In all my flights, in all my travel, I have only had one awkward encounter. You know when you sit down, and look at the empty seat next to you, and wonder anxiously “who is going to sit next to me?” Once, I was really hoping it was not the chatty, overly-friendly type, because I was exhausted and wanted quiet. Then another time I was so excited about my trip and just wanted to talk to someone friendly. Somehow, I have always had the pleasure of sitting by the exact person I wanted to.
Except once. I was so happy about my trip – I was flying away from my kids for the first time since I gave birth to the oldest. I watched as each person filed down the aisle, jostling suitcases and bags. Then, he sat down. The older gentleman with the solemn face. I could not read his emotions or his amiability, so I decided to try a test question.
“So, is Dallas your final destination, or do you have to get a connecting flight?” I chirped, super cheerily. (How else do I ever sound?)
“It’s final.” And his answer was final too. He straightened his pants leg and sat with his arms folded across his chest, eyes straight ahead. I just had to make sure and end this as pleasantly as I could and keep my excited mood intact. Killjoy.
“Oh, well that is wonderful! I have to connect to a flight to Chicago. Hope I make it in time!” And I smiled big and grabbed immediately for my book and buried my nose in it.
Wah Wah Waaaahhhhh……
He was almost as bad as the time I was breast feeding baby David and the lady across the aisle said very enthusiastically and loudly, “Oh I am so glad you are nursing! You know, I wish more people did that.” Yeah, that was awesome too.
Tell me what funny or awkward experiences have you had at airports?
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, I am a Sears blogger. All opinions are 100% my own.
I rarely travel on my own so I don’t have much experience with weird people sitting next to me…But there was one time I slept at the airport as my connecting flight was delayed and…I almost missed it! Who would thought airport seats are that comfortable! 😉
I cannot fall asleep in airport seats, and I have tried LOL! I admire you for that!
Too funny! I once sat next to a kid around 17 year old on a 4 hour flight. He was a writer and wanted me to read his short story and then fell asleep on my shoulder.
LOL!!! that is kinda cute….kinda strange. I can’t sleep on airplanes when there is a stranger next to me for fear of this happening to me LOL
This video cracked me up. I saw it on another blog. It’s great to hear everyone’s “connecting” stories.
Kas
The video really IS sooooooo funny!
I hate it when you sit next to someone who can’t even just smile at you, they are so tense.
The last time I flew at 6am to a blogging retreat on a pop can of an airplane . You know the 2 seats on one side and 1 on the other. I was on the 2 seat side when mom plopped her snot nosed 2 year old next to me and proceeded to sit across the aisle and the dad to sit in the row in front of me. Seriously? He wasn’t thrilled either so I offered to change seats with her. As the flight landed she told me they weren’t sure they would make the flight because he had been puking all night. OMGosh!!
Megan, that is the WORST experience ever! Ok, I lie. Could have been worse if the poor kid threw up on you 🙁
But really? The mom didn’t switch seats when you offered? That is terrible!
Oh no they didn’t! LOL They are bloggers? That’s hilarious!
its hit or miss with the random next to you on a plane. I have had some great conversations with some and received death stares from others!
I agree, it is sooo hit or miss. That is why I always get nervous LOL
I don’t travel enough alone anymore to have many fun stories, but I’ll admit that when I do, I cherish that quiet time, if only because I don’t have to entertain any toddlers!
I know what you mean! One time I really hoped I wasn’t going to sit next to someone chatty cause I wanted to relish the quiet and relax 🙂
Too funny! I do not even know if I have a fun connecting flight story.
Cute video! I love it – thanks for sharing and also your stories. The airport can be a magical place 🙂
It really can be Kristina. I love people watching at airports!
I once sat next to a guy exactly like the one you described. I was having trouble getting my bag up in the luggage bin while he was waiting, and he finally really snippily took it and put it up there for me. I think he was cranky that he was in the middle seat. Uh…thanks? On the other hand, I’ve had to sit next to a really chatty guy when I just wanted to relax. It can be equally annoying.
LOL!! I think snippy people on planes are the worst. I know that sometimes life is just awful and you can’t expect people to be totally happy all the time…..it just stinks when you have to spend 3+ hrs next to them when they are LOL