There’s nothing like being picked up at the airport. Knowing a friend or family member will welcome you safely back home is a lovely, affirming experience. You’re home! No sign is required. A friend knows what you look like. No schlepping luggage on and off the parking garage bus. What a relief!
“People watching” at Arrivals is a favorite airpot location for many of us! People reunite with screams, kissing, big hugs, smiles, flower bouquets and homemade signs. Little children are tenderly picked up by grandparents. Dogs enthusiastically wags their tails.To witness a homecoming is endearing. It makes our heart sing and sometimes ache with tears. There’s a a plethora of emotions natural and true.
During these Uber and Lyft times perhaps picking up a friend from the airport has gone the same way as writing a letter: it’s no longer valued. We’ve become a little lazy, content to greet 
one another when they arrive at our house. Heavy traffic, busy schedules, late night arrivals deter us further. What a shame! Greeting someone is a gift for both parties!
one another when they arrive at our house. Heavy traffic, busy schedules, late night arrivals deter us further. What a shame! Greeting someone is a gift for both parties!Let’s become old-fashioned again! To greet another upon arrival is an act of love. It’s an opportunity to make a big deal of someone just for being there…just for taking a plane back home or to your city. Not convinced? Other benefits include:
- A burst of joy seeing a friend and loved one again
- Unadulterated travel storiesdownloaded in the car on the way home. Believe me…we’ve heard about our son’s many clutch college experiences during the drive home, before he leaves us for his friends!
- A simple act garnering disproportionate returns.
Transporting ourselves to the airport doesn’t have to feel demanding. There are lots of available tricks:
- “Text me when your plane lands” and we’ll time our drive perfectly
- “Go to a designated door on the Departure level “ and it’s easy to find you.
- Park at a lot not far from the airport and coordinate a curbside pickup so there won’t be much waiting. A hug at the curb is as good as any.
How we greet someone at the airport might also set the tone for how we meet other people in our life. Imagine how it would feel if every time you welcomed a person to a meeting, your office, a gathering etc… you made them feel as if they were coming home- as if this is where they belonged. This is their place. Why not interject hospitality into our everyday interactions?
Get yourself to the airport this summer! With the coming and goings of the warm season create homecomings for guests, family and friends. Let them become the Queen and King on arrival, an endearing gift that’s even a little bit retro.
