As the summer is winding down (I know, I can’t believe it’s already August), many of you are probably getting ready for your last weekend away, or maybe returning home after a long vacation. Either way, you’re likely to spot a lot of travelers at the airport. Some will be friendly and fun to sit next to, and others, well … not so much. As you jet-set one last time before coming back to Georgetown, look out for these eight types of people you’ll see on planes.
He’s not sitting in first class (shocker) because he’s probably a junior exec. who hasn’t quite reached that six figure salary. He’ll be hammering away on his laptop the whole flight, and the flight attendant will have to physically pry it out of his hands as you’re landing: “Sir, you must turn off all electronic devices NOW”. He won’t talk very much, except for the occasional muttering under his breath. If you plan on getting any sleep but you happen to sit near him, you’d better not mind the sound of keys clacking.
He’s probably been asleep ever since you got on the plane. Valid question: How did he get on here anyway? And you won’t see him wake up until the flight attendant shakes him at his destination. His snore can be heard throughout half the airplane and he’s slumped over on the poor person next to him (which could be you!). Especially if he’s in the aisle seat, you’ll be holding him the whole flight. Get ready to get cozy!
Traveling with three, four or five young kids is hard. You definitely respect her – but that doesn’t make her brood any less noisy. The kids are adorable to look at, but you know during takeoff and landing, they’re going to cry and scream. If you’re sitting next to them, you’ll have buddies to color and play cards, but no way are you getting a wink of sleep.
She’s a little afraid of flying, so how does she cope? Alcohol. She’s already had a cocktail or two, and as soon as the beverage cart comes around, she’s ordering wine. She’ll be slurring her words, stumbling to the bathroom and maybe even imitating Snoring Guy at the end of the flight. You’re slightly jealous of her and her dedication to turning up, but she doesn’t make the best travel companion.
They never leave each other’s side. They’re adorable and clearly going on some romantic vacation but their lovey-dovey babble makes you want to throw up. Watching them kiss and hold hands for several hours straight is even worse than the turbulence. Also, you might be secretly envious of them (mile-high club anybody?).
Her bags are twice her size, and it requires two other people to help her get them into the overhead compartment. Her hair is completely tangled and she looks as if she ran all the way to the gate. If you sit next to her she’ll be very sweet and apologetic for her appearance that is currently in shambles. Still, she will definitely spill her soda on you and elbow you on her way to the bathroom – whoops.
The complete opposite of the mess, the betch in heels is completely put together – lipstick and jewelry ready to go. Her makeup and clothes look flawless even though she’s on a six hour flight. Nothing she’s wearing looks comfortable, especially those four inch heels she’s got on. Is it possible to pick someone up on an airplane?
Usually a woman, she’s adorable, tiny and wrinkled – the epitome of the perfect grandmother. She might have cookies in her bag, but to score one of those, you’ll need to divulge every detail of your personal life. This is including but not limited to your major, summer internship, siblings, pets, hometown and relationship status. You’ll get some lively conversation, but sleep is probably not an option.
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