Having Fun in the Airport

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

04 Jan 2009 01:55 PM

It's not everyday that you see the words "fun" and "airport" in the same sentence, let alone as the title of an article. But, alas, 2009 is bringing with it some unique pairings. I should know. I just spent three unplanned hours in one of the world's busiest airports and I am not the least bit bitter about it. Okay, maybe that's not 100 percent true, but I consider my family very lucky as our plane did manage to depart on the same day we were ticketed, which is more than I can say for thousands of others whose flights were cancelled.

So how does one make merry in a sea of disgruntled passengers?

Think: "Do-Re-Mi" or "Shake, Rattle and Roll."

It sounds strange (even stranger when you have a tipsy Frenchman at the mic), but karaoke is the hottest trend in select airport terminals around the nation.

Aspiring singers (and bored passengers alike) can now belly up to karaoke machines at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport. The singing machines, which are in place for a limited time only, are located just past the security checkpoint and are free for any and all crooners.

The sign that sits to the left of the microphone beckons wannabe singing stars with this line: "IT'S FUN AND IT'S FREE!" Which is more than one can say for the security frisking and weather related delays.

The booth, decked out in holiday paraphernalia (lights, tinsel, and stockings shaped like cowboy boots) contains a machine stocked with Christmas classics. Airport officials noted that if enough passengers welcomed the new addition the karaoke fun could be extended beyond the Epiphany.

While I don't consider the sound of my own voice warbling out the words to "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" as fun, watching others step up to the mic and belt out their own versions of holiday melodies is something I find quite amusing.

Think: "American Idol" bloopers holiday edition.

It might not be everyone's idea of fun, but when you're trapped in travel limbo because Mother Nature decided to let loose on your flight plans, then listening to complete strangers light up the terminal with hilarious renditions of holiday favorites is not a bad way to kill time.

Related Articles:

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Even More Tips To Remember When You Travel With Kids

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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