This past weekend, I was lucky enough to get to travel to visit Lafayette, Louisiana. This meant that I got to visit four different airports. Several were under construction, three played some muzak version of Adelle’s Rolling in the Deep and in all three there was a vibe of weird. Which lead to me ask, why are people so weird at the airport? I stumbled upon The Weird Psychology of Airports by Steve Taylor. In this article, Steve Taylor, Ph.D., delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon. Here are some key insights:
Increase in Anti-Social Incidents
There has been a noticeable rise in anti-social behavior at airports, including incidents of air rage and flight diversions. This trend has raised concerns among travelers and airport authorities alike.
Liminal Zones
Airports are considered liminal zones, where the usual notions of place and time become vague. This disorientation can lead to unusual behavior as people navigate through these transitional spaces.
Psychological Factors
Several psychological factors contribute to the strange behavior observed at airports. Anxiety about flying, the constant noise, and the presence of large crowds can cause people to act out of character.
Psychogeographic Perspective
From a psychogeographic perspective, airports are likened to “thin places” where the boundaries between different states of being fade. This can create a sense of disorientation and unease.
Freudian Theory
According to Freudian theory, the “id” may become dominant in such environments, leading to impulsive and anti-social behavior. The stress and chaos of airports can bring out the more primal aspects of our personalities.
Possible Solutions
To curb these incidents, some suggest reducing or banning alcohol sales at airports. This measure could help mitigate the factors that contribute to anti-social behavior.
Airports are unique environments that challenge our usual ways of thinking and behaving. Understanding the psychology behind these behaviors can help create a more pleasant experience for everyone.