I am realizing airports, airplanes, and flying are triggers that make me want to drink.

I have been to many airports around the world. In the ones I have frequently spent time in, I tend to have favorite bars. Atlanta. Newark. Los Angeles. Houston. Chicago. Frankfurt. I loved that most airport bars serve alcohol for breakfast. How many Bloody Marys could I chug before take-off?  In the afternoons and evenings, I would search out a pub with local beer. Sometimes, I would treat myself to overpriced glasses at a wine bar.

I used to love it when there was a bar near my gate. It felt like a bonus if I could sit with a drink and still view when the boarding procedure began. I loved the drunk conversations I would have with other travelers waiting for their flights. When there were flight delays due to weather, the bar patrons developed a bond.

I once spent four hours in Houston with a group of strangers drinking for free. A guy was celebrating his Army retirement. He kept ordering rounds of tequila shots. He insisted on paying for each beer I drank. I had to help him find his gate when his flight was finally leaving. I finally went to my gate but my flight was still delayed. I returned to the bar for one more quick beer. I grabbed two instead and chugged them. I almost missed that flight.

When I flew international, I would use up my foreign money on wine or beer. I would skip eating at the airport to make sure I had some cash for alcohol on the flight. Now I am not sure if I could do that. I know most American flights require credit cards for purchasing in flight.

I was a bit nervous that I was gonna be upgraded to first class for this trip. Free alcohol would be so tempting. I get free upgrades sometimes because I am a frequent flyer with a membership card. I was relieved there was no room. I was happy in my sober, economy seat.
I also get free passes to the airline lounge. I used to scoff that the only drinks they offered for free were coffee, tea, and ice water. Some of the lounges offer juice and soda. I used to spend my time sitting at the bar in the lounge. This time, I ate some cheese and typed on my laptop. At least they have free WiFi.

Do some non-American airlines offer free alcohol? I think I remember free wine on an international flight? I know I got free alcohol on an overnight bus in Argentina. They came around offering cups of whiskey before the meal, then wine with the meal, and a flute of sparkling, white wine before turning off the lights. It was such a luxurious bus. I hate turning freebies. Guess I will have to now.

Mistake #95- I had a flight from San Francisco to San Diego with a layover in Los Angeles. I spent my layover at the bar. My flight got delayed. I would drink, check on flight, still delayed, drink more. I missed the flight. I remember blaming the guy at the gate. Was he supposed to come find me at the bar?

Next flight would not be until the next morning. I was supposed to be at work at 7am. I called work to tell them I would an hour late due to flight problems. I slept in the airport. A lot of people asked why I did not rent a car and drive the two hours. I told them I did not want to spend the money. Actually, I was too drunk to think of that option. (And not in a condition to drive that night. )