The Airport is Basically a Survival Game

From the moment you step into the airport, it’s game on. The rules? Move fast, dodge obstacles, and avoid unnecessary delays at all costs. Every step—from check-in to security to the gate—is a mini-challenge that determines whether you’ll make it to your flight stress-free or end up sprinting in panic. If you’ve ever felt like airports are just elaborate survival games, you’re not wrong. Here’s how to play (and win).

Level 1: The Bag Drop Battle

Your first challenge? Checking in and dropping off your bag without losing your mind. If you didn’t check in online, you’re already behind. The lines are long, the self-service kiosks never work, and there’s always someone repacking their suitcase on the floor to avoid overweight fees. Pro tip: Travel with just a carry-on and skip this level entirely.

Level 2: Security Gauntlet

The TSA line is the ultimate test of patience and strategy. You must remove your shoes, laptop, and liquids at lightning speed while avoiding eye contact with the person who somehow still doesn’t know the rules. Bonus challenge: Picking the fastest line. (Hint: Families with kids and people wearing complicated shoes = avoid.)

Level 3: Finding a Seat at the Gate

By now, you’re inside, but the game isn’t over. The gate area is a war zone, with too few seats and too many people charging their phones. You have to choose your spot wisely—too close to the loud talkers, and you’ll lose your sanity; too far from the boarding area, and you might miss important announcements. Your best bet? Stake out a spot near the boarding lane but away from the chaos.

Bonus Round: The Food and Drink Hustle

You want to grab a snack, but airport prices are designed to test your financial limits. Do you risk spending $10 on a bottle of water, or do you hunt down a refill station like a resourceful survivalist? And if you need food, the real challenge is finding something edible that won’t make you regret your choices mid-flight.

Final Boss: Boarding Anxiety

Just when you think you’ve made it, it’s time for the final showdown: the chaotic boarding process. No matter what group you’re in, people will crowd the gate way too early. You’ll see the seat-switch negotiators, the overhead bin hoarders, and the person who somehow still has their boarding pass buried in their bag. Your mission? Stay calm, board efficiently, and claim your space.

The Verdict: Only the Smartest Travelers Survive

The airport isn’t just a transit hub—it’s an obstacle course, a patience test, and a strategy game all rolled into one. But if you know the rules, play smart, and stay ahead of the chaos, you’ll not only survive—you’ll win the game. Good luck, traveler.