You could be just like this couple embracing on a tarmac. Very unsafe, but also romantic.
So you’re stuck at the airport. Your plane has been delayed. Your phone battery is almost dead and power points are scarce.
You wouldn’t mind a drink, but you don’t want to sit at the airport bar alone in case people think you are a loser with a drinking problem (no judgement).
If only you could have a drink with a pleasant, good-looking stranger. Preferably one who shares your interests in dogs and films starring Rebel Wilson. You could have a chat, enjoy a flirt and perhaps share a snack. What a top way to kill time, really.
Introducing Steve Pasternack, the creator of MeetAtTheAirport.com. It’s a dating website for bored and lonely travellers, or businesspeople who find themselves spending a lot of time in airports. Steve created the site after his plane was delayed in early 2011 and noticed a lot of people “at the bar, looking for something to do”.
Apparently, the site – which asks normal RSVP-like-personal-interest questions, as well as flight details and departure airport – now has about 20,000 members from all over the world. According to their website: “the fun doesn’t begin when the airplane arrives at its destination, the fun begins when you arrive at the airport!”
It’s a romantic comedy waiting to happen.
At first, airline dating seems like a romantic comedy waiting to happen. Boy logs into airport dating site, finds girl, meets girl at the Qantas lounge. Boy and girl continue meeting up at airports all over the world until they finally realise their undying love for each other.
They leave their high-paying, high-flying jobs behind for a happy life together, involving a house with a white picket fence and absolutely no airports. Because they’re sick of them. Pass the popcorn.
But when you consider it a little more, airline dating may just be the least practical idea ever. Because people stuck in airports are generally in foul moods.
Mamamia writer, Nat, was delayed in Brisbane a few weeks ago and had to wait eight hours for a new flight. It was 11pm and she had BB cream all over her clothes (because she thought it might be a good idea to open a magazine sample of BB cream on the plane).
Nat hadn’t eaten anything in 10 hours (unless you count a few Mentos. She had run out of water and the bathrooms at the airport only had hot water taps).
In summary: Nat was tired, cranky and in desperate need of a shower/water/food. She would have sooner stapled her face to a tree than met up with a total stranger for a drink.
What do you think of airline dating? Does the concept have serious potential or is it just seriously stupid?
Comments
14 Comments so far
I love airports so much and even though flying economy is crap, I love it too. However… About 7 years ago while travelling I would lose myself in these fantasies of an awkward meeting with a handsome stranger – first spotting him while lining up to check in, and then of course there he is in the seat across the aisle from me on the plane… we hit it off instantly and begin a cosy but passionate love affair somewhere over the equator.
In reality, I’m in leggings and a hoodie, with gross dehydrated-but-somehow-oily skin, birdnest hair and I most likely fell asleep on the last flight with my mouth open. So in my opinion, the idea of airline dating is a hilarious pipe dream.
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I met a guy at an airport – well, technically on the plane but it started at the airport. He was one my exception to the ‘don’t accept random Facebook friend requests’ rule; we had five mutual friends, he seemed like a perfectly normal guy. I checked in at Perth Airport on Facebook, he commented with, “Me too,” turned out we were on the same flight and an intense conversation at 2am, somewhere over the Nullabor ensued. I was in cargo pants, thongs and no makeup. We met up the following night (really, later that day) for dinner in Melbourne. An 18-month on-again-off-again affair ensued (he was separated then got back together with his wife). Looking back, the fact that we met on a plane, the very start of an ‘escape’, really defined the whole relationship – it was escapism for both of us, unrealistic but immensely satisfying in the short-term.
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I love airports! There is always someone to have a chat with. Not to hook up, but just to talk to. It is a rich environment to hear stories and communicate with others. Sometimes I’m polite but make it clear that I’m tired and not up for a chat, but sometimes I take the opportunity to see and hear how others live. It’s amazing to meet the people who are out there! We live in the same world, different communities. Much love x
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I think it is fun. Why not take any opportunity you can to meet new and interesting people.
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My days of frequent airporting are over but this sounds harmless enough. If you’re not in the mood that’s fine, no one is forcing you to do it. An airport is a neutral public place with high security so it’s pretty low-risk. If your new buddy is a dud you can simply excuse yourself and go back to the gate lounge, so for extra security pick someone on a different flight.
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Worst idea ever. I WANT to sit alone. I WANT to not have to talk to someone. How easy this ‘service’ makes it for someone to present their ‘PR side’ and create all kinds of illusions.
More importantly, doesn’t anyone know that the best way to spend time at the airport is by reading a good book?
Besides, dating sucks. Small talk with a stranger who probably has a girlfriend at home… How UNromantic and UNappealing.
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Sounds creepy and I bet is not so much RSVP as Grindr for airports. Business travellers, bored with a few hours to kill and usually a hotel conveniently located.
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Sounds dodgy to me too, they aren’t looking for love, they are looking for a short term distraction with no strings attached. Yuck.
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Yep, I think you’ve nailed it, Emily! Spot on.
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I met my BF at the airport, though without the aid of a dating website…
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There was a movie a few years ago which had a similar starting point – ‘Up In The Air’, with George Clooney.
I don’t think I’d be meeting GC in an airport any time soon.
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My goodness this is FANTASTIC, well since I’m single & my flights delayed & I’m super bored, best go look into it now.
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My first thought was what about losers and creeps who sign up just because there’s a ‘captive market’ at the airport and they actually don’t have flight to catch?
Actually, scrap that, with the cost of airport parking no-one can afford to be at the airport unless they have to be there or they’re loaded.
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With you Nat! Airports are foul and stressful and when you’re stuck there delayed you feel incredibly NOT sexy. Or I do anyway.
Have a plane to catch tonight. Will be eyeing other passengers with interest, lol! I always hope to sit next to someone hot on the plane, however always undoubtedly get a fat middle aged man who snores and stuffs his face. Ho hum.
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