10 Things We All Hate About Airports

Frequent flier? Business traveler? We've all been there in dealing with the annoyances and stressful ways of the airport. Here are 10 common things we can all groan about together. After all, misery loves company, right?

1. Short-Staffed Airlines

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You're feeling very prepared; You left for the airport way earlier than normal, giving yourself plenty of time to check in, pass through security and then possibly get a latte before strolling to your gate. At least, that's the way you imagined things happening. But of course the airline you booked with is short-staffed that day and you have to wait in an enormous line to check in and to get through security. So much for "strolling."

2. Security Checks

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We all know it has to happen, but WHY does it have to be so annoying? If you aren't TSA Pre-Checked, removing belts, scarves, anything metal, and shoes (revealing a pair of mix-matched socks filled with holes) is the norm. Then there's the moment you walk through the metal detectors praying it doesn’t go off. Of course it does, and you have to be patted down by a TSA agent who looks just as uncomfortable as you do.

3. Confused Travelers

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Before you have the chance to walk through the detectors you see those people who are so confused by the fact that they have to put their items in the bins and push them on the conveyer belt. Even though this has been TSA’s policy for 12 + years, they hold up the line and the TSA agents have to keep asking them to stay with their items. Let's not even get started on the laptops in separate bins debacle....

4. The Rushed Decision

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When you finally get through security you realize the scheduled time for boarding means having to make the difficult choice of getting a hot meal, using the restroom, or actually making your plane on time. What to do, what to do...

5. The Dreaded PA Announcement

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You decide to forgo the hot meal and the restroom and make it to your gate just in time to hear that faint voice over the PA system announcing that your flight has been delayed, though no one will tell you why or for how long. And there goes your firm belief in making your connecting flight on time.

6. Bathrooms and Luggage

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So it turns out maybe you have time to use the loo. You gather your personal items to make the trek across the terminal to the restroom. When you get there all of the open stalls are small and narrow and you struggle to get your luggage, AND your body, into the stall and to still be able to shut the door. No big deal, right? Let's just say the feeling of triumph is not to be underestimated when you achieve such a feat.

7. Airport Food

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You get done with the bathroom and check the screen to make sure they haven't updated the departure time for what feels like the 1000th time. It's still delayed. At least now you can talk yourself into that small fast food item priced like a five star restaurant entree. Of course this leads to remembering those inexpensive snacks you should've brought along to avoid being hangry.

8. Power Outlets

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You've used the loo and fed your hunger. You are ready to settle into a chair at your gate and wait for them to finally start the boarding process. After many a Facebook and Instagram update detailing your delays (#airportprobs), you notice your phone battery is low on battery but every outlet in the vicinity is being used! Typical. Cue the part of assuming that some of those people are basically 100% charged and just hogging the outlet. C'monnnn, be considerate, people.

9. No (Free) Wi-Fi

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You decide to stay calm about the outlet situation and open up your laptop to check emails, but then you find out that there is no WiFi. Or if there is, it comes at a hefty cost. What kind of airport doesn’t provide free WiFi?! Here's hoping you've got that "Out of Office" response already set up....

10. The Boarding Process

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Finally, the flight is back on and the staff starts the boarding process. You, unfortunately, are assigned a zone that is called last (or nearly last). Hovering near the gate, you watch all of the other passengers board. With their overstuffed suitcases and personal items, you know that once your zone is called there won’t be any more room for your bag and you'll have to check it at the gate. You might as well have packed a huge suitcase and just checked it during your flight check-in.