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Rhona Canoy

SO… It is always fascinating how human behaviors change when people travel. I wrote a column once about sea voyages. Lately I’ve been flying and so my wide-angle observation lens has turned to airports and airplanes. In spite of the fact that air fares are more affordable these days (what with promos and all), fliers have a subtly arrogant demeanor. Probably because they’re not taking the slave galleon, I suppose. Weirdly enough, even fliers have some kind of classification.

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At the top of the milk barrel are the business class travelers, especially those who are connecting to foreign destinations. The blasè frequent fliers who wear travel like a second skin, afforded by wealth or an open expense account. These are the demigods of the predeparture area, who have a separate lounge the commoner can only dream of entering. The special room that Cam lady had a hissy fit over because she wasn’t allowed in.  Laguindingan airport will soon have one and provincial airport snobbery shall get kicked up a notch. For those of us corralled in the economy pen, the types are easy to tell apart.

The Adult First-Timer-Never been on a plane before, whose circumstances present the opportunity to fly. Maybe a new job, maybe a successfully petitioned immigrant, maybe honeymooners. There’s a look of eagerness tinged with fear. They will talk to strangers seeking reassurance in others who have flown before. Not to be confused with Children First-Timers–noses eagerly pressed against the glass, watching planes take off and land. Hopped up on too much sugar, running around screaming,  much to the dismay of harried parents. They, however, come with the privilege of boarding first, along with the wheelers.

Wheelers–Must be mentioned. Assisted through the terminal and onto the aircraft in wheelchairs, announcing to the world their infirmities, advanced age, injuries. Also allowed to board first. Now becoming an excuse for those still fit enough but wanting the privileges.

Tycoons–Not saying they are. They may simply want to be perceived as important. With their laptops, earpieces, conversing loudly with some minion on the other end of the line. Uncaring if they disturb other passengers. With quick angry scowls if you accidentally distract them from their big deals.

Packers/Adventurers–Usually young and too comfortably dressed. They look happy either coming from or heading to destinations unknown. They make me wish I was young and carefree again.

And rarely… The Grievers–Heading to face some personal loss, or worse, taking a loved one home one last time. The sadness is unmistakable and always makes me want to say something but I don’t.

There are a few other types but these are the more usual ones. And then there are those of us who watch as this microworld bustles with life, uniformly reacting to the staticky announcements over the speaker. Then it’s time to board and everyone rises to head for the plane. Once on board and settled in, there is a collective tension as the plane  taxis and finally leaves the ground.

Then is when everyone places more trust in the steel tube and those piloting it,  more than they do God.

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