While I was waiting

The excitement of food, gifts, meeting family and friends, and leaving work early during the holiday season can come to a staggering halt when you see those dreaded words “flight delayed” or “cancelled.” Nature cannot always be predicted and with the increase of holiday travel, we should expect the unexpected. My record for waiting on a flight is twelve hours, which doesn’t compare to those who’ve endured weekend sleepovers on an airport bench because of severe weather. The high possibility of delayed flights around winter and the holiday season should be expected and one should come prepared.

For those of us who didn’t come prepared:

What services and features does your airport offer?
Pearson Airport in Toronto has “10 minute manicure.” Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offers “The Airport Art Program,” which has sculptures, paintings and installations setup throughout the airport. Some of the pieces are for sell.

Scan the area
With all these people waiting around someone has to be flying solo or willing to engage in a conversation. Scan the area, break the ice with your neighbor, see who’s sitting or standing alone.

Shop around
Every airport should come equipped with a bookstore. Browsing through the latest periodicals is a great way to past time and to learn something new.

Hone in
It’s okay to listen to someone’s conversation. Chuckle at their jokes to lighten the mood, and slowly invite yourself into the conversation by adding a few words of your own. Proceed with caution because every conversation may not be so inviting.

Get your monies worth
Do you know every feature on your $600 phone? Now is the perfect time to figure it out.

One Word
Sudoku

Naked Ring Finger
See that lady over there? Let’s see what you got!

Year End Assessment
This is a perfect time to evaluate yourself and any goals that you set out to accomplish before the year end. New Years is right around the corner, jot down resolutions for the upcoming year.

Explore and find out what your airport has to offer and if nothing else you can always eat at the concessions.