A Happy Travel Story

As I breezed through airport security this morning and settled myself in at the gate, it struck me that it's fairly rare to hear a "happy" travel story. In leading customer loyalty training, it was all but a guarantee that a student would speak of their disastrous experience with this airline, or that rental car company, or a particular airport. Perhaps it's simply due to the fact that I have traveled so much and have thus discovered the easiest path, but for the most part I have great travel experiences. This benefits not only me, but also the nervous, bewildered, overwhelmed, and generally inexperienced travelers around me. Just like the dogs pick up on their "pack leader's" feelings and attitudes, a positive attitude is helpful, if not contagious, within a perhaps negatively charged environment of air travel.

Case in point this morning. I arrived at the airport nice and early (of course!) which would be my number one recommendation to anyone who is stressed about impending travel. I fly United and I love them. After traveling most every major airline out there, United is by far the best. If you have flown United out of Phoenix, you know that terminal two is low-traffic, well laid-out, and efficient. (to the contrary, terminal four is a nightmare. One that I will avoid at all costs - yes, even paying more to fly United to avoid US Airways or the other airlines out of terminal four). So RULE ONE - Arrive Early.

Devin drops me off at the curb and we are not rushed nor is there any difficulty finding a drop-off spot right in front of the door. I walk in and walk directly to a self-service terminal. Within a minute and a half, I am checked in and a friendly (yes, friendly) agent takes my bags. There are no lines at security, and I'm actually able to smile and have small talk with the security agent that is checking IDs. I am a Premier member, and although that allows me through the expedited security line, there's no need, as there is only about six people heading through security at this particular time.

I have the security check process down to a science, almost to the point where I find the routine comforting (yes, I think that qualifies me to be clinically insane - who likes the security process at airports??!!). I slip off my shoes, take my ziplock baggy containing my lipbalm out of the front pocket of my backpack, slide out my laptop, and toss my shoes, baggy, sweater and phone in one bin, my laptop in the other.
Rule Two: Dress and Pack for the Security Process - slip off shoes, boarding ticket in your pocket, liquids in your one handy-dandy zip-lock bag and easily accessible, pockets empty.

The lady in front of me is stressed, as is typical - I seem to always have the person in front of me who hasn't traveled, or is in a rush, or who is overwhelmed by what needs to be removed from their body, their bag, etc. But here's where it gets good. I smile, I tell them no worries, don't rush. If possible, I help them to grab another bin, hold a child's hand, etc. Today it was a dog, a little chihuahua, tucked into an expensive-looking bag. The owner was frazzled, trying to walk through with the bag, her shoes on, and all the time being stressed that she might be holding up the line. Remember, there's only me behind her and a handful of other travelers. I reassure her, help her get the high-strung pup out of his bag, and hold his leash while she slips off her shoes.

I walk through security and make a point to say good morning to them all, people that are doing a thankless job in a high-stress environment. Their faces look familiar, and although I'm sure they don't recognize me, I like to believe that they are grateful for a friendly smile and a kind word.

As I settle into my gate, I see the lady with the chihuahua walking by. She stops and thanks me again for helping her. Maybe I made her day a little better. :-)

And here is the other big lesson I've learned from traveling. DON'T STRESS! Prepare for airline delays, missed connections, lost luggage. Bottom line, you will get where you're going and eventually you'll get your bags. Bring books and candy (ha ha) and enjoy the interactions with new people. And know that it's not the gate agent's fault if the flight is delayed, or the flight attendants, or the ticket agents.
Rule Three - Don't Stress! Be prepared for the worst and grateful of the best!

Now, having given my Polly Anna view of travel, that's not to say it's all rosy. I still struggle with the herding/panic instinct that sets in as a plane begins to board. Perhaps it's the Southwest mentality of "rush-to-get-a-seat", but I cannot understand why everyone stands up and crowds the walkway at the first sign of activity behind the counter. I want to tell them all, "you all have reserved seats, the plane isn't going to leave without you". Why block the walkway?? And it never ceases to amaze me that people try to board with group one when they are in group four. I feel sincerely vindicated when the gate agent denies their entry to the plane and proceeds to make an announcement (again) that they are only boarding group one (or group two or group three) at this time and please do NOT try to board before your group number is called.
Rule Four - Sit down and RELAX! Don't stand up and stand in the way before your group number is called!

Other than Southwest mentality, I don't mind traveling and have actually learned to appreciate the experience (ok, other than hitting the wake of the previous plane at Newark airport - gave me a whole new perspective on NOT dying in a plane crash).

And major kudos to Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix - FREE WIFI! They ROCK!

Update to post - My flight from PHX is delayed (ha ha!), but it's OK, because I allowed enough time for my connection. I know that morning flights to SFO tend to be delayed, either due to fog or heavy air traffic. When connecting in SFO, I always leave extra time between my connecting flights!
Rule Five - Allow Sufficient Time Between Connections!

Another cause of stress, is the inability to bring on or find space for carry-ons. Keep it simple - bring one bag that fits beneath the seat in front of you. Check whatever you can and allow for the additional time to retrieve your bags at your destination. Really, it's worth the extra time to eliminate the stress!
Rule Six - Minimal Carry-ons!

Rule Seven - Don't have loud conversations on your cell phone at the gate. Other passengers really don't care that your child overslept, your secretary lost the report, you need a ride from the airport, you hate air travel, or that you have gastro-intestinal upset. Either talk quietly or text! LOL