Why I, Your Intrepid Reader, Love Airports and Airplanes

News Type: Event — Sun Jul 1, 2007 5:48 PM EDT

Mel asked people for travel stories and I thought I'd share this column, which I've revised in places. I'm starting to love airplanes and airports but not for the usual reasons. I know I'm supposed to love them because of how quickly they get me from place A to place B.

But that's almost an afterthought to me sometimes.

Instead planes are a place to have an alternate life. I think of them as sort of fleets of communes or retreat homes. And airports... well, most people seem to hate them but as a news junkie I love it. How often do you get free newspapers? Oh, you didn't know they were free?

Well, then, take a lesson from a newspaper-reading fiend like me.

When choosing where to sit, look for the person reading a stack of newspapers. Sit two or there seats away. As the person finishes, he or she will inevitably look around as they decide whether to throw it away or be a litterbug and leave it there. So solve the problem for them. Ask, "Excuse me, but would you mind if I borrow that?" Often they smile and sometimes they even thank you for taking the publications.

Tip: Try not to drool or stare while waiting. Read your own magazines until he's done. Doing this I was able to read copies of

On planes I'm exposed to different people and view relationships I would not normally see, such as a teenager daughter doing her AP Physics homework and then discussing/analyzing the results with her bright but pushy father. Or the men who call home on their cell phones as soon as the plane lands, one saying, "Come get me dear, I love you!" while a jerk calls his wife to say "Put the kids away I'll be home soon. I said, do it now!"

But what I most love is what the plane does to me - it lets my mind and body relax, because I know I don't need to be watching for phone calls or emails from friends and work and don't need to run errands immediately.

Instead it frees me to read and think. I end up always having lots of thoughts on planes and so I bring paper and a pen to scribble it all down in my famous handwriting, legible only to me.

And I usually go through four books and two magazines just between flying to California and back.

And sleeping. Wow, is there a more relaxing sound than that of a plane in the air? I've oft thought they should package that sound and sell it to those needing white noise at home.

You know when you get off the plane and the flight attendant says "Thank you!"? I always say, 'No, thank you." This is both polite and makes their frozen smiles falter temporarily, both of which are good things in my book.

One time I was so relaxed, reading the end of Word Freak, that they had to ask me to get off the plane. I was tempted to ask what their hurry was considering how many delays they generally cause us passengers. But I didn't want to cause any further delays for the next reader, er, passenger so I shut up.

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Scott (Scoop) Butki's Column, All of Newsvine
Groups: Frequent Flyers, Not Your Mama's Book Club, Silly and Stupid, The Review Cafe
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5.8

{"commentId":829202,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

This is my first article that actually fits into the travel category.

{"commentId":829202,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

#1 - Sun Jul 1, 2007 5:48 PM EDT

{"commentId":829487,"authorDomain":"clrapp"}

Rapp3720

Great article Scott.

I had not thought of it that way. You are totally correct. On a plane, you only have time to sit, read and reflect. I think it might be the only time I ever just do this.

I am usually pretty cramped on a plane however. If there was a way to be comfortable, and read and reflect, it would be the ultimate.

{"commentId":829487,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"clrapp"}

2 votes

#2 - Sun Jul 1, 2007 8:09 PM EDT

{"commentId":829669,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

Thanks.

Similarly I love taking the Metro down to DC because I see it as forced relaxation and reading time.

{"commentId":829669,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

1 vote

#2.1 - Sun Jul 1, 2007 9:10 PM EDT

{"commentId":832099,"authorDomain":"geejay"}

TheJonesGirl

Heh...all the same reasons I enjoy commuting by bus or BART. I'm a white-knuckle flier, though.

{"commentId":832099,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"geejay"}

2 votes

#3 - Mon Jul 2, 2007 6:21 PM EDT

{"commentId":839530,"authorDomain":"divbyzero"}

Division by Zero

I had my very first experience sitting next to a white-knuckle flier on a recent flight to Charleston. It was the 2nd worst flight I've ever been on because he wouldn't calm down. I have to admit, I was very tempted to buy alcohol for him!

{"commentId":839530,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"divbyzero"}

4 votes

#3.1 - Thu Jul 5, 2007 10:03 AM EDT

{"commentId":840101,"authorDomain":"geejay"}

TheJonesGirl

Poor guy! (and poor you!).

I know, intellectually that flying is safer than driving. But being prone to panic attacks when I am "stuck" somewhere with zero escape, I just cannot deal with being on a plane, which sucks, as I know I am limiting my experiences.

Actually, it is a mishmash of fear of heights and panic attacks at being stuck that combine for me on a plane.

{"commentId":840101,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"geejay"}

3 votes

#3.2 - Thu Jul 5, 2007 1:20 PM EDT

{"commentId":840136,"authorDomain":"divbyzero"}

Division by Zero

I also have a fear of heights but I have an odd twist on it. In situations where I am in control of whether I fall, I'm afraid of heights. In situations where nothing I do can affect whether or not I fall, I'm not afraid of heights. On a tall ladder I'm very nervous. In a glass elevator on the outside of a tall building, I'm as calm as can be.

{"commentId":840136,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"divbyzero"}

3 votes

#3.3 - Thu Jul 5, 2007 1:31 PM EDT

{"commentId":840149,"authorDomain":"geejay"}

TheJonesGirl

How odd--I'd guess that just the opposite would be the case (OK if you are in control).

My neuroses are many and varied--heights, being trapped, spiders (which are fine if not in my living space, if they are--well, I didn't sleep in my bed two nights ago because I was sure that my cats were chasing a spider in the covers), lighting a match/candle.

{"commentId":840149,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"geejay"}

3 votes

#3.4 - Thu Jul 5, 2007 1:35 PM EDT

{"commentId":836102,"authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

RebelGirl

Loved this article! Very true! I fly alot and found all of this so familiar! Great writing once again!

{"commentId":836102,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

2 votes

#4 - Tue Jul 3, 2007 10:56 PM EDT

{"commentId":836278,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

Thanks, Mel.

{"commentId":836278,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

2 votes

#4.1 - Wed Jul 4, 2007 12:02 AM EDT

{"commentId":836310,"authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

RebelGirl

So did the day get better?? Did you see my response to your camp counselor comment??

{"commentId":836310,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

2 votes

#4.2 - Wed Jul 4, 2007 12:18 AM EDT

{"commentId":836423,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

i'll go look

{"commentId":836423,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

2 votes

#4.3 - Wed Jul 4, 2007 1:14 AM EDT

{"commentId":839519,"authorDomain":"divbyzero"}

Division by Zero

Clipped to the Frequent Flyers group.

{"commentId":839519,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"divbyzero"}

2 votes

#5 - Thu Jul 5, 2007 10:01 AM EDT

{"commentId":840108,"authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

RebelGirl

Thanks for allowing me into the group!

{"commentId":840108,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

4 votes

#5.1 - Thu Jul 5, 2007 1:23 PM EDT

{"commentId":840229,"authorDomain":"divbyzero"}

Division by Zero

While we're on the subject of airports, I will have to state for the record that the Dallas-Ft. Worth airport has the LEAST comfortable gate seating I've yet to encounter. I recently had a rain-delayed takeoff and had to spend 3 hours longer than originally planned in the B concourse. I honestly think standing might have been more comfortable. The seats have practically no cushion! </rant>

{"commentId":840229,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"divbyzero"}

2 votes

#6 - Thu Jul 5, 2007 2:05 PM EDT

{"commentId":840294,"authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

RebelGirl

This is absolutely true, the seats at DFW are hidious! We went to look for the electrical outlets that used to be everywhere during our 5 hour delay and now you have to pay for them.. 2.00 for every 30 minutes!

{"commentId":840294,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

3 votes

#6.1 - Thu Jul 5, 2007 2:26 PM EDT

{"commentId":840492,"authorDomain":"clrapp"}

Rapp3720

We went to look for the electrical outlets that used to be everywhere during our 5 hour delay and now you have to pay for them.. 2.00 for every 30 minutes!

No way! Are you kidding me???

{"commentId":840492,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"clrapp"}

3 votes

#6.2 - Thu Jul 5, 2007 3:39 PM EDT

{"commentId":840538,"authorDomain":"divbyzero"}

Division by Zero

We went to look for the electrical outlets that used to be everywhere during our 5 hour delay and now you have to pay for them.. 2.00 for every 30 minutes!

That's very likely due to all the laptop users who like to plug in during the wait plus the cell phone users who desperately need to charge their phones. I carry both a personal cell phone and a BlackBerry for work and only have one of them turned on at a time while I'm in the airport.

{"commentId":840538,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"divbyzero"}

2 votes

#6.3 - Thu Jul 5, 2007 3:57 PM EDT

{"commentId":841210,"authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

RebelGirl

Rapp3270, no I wish I was.. 15.00 later we had charged gameboys for our flight and they were entertained for the 4 hour delay!

{"commentId":841210,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}

3 votes

#6.4 - Thu Jul 5, 2007 7:52 PM EDT

{"commentId":841489,"authorDomain":"clrapp"}

Rapp3720

Surprised they didn't charge you for the air you breathed.

{"commentId":841489,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"clrapp"}

3 votes

#6.5 - Thu Jul 5, 2007 10:01 PM EDT

{"commentId":842329,"authorDomain":"divbyzero"}

Division by Zero

Surprised they didn't charge you for the air you breathed.

I'm sure it was factored in...

{"commentId":842329,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"divbyzero"}

#6.6 - Fri Jul 6, 2007 9:11 AM EDT

{"commentId":840285,"authorDomain":"Pasi"}

PasiDeleted

{"commentId":907198,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

I spent most of Thursday and last nite at airports and airplanes and I want to say
everything I wrote remains true though if near loud babies you may have to
switch reading material. There's a good discussion about loud kids on planes here

{"commentId":907198,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

#8 - Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:28 PM EDT

{"commentId":1098301,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

I took an airplane rode home today and always look forward to flying because it's one
of the best environments for quality reading. But I took a Bendaryl for allergies and
the next thing I knew the plane landed. Argh!

{"commentId":1098301,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

#9 - Sun Oct 14, 2007 3:50 PM EDT

{"commentId":1216225,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

This time I found myself juggling three books while writing, in long hand, two articles
for Newsvine.
But few things beat the atmosphere of an airplane for a quality reading and writing
environment (provded there are no crying babies or the couple that sat next to me during
one leg of the trip)

{"commentId":1216225,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

1 vote

#10 - Mon Nov 26, 2007 10:45 AM EST

{"commentId":4579473,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

Well, today was an exception to this piece - I had, as usual, picked carefully which books to read on the airplane.

Thing was I got off work at 10 pm Sat and the plane left at 6 a.m. Sunday. The airports's a two hour drive from my house. So the options were leave my house at 2 a.m. or, after work, drive to a hotel near the airport and get up at 4 a.m.

I did the latter and ended up getting only 3 hours sleep and couldn't stay awake on the planes.

{"commentId":4579473,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

1 vote

#11 - Sun Dec 28, 2008 9:01 PM EST

{"commentId":4579829,"authorDomain":"divbyzero"}

Division by Zero

I've found that I have a much greater appreciation for sleeping on flights than I used to. For one, it keeps my seat-mates from talking to me plus it has the added benefit of helping me arrive at my destination somewhat rested. I don't mind an introduction and some casual banter on the plane before takeoff but unless you're just absolutely fascinating I'd rather not feel compelled to talked to you for the duration of the flight. I once had a woman talk to me during the entirety of a 4-hour flight and despite my best efforts to disengage from the conversation, she kept drawing me back in. These days, I sleep on about 2/3rds of my flights.

{"commentId":4579829,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"divbyzero"}

2 votes

#12 - Sun Dec 28, 2008 9:38 PM EST

{"commentId":6854552,"authorDomain":"roybatty"}

Roy Batty

I've found that I have a much greater appreciation for sleeping on flights than I used to. For one, it keeps my seat-mates from talking to me plus it has the added benefit of helping me arrive at my destination somewhat rested.

Oh, I agree. If you can learn to sleep on one of these, you've got it made. In a previous life, every Monday morning I would settle into seat 7F, never even remember the takeoff and would be in Philadelphia before I knew it.....

{"commentId":6854552,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"roybatty"}

2 votes

#12.1 - Sat May 2, 2009 8:47 PM EDT

{"commentId":6444779,"authorDomain":"meganrandall"}

Mego-507171

I love flying both alone and with company. If I'm with company, this presents the perfect opportunity to embarrass your fellow traveller. Just a note, if you talk to the flight attendant, they are usually willing to make some sort of embarrassing announcement or allow you to do it! Hehehe... If you are flying with a first time flier, make sure to request their wings.

If I'm alone I like the solitude, or the casual conversation with a stranger. Both work nicely for me. I like to know where people are going and why, and there is something liberating about having a conversation with someone you'll probably never see again.

Plus both coming and going have such wonderful feelings. Going, is excited because you know you are off on a new adventure. And returning home, well, what's greater than seeing your loved ones at the airport when you've returned from a long trip?

{"commentId":6444779,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"meganrandall"}

1 vote

#13 - Sun Apr 12, 2009 11:50 AM EDT

{"commentId":6854476,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

ust a note, if you talk to the flight attendant, they are usually willing to make some sort of embarrassing announcement or allow you to do it! Hehehe... If yo

Like what kind of announcement? I need an example.

{"commentId":6854476,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

#14 - Sat May 2, 2009 8:38 PM EDT

{"commentId":6854855,"authorDomain":"meganrandall"}

Mego-507171

Well, I once presented a professor with a more than slightly used stuffed cat (not real) while on flight home between NYC and Chicago. We were there for a Model United Nations convention. She had read a book on diplomacy which equated diplomacy to hearding cats. She called us her gatos...to make a long story somewhat short. Oh, we bought the cat from some random man in the street.

Also, on the flight from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, the same professor had a flight attendant publicly present another student with wings. He was about 25 and flying for the first time. Everyone on the airplane clapped and hooted. He turned sooo red.

{"commentId":6854855,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"meganrandall"}

#14.1 - Sat May 2, 2009 9:19 PM EDT

{"commentId":6869328,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

that's very cool.

{"commentId":6869328,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

#14.2 - Mon May 4, 2009 12:47 AM EDT

{"commentId":6855587,"authorDomain":"fembird3"}

Sue-715551

nice article scott, ya need to do a spell check on the title, silly... I think it was meant to be intrepid?

{"commentId":6855587,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"fembird3"}

1 vote

#15 - Sat May 2, 2009 10:20 PM EDT

{"commentId":6869321,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

wow, and it's been like that for at least 3 years.
thanks for the catch.

{"commentId":6869321,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

1 vote

#15.1 - Mon May 4, 2009 12:46 AM EDT

{"commentId":6870839,"authorDomain":"fembird3"}

Sue-715551

no problem, I also am an intrepid reader; lol;

{"commentId":6870839,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"fembird3"}

1 vote

#15.2 - Mon May 4, 2009 8:05 AM EDT

{"commentId":6903251,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

There are worse things to be intrepid at

{"commentId":6903251,"threadId":"120471","contentId":"812882","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

#15.3 - Tue May 5, 2009 9:46 PM EDT

{"canLink":false,"threadId":"120471","isPrivate":false}

SCOTT (SCOOP) BUTKI

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Why I, Your Intrepid Reader, Love Airports and Airplanes

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