is it really that uncommon to cry at airports?

I always cry, but I try not to because of so many people around. The first time I visited England, I was at Heathrow and the security guy was very sympathetic, didn't ask me what was wrong. I've seen a lot of people crying at the airport. I don't think it's unusual at all.


The worst was when DB left here from visiting me around Christmas. I went to my car and didn't have to be around other people, so I really bawled.

It's been easier for me not to cry much with my February and April visits. I miss him and don't want to leave, but I've become used to trying to push aside how much I miss him. I do cry in the last couple of days leading up to the end of a visit.

Fireheart, we've all been there and it isn't unusual at all. I think you just got a difficult security person. (((hugs)))

Even my bf gets teary when we say goodbye, and he's normally very composed, although he doesn't start bawling like I do.

Bawling?
Maybe i have a different idea than you of what constitutes 'bawling', but while tears would seem normal, a bawling adult would seem a bit OTT.  Kind of like 'get a grip'.   But like i said, maybe my definition of bawling is different from yours. 

Nope not uncommon at all in my experience. I grew up with a parent living 2000 miles away so airport goodbyes have become all too familiar to me. I still cry every time I say goodbye to my family or my boyfriend. It's never easy saying goodbye to someone you love, and for me it hasn't gotten any easier no matter how many times I've had to do it. I don't even look twice if I see someone crying when I'm at the airport, because I have been in their shoes so many times it seems completely normal to me I guess.   

I don't think it's uncommon either.  I cry sometimes. It all depends on the length of time we've been with each other and when the next visit is.  If we aren't going to see each other for a while, I tend to cry more.  I usually can hold it in until I'm on the plane and can quietly weep.  When I left in January was the worst cry I've had.  I was holding on to him so tight and couldn't let go.  He had to tell me to go.

It's heartbreaking, I know.  I think being at the airport and having to say good-bye makes it worse.  Many of the times I visit him, we hire a car to take me to the airport so we can say good-bye in the house.  I tend not to cry when I get in the car since I have to spend over an hour in a car alone with a stranger!

Many of the times I visit him, we hire a car to take me to the airport so we can say good-bye in the house. 

That sounds like a good idea!

Well we will be neighbors again when you are back in Leeds!

Anyway, I would say no it's not unusual to cry in airports.  They are like what the big sailing boats were a hundred years ago.  People coming and going to faraway places leaving and or joining loved ones.  Don't worry about the crying, it shows you are human and sensitive and that you are lucky enough to have a great love to leave and come back to!

I remember seeing a tearful goodbye between two muslim women at Mombasa, Kenya airport. It was very emotional to see as it was obvious they they were sad to part.

When one of the women got to the counter her luggage was overweight. She actually turned to me and asked if I would carry one of her pieces.... um, no! I would never do that for a stranger.

When I saw her again after security control she actually yelled at me for not helping her out and then made it into a racial issue.  I was sympathetic to see her part from her friend/family but I draw the line when it comes to airport security and putting myself at risk.

These days you have to be very careful with how you present yourself at the airport. The last thing they want is a potentially hysterical person on an airplane compromising security.

These days you have to be very careful with how you present yourself at the airport. The last thing they want is a potentially hysterical person on an airplane compromising security.

This is what I've been wanting to say but couldn't figure out how to say it.  Crying is one thing, but I can totally see how being borderline hysterical at the airport can be seen as worrying from a security standpoint.  I'm not sure if that's how the OP came across, but like Q-G says we all have different definitions and comfort levels of the different degrees of crying/sobbing in public.

This is what I've been wanting to say but couldn't figure out how to say it.  Crying is one thing, but I can totally see how being borderline hysterical at the airport can be seen as worrying from a security standpoint.  I'm not sure if that's how the OP came across, but like Q-G says we all have different definitions and comfort levels of the different degrees of crying/sobbing in public.

I agree.  Being teary and upset is one thing, but not being able to stop crying or sobbing-well I'd think it was the person's duty to make sure your weren't under some kind of duress.  Especially in these times.

I always watch people at the airport, arrivals or departures, and always smile when I see couples hugging, and the girl crying.......I don't smile in a mean way, it's just touching somehow.

Bawling?
Maybe i have a different idea than you of what constitutes 'bawling', but while tears would seem normal, a bawling adult would seem a bit OTT.  Kind of like 'get a grip'.   But like i said, maybe my definition of bawling is different from yours. 

I suppose that "sobbing" would better describe it then... I was crying a lot but not being really loud about it like a kid throwing a fit if that's what you mean. Sorry if my description was confusing.

I can understand how anything above weeping would be worrying to security. That's part of why I cried so much more when DB came to visit me. I didn't have to worry about reactions.

I let myself cry a little, but make an effort to have the crying be just some tears not beyond that. I don't want them to wonder about me posing a risk.

My husband and I always cried at the airport when we were saying good-bye before we got married. I did normally get a hold of myself before I went to check in - but I don't think it's unusual. Considering the situation, I think it would border on offensive not to cry!

Oh, gosh, I'm terrible!  Now I cry basically whenever anyone leaves me for whatever reason!  DH and I went to NY a week ago Thursday, he only stayed the weekend, but I stayed for the rest of the following week.  When I brought him to the airport on Sunday, I cried! Everyone was like, you'll see him in a week!  I just don't know why I get so upset!

I remember when I moved to England, when I said goodbye to my parents, I was really sobbing.  The woman at security said Cheer up, you'll see them again!   

I used to cry in the beginning, but to be honest, I really enjoyed being in a long distance relationship so much that we weren't sad to say goodbye after a few visits!  I always knew we would see each other in a few weeks, so it wasn't that sad. Also, I really enjoyed the time we were apart...

Now that I have a child here, sometimes I feel a bit sad when my parents leave or when I leave them...but not that often really..