Top Ten Types of People You'll See at the Airport

With a lot of traveling to do, I find myself in the airport very often. If you're at all like me and frequent the airport as well, you've probably noticed a constant in the type of people that make themselves present. What is even more amazing about this, is that every person in the airport is typically just an everyday person you see in your neighborhood, the city, and driving next you, but the oddities in each individual shines in this particular environment. It's honestly amazing to just sit in a terminal and observe the demographic walking beside you. Well, I decided to comprise a list of the best entertainment you'll find if you take the time to do some airport "people watching." So with little ado, here are (in my opinion) the Top Ten Types of People Who Fly:

10. Running Late
What's scary is that this could easily be you. But they're always there, flocking the airport no less than the highways: "The hurried people." If you're lucky you'll avoid them, but if you're not so fortunate - chances are they'll hit you before you know it. The "running late" passengers are typically seen literally running from checkpoint to checkpoint, only slowing down for security - but still moving at an unhealthy pace. You may also occasionally spot them in the food court, but they won't be there for long, because once you spot them, they'll be off like a gazelle, and most likely scarfing down their food as they leave.

9. Businessmen
Ah, the everyday businessman. Typically seen in suit and tie, they often carry a cell phone and briefcase. Once in awhile, they'll sport an ear plug and microphone instead of talking on a literal phone, which will most likely make them resemble a schizophrenic person. To the normal folk, the businessman appears rude, but he's really just too busy to be polite. Being polite would cut about .17% of his productivity, and you wouldn't want to be the one to do that, would you?

8. People Who Forget They Are Traveling to Another Climate
This is an honest mistake, but still hilarious to spot. A couple was just on a honeymoon in Hawaii, woke up, threw on t-shirts, shorts and leis, and were suddenly ready to go. Unfortunately, they forgot that they were from Alberta, Canada. And even worse, they forgot that it was December. So here they are, arriving in Alberta donning Hawaiian attire and you get the joy of seeing them walking around in the airport before meeting what we on this continent call "winter." I hope they found a good parking space . . .

7. Look Like Trash
Have you ever woken up in the morning and looked at yourself in the mirror immediately? Well, that's what these people look like. They're usually a mix of grungy hair that looks like it just went through a repair garage, a frown appearing irremovable, and clothes that were clearly in the laundry bin before being put on. It's a shame because these people often look like they could be attractive with a good shower, but you'll never know, because right now they look like a mess and aren't afraid to strut it.

6. Kids With iPods
You see it everyday, but it doesn't make it any less entertaining. "We don't have to listen to the world, we have our parent-bought iPods," they say. In a line a few months ago I noticed three younglings wielding an iPod Nano on each of their belts. One ear bud was in, the other hung out, as they did more than listen to music. They were making a statement, dammit! If you think kids are spoiled today, then look no forward, because an army of iPod equipped children are about to fall into your lap as photographic proof.

5. Stressed Out Mom / Hyper Kid
The teaser to the entire family, this tag team creates the definition of chaos. Nothing like a mom who wanted to do anything but wake up in the morning and a kid who has already been awake for six hours eating candy. She wants a peaceful flight, they want to break something. A classic cliché in movies, this is truly a typical recipe for disaster. But when you have the joy of witnessing it in real life, you're in for a Halloween sized treat.

4. Decked Out in Team Apparel
Congratulations, your team won the World Series . . . in 1998! I have a personal average of seeing at least one of these die-hard fans per flights. They've got the jacket, they've got the hat, and best of all, they've got the sweatpants - perfectly matching for one team. This is especially popular with the older crowd who like to represent their once attended college by being the stand out alum. So a note to all you sports fans, if you wish to display your team fanship, no longer does a cap suffice.

3. Girls Trying to Look "Hott"
"Babe alert!" At least that's what they want you to say. Either somebody wants to join the mile club, or they have an abundance of trashy clothing that needs to be worn, but for whatever reason, there is always a lady or two dressing to impress like none other. Do they realize they'll be cramped in an airplane seat for the whole afternoon / night and not at a nightclub? I'd make a safe bet that you can bank on that being a "no."

2. Same Color Sweatsuits
Glorious fashion industry, where would you be without the matching sweatsuit? We've all seen it, and we've all questioned what makes people think they can pull it off. I'm no fashion expert, but since when does a pink sweatshirt overlapping pink sweatpants, topped off with pink boots . . . look good? This would be the ultimate "I'm too lazy to get dressed in the morning" except for the fact that the wearer made the conscious decision to MATCH. Oh, woe is me.

1. Entire Families
Next time you're at an airport, feast your eyes on an entire family. Each character plays their own role in this epic struggle before your very eyes. The mom tries to feed an egg and sausage breakfast sandwich to each of her kids, the dad just wants to drink his coffee but spends a majority of his time chasing his runaway kids instead. The grandmother sits in her chair commanding the mother of how things were done in "her day," while the grandfather complains about liberals. True entertainment it is. Forget reality television, because this is reality, and it's even better scripted than Shakespeare.