10 Airplane or Airport Coversation Starters

It is always difficult while you are waiting. Whether it be waiting in the airport for a long period of time or sitting on the actual plane flying to a new destination it can be difficult having conversation with strangers.

My father was a journalist for years, formally educated and trained and has offered this advice to me over the years, "Learn to ask good questions". Everyone at some point with the right topic likes to talk about their own life. Therefore if you want the best kind of conversation ask the right question and people will start to develop the conversation.

1. Ask them about their work. Everyone wants to feel important. I have found that most people will develop a whole story around their profession to explain what they do for a living. It is an easy conversation starter and usually develops the beginning to more questions.

2. Once they have explained their work...why did they choose that kind of profession? What makes it interesting to do that kind of work? This will definitely make further conversation.

3. Where are you from originally (born and/or raised)? Everyone has interest in meeting people from different parts of the world.

4. What was it like living or growing up there? Gives the person an opportunity to expand upon their personal experience as a younger person. Normally they will only relate good stories that are positive.

5. Do you still live there? If they don't this gives you another question.

6. Why did you move away or why did you choose to stay there all this time? Either way it leads you to much more conversation.

7. Do you have any children? This one always brings a glow to their eyes and will create a bond with a stranger immediately. Everyone loves their kids and wants to talk about them, show their pictures, tell stories.

8. Where are you on your way? Vacation? Business trip?

9. What are some of your favorite movies? and Why? Everyone watches movies and has opinions about movies.

10. Have you read any interesting books lately? Again everyone reads something. And it is interesting to hear what different people read.

It is not difficult to come up with basic questions to begin and carry on great conversations. The key is to listen to the person you are talking with. It may just be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.