Almost one year ago, I would never have been able to write this article. My experience with flying was mostly limited to family trips when I was young, apart from my first solo travel experience visiting a friend in London. Even on that trip, I still felt anxious and out of control when flying, along with dealing with the stressors of a major international airport. However, in January 2025, I flew to Glasgow, Scotland, to begin a six-month journey abroad. Throughout these months, I would fly over a dozen times, mostly with friends, but a couple of times by myself. When I arrived in Scotland, I believed that airports were stressful places, and I wasn’t excited to have to deal with them for the next few months. As time went on, though, my mind slowly changed. I began to feel more in control and better prepared for flying, which made a huge difference in my airport-induced stress. I even started to enjoy them, being able to get through security and sit in a comfy chair, with an incredibly overpriced drink and snack that somehow, I was always able to justify.
It became fun, especially when I was with my friends, to be able to sit, hang out, and talk about how excited we were for our upcoming trip. Even on our flights back to Scotland, we would recap our trip, talking about the highlights and the lows we had experienced together. Another fun element of our trips that emerged was people-watching while imagining elaborate backstories for those we encountered. It was always interesting to see who would be in the airport, or even on our flight, as it always consisted of a vast variety of characters. While there was still an aspect of stress associated with airports, I gained so much confidence in my travelling abilities so that instead of the stress being debilitating, it simply became a slight annoyance.
I enjoyed the feeling of satisfaction that airports brought; after getting through the hustle and bustle of security, there was the reward of being able to sit by the gate and indulge in a treat. It made me feel more adult than I had ever felt, being able to navigate the situation and (sometimes) lead my friends.
Flying itself is still not something I love, however. After having to fly three times while suffering from a sinus cold, I don’t know if I’ll ever quite enjoy it. Airplane ear is no joke! I vividly remember flying to Vienna when I was getting sick, and the feeling of getting off the plane and not being able to hear properly for several hours after. The airport is the superior experience, in my opinion. No risk of pressure changes or uncomfortable middle seats—who wouldn’t prefer that?
While airports might still feel stressful to some, I hope that the next time you get to fly somewhere, you’re able to think about them in a more positive light. While there is plenty of room for things to go wrong and cause stress, it can also be a fun, pleasant experience. I try to ensure this enjoyment by being prepared, making sure my bags are packed properly, wearing comfortable clothing and shoes, and packing a snack if there’s not an opportunity to buy one there. You can’t control the airport itself, but by setting yourself up for success, you just might find yourself having a great time.