Meeting at the airport
Mar 16th, 2008, 02:22 PM
#1
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Meeting at the airport
Just asking opinions on this do you feel its important to be met at the airport by a family member especially if this is your first time in there town? Or it doesn't matter to you. You will find your way. To me its like a greeting to there city to be there to welcome you. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.
Mar 16th, 2008, 02:51 PM
#2
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It all depends on the situation. Will I be having a rental car? How far away to they live? How will I get to my destination? Will coming to the airport inconvenience them?
Getting picked up is nice, but not necessary.
Getting picked up is nice, but not necessary.
Mar 16th, 2008, 03:24 PM
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Hi pgh, I don't feel it is necessary anymore due to traffic conditions, finding a parking space at the airport etc. It use to be fun to be greeted but so often it is such a workout for the resident. Now having said that if there is not sufficient and safe public transportation that is another matter of course. I think that all airports, or almost all, do have SuperShuttle that will take you to whereever you are staying.
And of course if the person arriving at the airport is elderly, disabled or has babies or small children with them it would be wonderful if at all possible to greet them.
I have actually taken a shuttle bus to SFO to greet visitors from Italy. Much easier and less expensive than driving and than we have come back to my house on the shuttle bus.
And of course if the person arriving at the airport is elderly, disabled or has babies or small children with them it would be wonderful if at all possible to greet them.
I have actually taken a shuttle bus to SFO to greet visitors from Italy. Much easier and less expensive than driving and than we have come back to my house on the shuttle bus.
Mar 16th, 2008, 03:55 PM
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Like LoveItaly, I don't need to be greeted at the airport (although it was fun the one time a friend did it for me in Wilmington, NC--but it's so small it was very easy!). That said, I do like those airports that have cell phone lots--makes it very convenient to park, rather than drive around and around. I do park and go inside when the arriving party is elderly or with small children. I volunteer with Girl Scouts at national events and one of my tasks is to be the airport greet and goodbye girl--so I get enough of that so I prefer to just grab my stuff and go!
Mar 16th, 2008, 04:35 PM
#6
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Okay, I'll be the high maintenance one! I definitely like to be met at the airport. I think it demonstrates mutual effort and interest. I don't think it is that big a deal to drive down and pick me up as I would for them. The person who has flown has invested MUCH more money and discomfort and time. I think it is the last the visitee can do is make this small effort. Of course, it is somewhat situational. If the person was elderly or physically challenged, etc., I certainly would not have the same expectations.
Mar 16th, 2008, 04:38 PM
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Oh also, it depends on if you are coming just to visit them. If you are there to tour the area and are renting a car and the primary reason is not to visit them, then I do not have that expectation. In fact, if I am visiting because of wanting to explore that city and they are putting me up, I will insist on finding my own way to their abode AND take them out to dinner to repay their hospitality.
Mar 16th, 2008, 04:44 PM
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Thanks. It depends on the situation. I am in a situation where I am meeting my father for the first time since age 3. And he isnt meeting me at the airport. It is only 20 minutes away from him. So I think that is a situation were you should be met.
Mar 16th, 2008, 05:19 PM
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I am in a situation where I am meeting my father for the first time since age 3. And he isnt meeting me at the airport. It is only 20 minutes away from him. So I think that is a situation were you should be met.
I so agree with you!
It would be a major right step for him in this situation to pick you up at the airport!
My children are independent and actually like (daughter) hiring cars/taxis (son) doesn't care how he gets home if he can get a good airfare..so he knows if it is in the middle of the night or at dawn, he is taking a taxi.
Living here in Argentina..I still want people to take a taxi, we don't have a car anymore
I so agree with you!
It would be a major right step for him in this situation to pick you up at the airport!
My children are independent and actually like (daughter) hiring cars/taxis (son) doesn't care how he gets home if he can get a good airfare..so he knows if it is in the middle of the night or at dawn, he is taking a taxi.
Living here in Argentina..I still want people to take a taxi, we don't have a car anymore
Mar 17th, 2008, 01:43 AM
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Isn't that how it always used to be? It is nice, especially if it is in Hawaii getting greeted with a lei. But if it was Tokyo where it sometimes takes 3.5 hours by car to the airport, then I'd feel bad.
Mar 17th, 2008, 05:45 AM
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pgh, it sounds like maybe you are reading more into it than you should. Maybe he's worried he won't recognize you in a crowd. Maybe he's worried about having an emotional outburst in public. Maybe he doesn't go to airports often enough to feel comfortable. I don't think there is an Emily Post rule for this situation.
Mar 17th, 2008, 03:34 PM
#15
Your situation has much more dynamics than just about meeting at the airport. No I don't generally feel the need to be met and would prefer to make my own way.
But if you're thinking his not meeting you reflects a lack of interest on his part that's a whole bigger fish to fry imo.
But if you're thinking his not meeting you reflects a lack of interest on his part that's a whole bigger fish to fry imo.
Mar 17th, 2008, 03:35 PM
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I don't like being met either. If the plane is late or there are delays in getting off, I get all tense thinking about the person waiting for me, parking costs, etc.
I do meet people at the airport, though, unless they ask me not to.
I do meet people at the airport, though, unless they ask me not to.
Mar 17th, 2008, 04:00 PM
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I'm reminded of a time my husband and I were meeting in San Diego. I had flown in from SFO, and he decided to surprise me by driving in from LA. He was waiting at the curb and I went straight to a cab and went to the hotel. This was before either of us had cell phones.
Mar 18th, 2008, 10:06 PM
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pgh, I didn't see your second post before. I think I would like to be met at the airport too if I were in your shoes. If it is a large airport then it could be the logistics that get in the way. If not, then maybe he is just nervous over seeing you after so many years and is worried over how he should act. He might think that the initial meeting should be at a place where it isn't so busy and rushed.
