A Life Lesson Learned From Dressing Up at the Airport

22 Apr 2026 #misc

A 2-hour flight to the capital city for an early morning meeting at a government office…

I showed up late to the airport booth. Passengers were already getting on.

I was working for a small tech shop in my city. I wasn’t a manager, but the CEO chose me to fly with one to represent our company.

My dad offered to drive me. Before rush hour, the airport was just 15 minutes away. But that day, the car wouldn’t start. Each time he turned the key, the engine just made funny noises and die. Arrggg!

In the airport booth, I saw an empty line at the security control. My coworker was texting me. He was already onboarding. I had no other choice but to plead guilty.

“Good morning. I know I’m late. The car I was in broke down. My assistant was supposed to send me my boarding pass but I can’t find it in my email. I have a meeting with the government at 8:00 a.m.”

I didn’t really have an assistant. I meant the office manager, who helped us all. I lied. I know that’s bad. I didn’t want to pay for a ticket with my own money. But the part of accessing my email was true.

I was well-shaved, wearing a long-sleeve shirt, and holding a jacket. “Do you only have hand luggage?” I was carrying a small backpack. She took the radio, called the security line, and let me in.

Behind me was a vacationing family. You know, shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops. They were also late and also on the same flight.

“It’s too late. Flight is closed,” they were told.

Like it or not, we judge and are judged by how we dress and speak. And if you’re late, always admit it.