Anyone who has done a fair bit of travel has probably spent quite a bit of time at airports. And there are certainly the typical things that you can do there. You can read a book, play on your cellphone, or take a nap perhaps.
But, if you find that you’re sitting there ticky-tacking your time away and want something a bit fresher on your mind to stave off the boredom, consider these five things to ponder during your stay at the airport.
How Luggage Carousels Work
A central item of convenience and frustration at the airport is the luggage carousels. As you’re waiting for you bags to come out of the chute next time, consider the parts that make up a carousel. How are they designed to grip, turn, and handle all of the wear and tear? What companies are in charge of making them and maintaining them? What do you suppose the invention cycle was to get them right, the first time in history when something like an automated conveyor was found to be needed? That will cook your noodle for a few minutes.
The History of Flight
Since you’re either going onto an airplane or just got off one, why not think about the history of flight? Where did it start, and what were some major advancements? If you’re not a history buff or have never looked into aviation warfare techniques, that’s another realm of information that you may find fascinating about the industry as a whole, and that story can keep you busy for years, let alone a few idle hours sitting on a semi-uncomfortable seat.
How Long It Takes To Become a Pilot
Another question you could ask yourself is how long does it take to become a pilot? What sort of training do you have to have? What are the physical restrictions? What kind of school is required, and how many flight hours before you can be something like a commercial pilot?
Why Food Costs So Much
And if you’ve ever had to spend more than a few hours at an airport, you’re well aware of the gigantic hike in prices for food. Sit down for a minute and think about why that is. As your brain gears squeak and rattle at the thought of supply-side economics, you’ll find that the hours and minutes just melt away.
The Life of an Air Traffic Controller
Finally, think about the life of an air-traffic controller. You’ve seen the movies about how stressful that job is, so what does it take to make it to that career choice? By the time you’ve answered that question, you’ll be on your way to your next destination.