Airport Antics by Dr. Cali Estes is a laugh-out-loud collection of stories from the front lines of air travel. With razor-sharp wit and a keen eye for the absurd, Estes transforms the universal frustrations of airports—long lines, strange characters, and travel chaos—into pure comedy gold. From “Broadway Billie’s” 6 AM terminal concert to the unforgettable sugar-fueled toddler rebellion that ends in a face-plant into a planter, every tale brings to life the chaotic humanity of modern travel. More than just entertainment, the book invites readers to embrace the humor in what most people dread: delays, crowds, and layovers. Perfect for frequent flyers, armchair travelers, or anyone who has ever braved the terminal trenches, Airport Antics proves that airports are not just gateways to destinations—they are theaters of human comedy.
What inspired you to write Airport Antics? Was there a particular airport experience that sparked the idea for this book?
Dr. Cali Estes: Honestly, it started with people-watching. I’m in airports constantly, and I realized they’re their own ecosystem of comedy. You’ve got business travelers trying to look important while sprinting in dress shoes, families in meltdown mode at security, and lovebirds who treat the gate like their living room. One day I thought, “This is too good not to write down.” That spark turned into a collection of hilarious human moments we’ve all witnessed but never really talked about.
What do airports reveal about human nature that everyday life doesn’t?
Dr. Cali Estes: Airports strip away filters. In our daily lives, we have routines and roles, but travel yanks us out of that comfort zone. Suddenly, you see the raw, unedited version of people: how they handle stress, patience, joy, and even boredom. It’s like a crash course in humanity at 30,000 feet.
In your experience, do stressful travel situations bring out people’s best or worst behavior?
Dr. Cali Estes: Both. Some people rise to the occasion with kindness—holding a crying baby so a mom can grab her bag. Others transform into “gate gremlins,” snapping at airline staff like it’s their fault the weather delayed the plane. Stress is the great amplifier. It doesn’t create your personality, it just turns the volume way up.
What’s your personal favorite story in the book, and why?
Dr. Cali Estes: The “Overhead Bin Olympics.” Watching people wrestle their oversized carry-ons into the bin is better than the gym. There’s twisting, shoving, sweating, and the occasional victory dance when it finally fits. It’s comedy gold because we’ve all been there: either starring in it or watching from the sidelines.
Are there any life lessons hidden amid the hilarity?
Dr. Cali Estes: Absolutely. Airports remind us that we’re all just trying to get somewhere—physically and metaphorically. Patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor go a long way. If you can laugh when your flight’s delayed, you can laugh through life’s detours, too.
Do you think humor can make stressful travel situations easier to handle?
Dr. Cali Estes: One hundred percent. Humor disarms stress. When you can laugh at the chaos instead of fighting it, you shift the energy instantly. That’s why people love sharing travel horror stories—because once you add humor, it stops being a disaster and becomes a story worth telling.
What do you hope readers take away about the human experience from Airport Antics beyond laughter?
Dr. Cali Estes: That we’re all in this together. Travel is the ultimate equalizer—you can be a CEO or a college student, and you’re still stuck in the same TSA line with your shoes off. If we can find humor in those shared moments, we not only survive them, we connect with each other in the process.
