to be positive, they're more likely to want to help. Likewise, a smile or pleasantry with the bag checkers (and maybe a tip) will up the odds of your bag being treated with extra care.
Do Something Productive - Much of time waiting at the airport is wasted being angry over delays. It's also extremely unmotivating to be stuck. Make a list of things you need to get done. If the airport has WiFi can you pay bills and catch up on your email? Return calls you've been neglecting, write a letter, re-pack your bag, make a future to-do list, and get organized. Even if you haven't accomplished a great deal, you'll feel energized getting something done that you've been neglecting.
Get a Change of Scenery - If you're not sure if it's safe to leave the gate area and risk a change in your flight status, just check with the gate agent. If you know you have some time to wander, stretch your legs and go for a walk. Walk briskly to raise your heartbeat and get energized. Visit some of the kiosks and thumb through magazines or window shop.
Drink Water - Many people complain of jet-lag on flights that are just 1-3 hours. In reality, they're suffering from dehydration. The change in altitude can also 'dry you out' so to speak. Drink a few glasses of water while you wait, allowing for plenty of bathroom breaks before your flight. You'll feel a lot better by the time you land.
Make a Friend - While we waited, we met a long-haired Datsun named Reuben and his owner. Reuben was extremely entertaining, affectionate, and curious. It was nice to have fun for a few minutes and forget about the delay. Most people are dying to chat for a minute and take their minds off the day.
Keep it in Perspective - Don't personalize the experience and say "Why me?" Thousands of people are delayed every day. The hurricanes Mexico a few years ago left tourists stranded for days inside the airport. During 9/11, no one in the country could get anywhere and were separated from loved ones and important matters for nearly a week. Remember that you'll get to where you need to go soon enough and in the big scheme of things, it's not the end of the world.
Reward Yourself - If you're on an especially long layover, you might want to consider purchasing a magazine. I like reading People, but only at airports or on the plane. It's my guilty-reading material and I rarely want to read it in every day life. If I've had a trying day and just want to enjoy part of it, even from inside an airport, I'll find a sports bar and have a beer or soda. Give yourself a little reward. Consider planning a special lunch when you get to where you're going, take a luxurious bath, or sleep in an extra hour or two the next morning.
Set a Budget - It's easy to overspend and overeat when you're bored or stressed. Make a budget beforehand and choose how to spend it. Airport prices are considerably higher since they're catering to a captive audience. If you have a tight budget, make a list of free things to do. People watching and trying to find those luggage carts to return for to the machines for quarters is always a fun pastime.
Our final fate? We finally made it to my parents house around 1am. The only consolation was knowing my original flight was so delayed it left more than an hour after we managed to escape. By contacting Delta right away, I at least saved ourselves a small amount of grief at the airport and managed to enjoy part of the wait.
What I've Learned From Living In Airports
Happy Holidays
My hubster and I will be flying to visit my family in Atlanta tomorrow, so this may be my last posts of the year other than a quick update here or there. I'm excited to get out of New York for a few days and into some warmer weather. It's been in the 70's in Georgia this month, but my Mom reluctantly said, "It's only going to be in the 50's while you're here!" After a long pause to see if she was kidding or not I said, "So?" After a few weeks of 30's and below in "The North" as she calls it, I'm sure we'll be toasty regardless.
It's been an amazing year and 2007 marked my start of working as a professional travel writer. I have consistent gigs with two travel sites, started making a modest return from the ads on my blog, and am in talks to do a travel column with a newspaper. (I'll tell y'all all about it when it pans out). But more important to me than the 'career' factor is being able to passionately enjoy what I do for a living. Of course I have a few non-travel writing clients including writing bad copy for an online retail store, but overall I'm very content with where my career is heading.
Writing and travel have finally crossed paths in my life and are now like two old friends working together to bring both enjoyment and financial reward. Before I felt like those two pieces of my life were on completely different planes, but once I got my head around the fact that I could actually make a living travel writing, they started to merge on their own. I truly feel that you have to believe you can accomplish something before the barriers in your life start to fracture and reveal the path to that goal.
I'm lucky enough to have a freelance boss who encourages me to use my status as press to seek out freebies like museum passes, event tickets, and tours when I'm traveling. In exchange, I can offer her fresh content for her publication and new connections. My husband is extremely supportive of my dreams, even though it meant taking a huge cut from being a video editor, but he also has the travel bug and works as a graphic designer. He uses our trips as an opportunity to meet new clients and gain inspiration from different cultures.
What will next year's goals bring? I hope to take some extended time traveling -- whether across the country or abroad. I've still never seen the Grand Canyon, Sedona, or Alaska -- and there's plenty more in this country I've yet to see. Next year I hope to reach 100,000 visitors and generate a reasonable part-time income from my blog, and even offer some kind of video or podcast contest to help others realize their own travel dreams. I'd also love to get more interaction from people stopping by The Innovative Traveler. Feel free to post comments and touch base with us if you need advice making traveling and/or writing a reality, or if you just have a great travel idea or lead.
Happy Holidays!
~ Susan
Jamie Lynn Spears Might Teach You Something... Besides Sex Ed
I wondered how long it would take the media to start talking about statutory rape laws regarding 16 year old Jamie Lynn Spears and her 18 or 19 old boyfriend. I was surprised it took 3 whole days for the rumblings to begin. As it turns out, her boyfriend's potential legal trouble depends on the state they had sex in: Louisiana or California (although I'm assuming they probably were getting it on in both states, and a few in between).
The idea of state to state, and even country to country laws is not just a cautionary tale for overzealous teens, but travelers as a whole. Remember the American, Michael Faye, who got caned for theft and vandalism in Singapore back in the '90's? Or the movie Broke Down Palace? Watching Claire Danes get the business from Thai prison guards, and seeing the aftermath of a roach crawling into Kate Beckinsale's ear is enough to make you want to stay home and skip the exotic adventure all together.
Then there's stories of Americans who were apparently minding their own business and faced frightening legal consequences abroad. An American man was arrested after getting into a car accident in Venezuela and severely hurting the other driver, though he was not at fault. An American businessman in the Middle East was arrested at an airport for having a pornographic magazine. A Connecticut man found himself in a Brazilian jail for 75 days in a cramped 18x20 foot cell with 16 other prisoners for stealing a meteorite -- even though he was a dealer in meteorites and acquired it legally.
The State Department estimates that nearly 3,000 Americans are arrested abroad, though the number is probably much higher. With millions of people traveling each day, that's a pretty small number. But if you're that one person, you won't care about the stats. Don't forget that being an American guarantees you nothing in another country, you are not there on diplomatic immunity and you are not entitled to follow your own laws and ignore the ones of the country you're visiting. Even the smallest amounts of drugs in some countries can land you in jails for years, regardless of if there is much legal basis for the claim. Japan has a ban on simple over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and Nyquil. Even seemingly innocent gestures like taking photographs of a government buildings and airports can lead to trouble.
Bribes are not necessarily frowned on, but giving one to the wrong person can be extremely dangerous. However, bribes can be a commonplace way to resolve issues. A simple 10 bucks could get you out of a speeding ticket or altercation with an aggressive officer. Your best bet when facing trouble is to ask to speak to the American consulate, but do not be arrogant or demanding or you'll make the situation worse. Always opt for travel insurance that includes 24-hour legal service. A charged cell phone and the insurance hotline number on hand can get you through a sticky situation. Call immediately at the first sign of trouble in case you are detained and cannot call afterwards. Your insurance should be able to put the correct legal counsel in touch. Finally, pick up the book Americans Traveling Abroad: What you Should Know Before You Go.
But don't forget about state to state laws like drug possession, speeding, and intoxication. While you'll of course have much more control and ease in dealing with trouble in your own country, don't pretend like being on vacation gives you free reign to do whatever you please. Need an example? Just watch the Spring Break coverage from Panama City Beach or the latest installment of Girls Gone Wild videos. Most teenagers don't necessarily flash their goods on a quiet Tuesday night in their own hometown. (Some maybe, but not most). That goes for adult travelers too. I once saw a 40-something year old man wearing a shirt and tie jump off a pier in Key West. He was drunk and could barely swim to the ladder that was at least a football field away. Also be aware that there are con-artists, less than savory individuals, and just average Joe's who will take advantage of tourists. That includes pick-pocketing, slipping something in your drink, running a scam, mugging you, or just messing with you for the fun of it.
Here are some simple rules to follow while traveling:
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times
- Don't offer up too much information to strangers, even in polite conversation
- Explore in groups, especially at night. If you're traveling alone, stay close to your accommodations or join a tour group
- Keep a copy of your driver's license or passport with you and make sure someone back home also has a copy
- Keep the details of your travel insurance, or if you're still in your own country, the number of a lawyer
- Keep at least $100 in traveler's checks in your suitcase or hotel safe in case your wallet is stolen
- Have a 'Worst Case Scenario Plan'. If you get detained, arrested, or are the victim of a crime, who will you call and what will you do?
- Let someone back home know of your travel plans and ask them to check-in with you if they don't hear from you by a specified date
- Don't act like an idiot just because you're on vacation
- Travel smart
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