Well... I can kinda understand... kinda... in the heat of the day the air-conditioned airport may look appealing...

Or maybe she has a fear of being alone in a new place? In the airport, at least there is security.

Or... she can't be that much of a cheapskate just to share a taxi ride?

I wouldn't know what to say either

I could see going to the airport early (well, not THAT early) if it was for the flight to go on vacation.

When DD was little, we couldn't afford to go anywhere. When my parents would send us tickets to visit them, I'd be so excited I'd end up at the airport real early.

At least she took the trip!! That's more than some non-travelers would do. Maybe she had fun at the airport?

She was playing slots. Little difference playing at the airport and playing at a casino...

suze-I agree with you. At least she took the trip. I would never have gotten my parents on a plane to Las Vegas even when they were younger. My sister, maybe, but she'd probably prefer to drive from Arizona.

"She watched them board their plane about5:40AM nd she waited for her flight at 7:40...PM."

And I thought my in-laws were crazy for arriving at the airport six hours before their flight!

I think that she was more afraid of being alone than she was of missing her flight.

It's amazing how many people are afraid to do things alone... things that they'd be happy to do with anyone else.

If her sister and/or niece had been catching the later flight with her, she would have likely gone out and enjoyed the sights. But, you can't enjoy them when you're alone, so why bother.

toedtoes - I agree. I've heard of adults who've never hailed a cab, never CALLED a cab, never traveled alone...it's really remarkable that things most of us do without thought really bother others.

I must say, though, that I've never heard of a 15 hour intentional airport wait.

Susan - I admit that I've never used a cab in my life. I've never had a need to yet. However, I'm pretty sure I could manage if the moment ever arose.

I really forced myself to start doing things alone. I got tired of being disappointed because folks backed out all the time. It took some getting used to, but now it doesn't really bother me.

Once at a wedding, my Mom was so impressed because I got up and started dancing without a partner. My Sister just sat next to her like a lump on a log. When she told me how impressed she was, I said "once you get over the paranoia that people are obsessed with you, it's not that difficult."

To me, that's the part you have to overcome. This fear that if people see you alone they will comment, make assumptions, ridicule, etc. In truth, they likely don't even know you're there.

P.S. I've always thought my getting to the airport 3 hours before the flight was excessive... however, I take the airporter to SFO and have to work between their schedule and possible traffic jams, so I err on the side of caution. I can't imagine 15 hours...

Slot machines, bars, restrooms etc. and the dear woman didn't have to worry about not checking in on time, lol.

Who knows, we are all so different. I have friends in their 50's who don't seem to ever go to SF unless "I take them". And I have several women friends who never ever go to SF but hope one of these days "I will take them". Sigh. I feel guilty but a travel guide I am not.

Anyway Keith, thanks for the chuckle.

I can't tell you how many people are amazed that I take a train from Phila. and spend a day in NYC by myself. I can tell some people think it is very weird for me to go by myself.

Some people are even surprised that I drive my son by myself to 76ers games.

Traveling alone can be great, especailly if you like music and plays others may not like.

Some of the best traveling I have ever done has been alone, at ballparks I have had so many great long talks with older fans who can talk about the players from another era and at jazz clubs where you can hear about the greats from the past.

I love to read and to write, I am wondering if most people who travel alone enjoy that also.

A great meal is wonderful, alone or with others.

Wow Keith,

What a tale! The best part of traveling alone for me is that no one is waiting on me if I want to linger at a certain place/store/restaurant a little longer. I don't like to keep people waiting, so sometimes out of consideration will not linger as long. And I am pretty good company if I do say so myself! That being said, I'd still rather travel with my husband, but feel good that I can do either or if the occassion arises and enjoy myself thoroughly.

Yes, some people just aren't travelers. Case in point, right now I have been away in a different city for several weeks for my job. There is a group of us from all over, and two of them are content to eat either the hotel buffet (God awful) or chain restaurant food every night, even though we do have a pretty generous meal allowance.

Why they wouldn't want to try to see new places, or at least try some different restuarants is beyond me. But to each his own. I used to think some people just really enjoyed their own homes/yards/environs so much they didn't need to travel, and that is kind of nice. But to be in a different place out of necessity and still not want to get out and explore? Don't get it...

"It's amazing how many people are afraid to do things alone... things that they'd be happy to do with anyone else."

I hadn't thought of that aspect.

As someone who has travels by himself more often then not (including trips to Europe, Mexico, Canada) that should probably surprise me. Though I know many people that have never gone to even a movie by themselves. And one friend, a 30 something, gollege graduate says he has never gone to a restaurant by himself.

Keith

The "alone" aspect IS the crux, but only with some non-travelers. Sounds like it was for the OP's 15 hour waiter though.

I've done many activities (like dancing) alone too. But usually got flack for it verbally, to be truthful.
Family AND married for centuries friends both.

But in these last years, I absolutely love to travel to the city alone for a day or two for shopping, shows, museums etc. And I do.

And I am happy to report that FINALLY one non-traveler has caught on and is now taking her little ones down and doing the same. It does seem to become "doable" eventually if exposed enough in example, I think.

It really seems to me much more to have to do with individual comfort zones.

I too have been at conferences where some never venture out of the hotel to eat etc. What a waste of opportunity!

I have freinds who are great to travel with, we have lunch and dinner together and meet late at night and go out to hear music, the rest of the time we spend by ourselves, it is a great balance.

I don't like to eat at a restaurant alone, it just feels weird. I have done it though.
I've tagged along on a couple of NYC business trips DH has had. He's in meetings all day and I'm out exploring.

Maybe some of these folks just need Fodors!

Keith, I never ate alone at a restaurant until I was 37 (not including picking up fast food and eating it at a park, etc.). That was the hardest hurdle for me to pass. I was doing the rest - movies, shopping, etc. - in my 20's.

I find that folks who can't travel alone are in one of two camps:

1. I'm afraid to be alone - what if something bad happens;
and
2. I can't have any fun if I'm alone.

I will say eating alone and at a loud, busy restaurant is not pleasant. Eating alone at a quiet restaurant is great.