Travel Grinch

I am sitting on a plane at LGA waiting to head over to Chicago for my connecting flight. The plane is overcrowded: there are too many people, everyone has too many bags, and the winter coats stuffed between the seats just adds to the discomfort. Everyone is just trying to get to their destination and there is an atmosphere of aggression like someone might try and take their seat away from them (or their bag or coat).

So, why am I so angry during this cheery time of year? First, I didn’t eat breakfast and that is never good for me. When I got to the airport I was stopped for random additional screening which took an extra 5 minutes (not bad) but then they pulled one of my bags. Now I travel enough that I know the drill of getting through security quickly and I also paid the money last year to get TSA pre-check to help expedite the process. So I was annoyed when they pulled my bag. Then I became angry when it took them 25 minutes to go through my bag. They pulled out everything and asked me questions about the candles I purchased as gifts for the holidays (I hope my family doesn’t read this blog). These are the overpriced kind of candles that also included fancy gift wrapping in this cute tissue paper. So in addition to questioning me about the candles, I received a lecture as they ripped off the paper on why I should not have wrapped any presents before flying. The candles were eventually approved and the ripped paper was given back to me. I left security hungry and angry (hangry).

Ok, so this is the start of my holiday vacation and now I am still angry waiting for my plane to depart. The activating event was the interaction with TSA and the emotional consequence was anger which has the potential to make the whole rest of my day uncomfortable. So what am I thinking? I should not be stopped by the TSA for additional screening. I can’t stand to wait on someone to get to me when I am stopped. They should not lecture me, I know this information already and just chose the free gift wrapping because it was offered.

My anger isn’t really serving any function and just makes me feel uncomfortable. I would rather feel annoyed or frustrated in that moment because when it is over I am more likely to let it go. Here are the thoughts that I am thinking of to feel something instead of anger. I would like to just pass easily through TSA but when It doesn’t go the way I want it I can handle it. I know they have a job to do and don’t think they are just singling me out for no reason but even if they did not have a reason I can accept that this happened and move on. I have no control over what people say and even when I know something already people might feel the need to say something anyway. I don’t have to like it but getting angry about it isn’t helpful.

Writing these thoughts out has already helped me start feeling better. The plane might even feel a little less crowded. I am hopeful that I will have a great holiday and that you all will too. But even if it isn’t great or good, we can be ok.

Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!