There's a reddit thread trending about what things are worth spending the extra money for. One of these things listed is booking direct flights to avoid layovers and wowee I couldn't disagree more.
It should be noted that I'm also a poor so direct flights are already the lesser option. But we're forgetting the benefits of airports.
Sure, they can be crowded, confusing, and inefficient. But they're also where social norms go to die.
What time is it? Doesn't matter. It's drinking time. Go to the bar. Get a glass of sauvignon blanc and some spinach artichoke dip. We're about to have ourselves a time.
Your first glass in, you're playing it cool. You showed up early but got through security quicker than planned. You have time. You're playing on your phone. Maybe watching whatever is on tv.
Second glass in you're warming up. Your flight just got delayed so you have yet another hour to kill. You order extra chips for your spinach artichoke dip.
Three glasses in now you're talking. You start to get to know the bartender. The old dudes at the end of the bar are starting to chime in. You're feeling great.
Four glasses in you're friends with everyone. Well, some version of you is. Your white wine told you to use a different name. You're never gonna see these people again, who cares? So now that your name is Stacey and you're heading to see your millionaire boyfriend, Andreas, the wine sleepies are starting to come on. You order another glass.
Five glasses in it's time for you to move spots. You'll make your way over to another bar. But it's nap time first. Luckily, you're in an airport. A chair? The middle of the floor? A slightly-too-narrow window ledge? All viable bed options. There are no rules here. Sleep wherever you want.
Take a break, champ. There's more drinking to do on the flight.