TRAVEL: The 10 people you always see at airports

YOU’RE all packed, you’ve arrived at the airport, checked in your luggage and grabbed a bite to eat.

It’s holiday time, but you’ve got a couple of spare hours to wander around duty free to spend some cash and people watch. 

Arguably the fun part of the travelling process, people watching anywhere is fun, but the airport reveals a myriad of personalities that you may not come across in any other place.

In 2015 alone, Dublin Airport saw over 25 million passengers pass through for more than 194,000 flights, so you can imagine the characters!

Leading online travel agent, Travel Republic.ie, recently developed a fantastic set of graphics detailing the typical characters you would find whilst on your journey around the airport – do you recognise any? 

The animal suitcase rider

The envy of every individual over the age of 12. You are now too old to own one of these – doing so would be deemed entirely weird. These children don’t even have to carry their luggage! There are so many animals to choose from…kids, enjoy it while it lasts.

Romeo and Juliet

Seeing couples that are happy in love is nice for everyone but the PDAs can get a little much, especially when they are holding up the queue at security and preventing you from getting through in a timely manner. We genuinely hope you have a lovely holiday lovebirds, but let’s actually get on the plane first, eh?

The neck pillow fan

Neck pillows are fabulous inventions that have revolutionised comfort and sleep whilst flying. However, they should not be worn walking around the airport as you are not likely to be falling asleep. Please remove said pillow, place it in your hand luggage and feel the benefit on the plane.

That late guy

Go on, we’re all rooting for you as we stand and watch you run hot, sweating and panting toward your gate. Don’t be embarrassed by the slow handclap you get once you actually board; we’re sure they are genuinely happy that you made it!

The group of teenage boys

Going on your first group holiday without your parents is so exciting, we get that. In fact, we’ve been there! But you have to remember that you are not the only people in this airport. We do not need to hear you jeering and swearing to the point that we are covering our small fellow travellers’ ears. Leave that for your 18-30s hotel!

The liquids felon

Come on, you know you weren’t allowed those. We truly do not wish to get held up behind you, listening as you complain to the poor security guard that your brand new eau de toilette is going to have to be thrown away. It’s on the website and the boarding pass you printed out. Why do you do this?

The baby

It is common knowledge that all babies are cute…until they cry. We are all holding our breaths in anticipation. We are in this together, we are all with you. We wish we could help. Instead, we will look on the scene as it unfolds in silent prayer. We will all wear that familiar solemn expression that reads ‘Good luck…’

The unnecessary complainer

Despite it being the prime people-watching location and the place where the final build-up to your holiday begins, no one really LOVES airports.

Your constant complaining is not going to make queues shorter, nor other holidaymakers more aware of their personal space.

We’re sure that after your relaxing two week break in the sun you’ll feel differently about that strong (and unnecessary) complaint letter you’re already dictating to your family for all to hear…

The over friendly stranger

No, we haven’t been here before. Yes, we have heard it has great beaches (that’s why we booked our holiday there.) No, I would not like to see your photographs from last year. Oh! You’re staying at the same hotel as us? Great… 

The over-packer

Not only do you embarrass yourself, but also those with you, as you demand they open their case so you can transfer your fifth, sixth and seventh bikini into it to avoid paying the extra luggage fine. Not a great start to anyone’s holiday!