Dear Airport: I Hate You, I Love You

The Juxtaposing Nature of an Airport: Where Wanderlust Meets Anxiety

Airports, the magical gateways to new destinations, the bringer of the ugly cry, and the only place on Earth that you will check where your passport is once every 4 seconds on average. They embody a juxtaposition of wanderlust and serious anxiety, but seemingly create a habitat of coexistence within the confines of never-ending terminals and GST free goods. 

I’ve decided to choose this topic for my second ever blog post (I promise I won’t do this in every post) for one simple reason: I really do have a love-hate relationship with airports and I think you might too.

Knees Weak, Palms are Sweaty

I have been travelling overseas at least once a year since I was a few months old. So, please tell me why I will profusely perspire and feel like a truck is sitting on my chest every single time I stand in the check-in line at the airport. Maybe it’s the harrowing boarding calls bellowing out to me; my poor brain struggling to identify which announcement is relevant to me and which is not. Maybe it’s the Taylor Swift sized concert of people either walking too slow or zooming past me that leaves my heart racing. Or maybe it’s the endless lines of various humans waiting their turn and the inescapable fear of missing my own flight is taking centre stage in my overwhelmed mind. Or maybe it’s just the ridiculously overpriced shnacks?

All of this and more is usually going through my head as I patiently wait in line and have my papers and passport ready far before I’m close to the front, which results in having to awkwardly shuffle my luggage 30cm forward every couple of minutes. I cringe. 

The Raw and Tear-Duct Shattering Goodbyes

In 2019 I decided to embark on a 3 week journey around the UK by myself as a 21 year old with no prior solo travelling experience. Nervousness. Excitement. Pride. I was feeling all 3 emotions in the days and weeks leading up to departure day but I did not expect to bawl my eyes out in front of the big Sydney Departures Sign at the airport. Hugging my family and friends goodbye felt incredibly final and my chest felt horribly tight. I had to put my bravest face on as I turned my back and walked away. I focused on how I made the right choice wearing water-proof mascara that day and quickly checked my splotchy face with my front camera. My eyes were the deepest shade of red and now I was terrified the intimidating airport security staff would think I had been partaking in some ‘wacky tobaccy devils lettuce’ activity. Thankfully, she did not and offered me a gentle smile instead as I sniffled away.

And since then I have paid more attention to those heart-wrenching goodbyes between young couples wondering if a long distance relationship will work out, or a parent squeezing their partner and children so tight; thinking if this overseas job opportunity is worth it, or a young woman sobbing into the chest of her loved ones; scared but 110% ready to take on the world.

This overused Pinterest quote we’ve all heard of comes into my mind. It perfectly encapsulates this type of good-bye which is exclusively illustrated in thousands of airports: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A.A. Milne (Winnie-the-Pooh)

The Charm of Wanderlust

Now here is where things get exciting! Although airports can be an overwhelmingly stressful environment with endless emotions fluttering about, it also contains an infinite spectrum of mystery and enthusiasm intertwined. Thousands of pairs of feet walking the same ground as you and you have absolutely no idea what their story is, and they don’t know yours. A myriad of different journeys just waiting to happen.

The promise of a million kisses to be delivered at the doorstep shortly. An innate need to explore and immerse one’s self into a culture foreign to them. The awe-inducing sense of wanderlust that permeates through an airport is addicting and unwavering.

Even in the midst of a full-body pat down at the end of security screening, a large part of me will still be filled with such flabbergastment for the adventure ahead. The intrusive thoughts encouraging me to sprint to Gate 35 one hour before the gates even open are still well and truly there, however, over the years I have learnt to compromise with myself so I can still enjoy this unique, transient experience. I’ll be at the gate 20 minutes before open and will allow myself 40 minutes of people and plane watching.

This space is a waiting room for those eager to return home and reunite with their furbaby, a hybrid office to send the final email for business people, and a sanctuary for dreamers to pretend they’re in an old school R&B music video as they fantasise about all that awaits them.

The air is thick with promises for the unknown. I can only encourage you to do the following the next time you’re feeling anxious waiting at the airport:

• Find your gate
• Double check the gate opening time and set a timer on your phone
• Find a spot where you can see people and the outside world
• And just sit in it. Soak up all the feelings and emotions around you. Accept the feeling of pride you deserve to feel for making it this far. And revel in the profound greatness awaiting you.

Some Handy Dandy Tips for a Smoother and, Dare I Say it, Enjoyable Airport Experience

1. Get There Early: This one is a no brainer for my anxious pals but regardless please give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, check-in, and go through security. Rushing just makes things worse, so arriving early can help you feel more at ease and gives you time to take a breather.
2. Stay Organised: Keep all your travel docs handy and in a spot in your bag that is safe but also easy to access. Being confident knowing that you’ve got everything you need can really help ease the stress.
3. Breathe: Practise deep breathing or mindfulness exercises to help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Just focus on your breath and try to stay in the moment.
4. Stay In the Loop: Keep an eye on your flight status and any potential changes. Feeling prepared and in the know can help ease anxiety about the unknown.
5. Distract Yourself: Bring along a book, some chill music, or a podcast to take your mind off any worries.
6. Stay Hydrated and Fueled: Drink plenty of water and eat some good food to keep your body feeling its best. It makes such a big difference to your mental well-being and is a must.
7. Vent, Vent, Vent: If you’re travelling with someone, talk to them about any feelings of anxiety. If you’re flying solo, pick up the phone and call someone you trust. Sometimes, just verbally expressing your worries can help ease them. 
8. You’re Not Alone: Remind yourself that millions of people travel safely through airports every day. Positive thinking can really turn things around and keep you grounded.

Okay Mr Airport – You Can Be a Pain in The Butt, But I Love What You Represent

Airports envelop the multifaceted essence of human emotions and collectively intertwine them to create a beautiful image of what it means to be alive.

Airports provide us mortals a gateway to new adventures and an open invitation to embrace the world.

Airports aren’t just a place; they’re a metaphor for endless possibilities.

So, amidst all the chaos, there’s this underlying charm to airports – the call of something you won’t find at home. Just take a look at those departure boards flashing with the names of all sorts of exotic places – it’s like being in the fourth dimension and wanderlust is just an arm’s length away. Despite the madness and mayhem of the logistical airport experience, there is so much waiting for you on the other side.

Au revoir, Ahoj, Até já!

Priya x