Vegas-Bound Thrills At The Airport (Not That Kind)

Michele Di Palma Describes The Rush Of Vegas-bound Flights

“I’m at the airport. Yay!!!”

Unlike some who see traveling as a hassle, I personally love the rush of being at an airport, ready to board. My vacation thrill starts the instant I check in and hand over the luggage. Why wait until getting to the hotel to have fun? The bustling energy of the airport…and the prospect of new adventures…immediately help to transition from “daily grind” to “vacay mode”. And when my travels are taking me to Vegas, there’s certainly an extra pep in my step!

When en route to my favorite place, tolerance for little annoyances broadens. Pesky things take a back seat to chillin’. Without even trying, Michele turns into a nicer, more accommodating person (wink wink). Cut me off at the TSA line? That’s alright. Take five minutes of decision at the Starbucks counter, only to order a tall black coffee? It’s cool (a little boring but A-ok).

Watching people interact as I maneuver through the airport begins the entertainment. Families trying to juggle all their items and attempting to “keep it together.” Business travelers are impatiently moving through the crowds, clutching their newspapers.

Then there’s me, strolling through the terminal and already enjoying myself. The critical part of my brain has checked out and “Fun Michele” is now in charge. That was even the case during my latest trip.

I boarded the plane and quickly found my seat on the right side. Flying in from my home airport (Salt Lake City), the right side of the plane offers the best views of the Strip. Settling into my window seat, I’m armed with an iPad and headphones; looking forward to sitting back and relaxing.

However, my plans were quickly diverted as the person in the middle seat arrived, seemingly without any items to keep her occupied. But it’s all good. Sure, 6D, let’s chat through the whole flight about your son’s baseball team. And you know what? A vodka Fresca or two in, I do care! I’m pulling for you, “Brandon!” (What exactly does a shortstop do anyways?)

Finally, they make the announcement: “Seats backs up, tray tables stowed in the locked position in preparation for landing”. I gaze out the window, enjoying the aerial view as the Strip comes into focus.

Arriving in Vegas is even better than the steps leading up to it (duh). By the time the plane touches down, all worries are completely forgotten – they were left on the tarmac back in Salt Lake City. Walking through the McCarran concourse, I feel the familiar flutter of excitement at the first glimpse of flashing lights from an airport slot machine. Will this be the trip that I finally hit a big jackpot?

I board the tram and shoot through the tunnel, quickly emerging into the bright sunlight. Doors slide open, and I enter Terminal 1. A short trip down the escalator and we descend upon baggage claim. BTW, I’m delighted that the dated carpet is now being replaced with maroon and blue tile.

The men in black suits holding name signs are huddled in a group, ready whisk away their patrons. Even though I know one’s not for me, I take a glance anyways, just in case. One day it’d be so cool to have a guy holding a sign with my name on it.

The show ads looping on the big screen in baggage-claim grab my attention. Britney! I saw her show when it first opened a couple of years ago…maybe time to repeat? A poster for Mandalay Bay‘s Beach Club catches my eye. Is there a day club in my future? So many possibilities for the days ahead.

Hoisting my luggage off the carousel, I wheel it through the sliding doors to the outside. The wave of summer Vegas heat washes over me. The air is stiff with the smell of exhaust from taxis and buses. Even though it’s only 10 am, I can tell it’s going to be a flip-flop-melting kind of day.

Sunglasses on, I turn right and join the throng in the cab line. This is just the beginning…..

Images: [Michelle Di Palma, Greg C., Sammasseur, McCarran International Airport via Facebook]

Michele Di Palma

Michele’s love affair with Vegas began on her first trip in 2000 and is still going strong. When in Vegas, you can typically find her at the pool, a show or shopping and gambling her way up and down the strip. Michele enjoys working out, a stiff cocktail on a Friday night and a great pair of shoes.