Am I alone in not being able to remain pleasant in an airport?

[aperolspritzbasicbitch]

Nothing raises my cortisol quite like being in an airport.
i hate it.
I become snappy, everything annoys me and the general public can do no right.
I was born to fly private, but unfortunately I am without the funds.

My mood is only really improved if I have hand luggage only, because at least then I don’t have to deal with people crowding around the luggage belt, making it impossible for the rest of us to see our bags. And don’t get me started on those who allow their children to stand right at the front!

Is anyone able to breeze through without becoming stressed? If so, please share your secrets to being calm!

I absolutely love going through airports. I don’t know why, but I find it incredibly chill - and I’ve been very late on occasion as well. I love flying in general, especially long haul with meals and movies. I’m originally from NZ and make the 36-odd hour journeys back every couple of years or so, never thought twice about it, it’s all part of the holiday if you ask me!

How on earth is expecting people to behave as is they aren’t the only people in the world an obvious marker of privilege and resources?

I’ve let it get out of perspective, and yet you think that this response to a throw away post on here is ok?

I don’t think people ‘ought to be like me’

I think that there’s a line around a luggage carousel for a reason, and that if everyone pays attention to it then the experience would be better for everyone, not just me.

I’m not quite sure how waiting in a waiting room or friends being late is relevant?

and again, no one is my punching bag. I’m simply not as patient as I would be about things like dawdling (within my party only) and silliness. Maybe I’ll make the odd comment about someone doing something irritating around us, but only to my partner.

I feel your rage at baggage claim.
I tend to hold back and if I see my bag just barge through - not aggressively before anyone jumps down my throat and in full awareness of those around me. When you hang back you can pick your spot and it’s just a short walk.
Alternatively, I go to the loo and most of the kerfuffle is gone by the time I get back.

I don't think it's entitled to expect other people not to behave like twats.

And who’s the judge of that?

I hate it. As soon as plane lands people standing in the aisle. Last flight we were on the pilot announced there was an issue with the ground crew and to sit down. It ended up being half an hour and still the aisles stuffed with people hanging over my seat.
Pushing in passport control queue, pushing me forward and huffing when I dont move wont get you through quicker. I cant move until the staff direct me to a free desk.
Luggage carousel pisses me off when people stand almost on the belt. Then grab your case as they thought their case was that colour. How the hell do you not know what colour case you have ?

Omg I LOVE the airport. To me it’s such a place of excitement, free time and happy memories. People can do what they like and I wont be annoyed. I’d work there if the shifts weren’t so rotten! The supermarket on the other hand ……..

Try the airport with two DCs with ADHD...
I think the secret is to talk to everyone in your party with a calm fluffy Cbeebies presenter voice and that makes you calmer.

Me

That’s a very unnecessarily testy reply.
Markers of privilege are that you buy fast track, use meet and greet, will use the lounge next time and mention business/first as realistic. You have a more comfortable trip than most already.

Just as a thought experiment, have you ever considered that the people who are in a rush at the carousel might actually be in a rush and need to get on a specific train, or they really need to get home - someone dying or died ? I try to pay it forward if I can, and don’t make assumptions about what might be going on with other people.

What is the average length of delay you feel you have to suffer, short haul flights are usually about ten minutes from the first to last bag, and even long haul it’s rarely more than 30. You do always have the option of saying “excuse me, that’s my bag coming”. Fundamentally, it seems to me that you ruin your own experience, by getting over invested , perhaps even irrationally over invested in something quite small.
Saying “I am intolerant” is not permission to be a sourpuss around your travelling companions - which you may discover when your children start to replicate it.

If it’s any consolation I always stand behind the line, on those rare occasions I have checked baggage. Travelling light really is the way to do it.

That is so true...ex cabin crew here too!

I said my mention of first/business was ignored. What about that would suggest that it’s realistic for us?

i wouldn’t say it was testy, I’d say it was clearing up the inaccuracies within your own post.

and I highly doubt that the people who are allowing their young children to stand right at the conveyor are in a rush to see their dying relatives.

I hate everything about flying. I get through it by wearing noise cancelling headphones, reading my book and trying to ignore everyone as much as possible.

I don't enjoy being in any airport but Birmingham is an utter shambles. The worst I've been to anywhere.

I am the most people-pleasing, quiet, non-confrontational person around and even I nearly lost my shit in security at Málaga airport. The staff member was shouting over and over again at my teenage daughter who didn't understand his instructions because she doesn't speak Spanish. I do and explained to him that she didn't understand his instructions and he was so rude that I shouted back at him. And then was ashamed of myself for getting riled, but it was all very stressful and overwhelming.