The Five Stages Of Waiting For Someone At Lubbock's Airport

If you've picked someone up from Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, then you know it's pretty simple. It's a small airport. There aren't a billion terminals or trains to catch. In theory, it should be one of the fastest airport pickups in Texas.

"Should" is the key word here.

The Five Stages of Waiting For Someone At Lubbock Preston Smith Airport

Stage 1: "I'm Here Early."

You planned it out and arrived early. Great job! You're going to nail this pickup.

Stage 2: "They're Landing Now."

You just got a text that your friend has landed. Awesome. Shouldn't be long now...

Stage 3: Driving Circles

You don't want to park, so you drive around in circles for a while. Around you go, wondering if people are staring at you.

Stage 4: "I'm Outside"

They text you they are outside, but which door? Which airline? West side? East side? Every message creates more confusion than before.

Stage 5: Victory

You finally spot your person. They are waving from the curb, four cars away from you. You move up closer, and they toss their luggage in the back.

And, like that, your Lubbock airport adventure has come to a close.

For a city as big as ours, picking someone up from the airport is just about as painless as it could be. Still, each trip manages to take you on at least one unnecessary lap around the terminal, and one phone call that starts with, "Um, I don't see you... Wait...is that you? No. That's not you..."