beat the brochure

Airports bring together people from all over the world. Seeing children from China mingling with old nuns from Ireland is a sight to behold. Yet no matter how diverse an airport maybe, there are always certain types of people who you will always see:

Rowdy British Groups

Plonk yourself down in the summer months at one of the UK’s many airports and you will be guaranteed to see a group of lads or lasses, usually about 20-strong wearing custom made t-shirts, heading off on their summer holidays to Magalluf, Ibiza or on a stag do to Prague. They’ll be in the Wetherspoons pub, boozing no matter the time of day and having loads of ‘banter’ with each other. If you are on the same flight as them, prepare for a noisy ride…

Attractive Female Solo Traveller

There she sits, all alone, reading a book on something intelligent or studying the Lonely Planet Guide. She has been on the road for 6 months and perhaps has a little plait in her hair, just to show she is carefree and really enjoyed her time in India, riding elephants and what not. You would approach her, but she’s probably busy brushing up on her Mandarin. So you just sit and stare n.b I have never done this…

Drunk Delayed Man

He has been sat in the airport pub for the past 15 hours whilst other people jet off on holiday, but he is happy. Whilst others have retreated to the hard seats to try and get some uncomfortable shut-eye, he has set up base camp and is telling everyone who listen just what he thinks of England’s chances at the next World Cup. He may not make the flight, but it will not matter. He has made friends and will be damned of the consequences.

Laid Back Business Man

You may spot him early on a Monday morning, dressed crisply in a dark suit. He’ll be reading a newspaper and is mentally preparing himself for the big meeting in Frankfurt at midday. Whilst others around him are getting excited or nervous about the up coming flight, he simply fans himself with the Daily Telegraph, safe in the knowledge that nothing can surprise him – nothing that can ruffle his feathers. Except a delay that is, at which point he is up jabbing his finger into the airports’ staffs’ chest, reminding them of his up coming meeting in Frankfurt and that he holds a very high position at his law firm.

Flustered Teacher

She is in charge of thirty 14 year olds who are getting a bit too excited. She is in charge of their safety as well as all of their passports, with the help of one parent who has heroically volunteered to help but is woefully inadequate at doing so. Some kids are sitting down nicely, some are running around, some are fighting – and it is down the teacher to restore calm. At least she gets 3 months off every year though…

Is there anyone else who you always seem to spot at the airport? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Pictures: Female Traveller, Business man at the airport