We’re In This Together – Reflections Traveling Amidst Japan’s Disaster

by Janice McDonald

There is nothing like a catastrophe or three to help travelers team up as one and pull together.  Remember 9/11? In the weeks following, people were eyeballing their fellow passengers to, A) see if they were a threat, and, B) see if they were capable of helping out should the need arise.

Traveling since the Japanese earthquake/tsunami/nuclear crisis has also sparked a similar macabre camaraderie. In the airport, you notice people huddled next to televisions, talking over newspapers, magazines and laptops.  They are sharing information with one another in a “we’re-in-this-together” manner that shouldn’t take a tragedy to make happen.

Frequent flying road warriors have a tendency to put their head down and march through the airport on a mission, scoffing at those who rarely travel; running over children and old ladies in their effort to board first.  But this last week has born witness to a kinder and gentler group, or so it has seemed.

I freely admit that it could just be my personal reaction to what’s going on.  With so many years in the news business, I go into instant fact finding mode when a major event occurs.

This time I don’t think I’m alone.  The events in Japan seem overwhelming and just don’t seem to dissipate.  Each story seems worse than the last.  I’m not the only one watching people’s faces to see if they know something I don’t and may want to share – either personal knowledge or a personal experience.

I hear flight attendants talking about friends who fly to or are stationed in Japan.  I hear whispers about friends and relatives that people are awaiting word from.  People recounting relief efforts they are arranging.  Overheard conversations give way to shared concerns.  Those who would otherwise turn on their IPod and tune out the crowd are now listening to others.  Even in the remotest sense, we are all affected.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could share that concern with fellow passengers without having such horrible things happen?  Seriously, folks, we’re in an airport together. We’re on a plane together. We ARE in this together.