Today, the eve of Thanksgiving, carries the same chaotic, stressful reputation as it has for decades passed: the busiest travel day of the year. Yet, no matter how many years go by, no matter what precautions are taken or how much media attention it gets, there are still doubts as to whether people will make it home to their loved ones in time for turkey.  

On Monday, Orbitz revealed the Top Ten Airports To Avoid This Thanksgiving:

Here are the top ten “Orbitz Insider” busiest airports for Thanksgiving 2009.

1. Chicago, IL - Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
2. Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles International (LAX)
3. Denver, CO - Denver International (DEN)
4. San Francisco, CA - San Francisco International (SFO)
5. Atlanta, GA - Atlanta Hartsfield International (ATL)
6. Boston, MA - Boston Logan International (BOS)
7. New York, NY - New York LaGuardia (LGA)
8. New York, NY - New York John F. Kennedy International (JFK)
9. Newark, NJ - Newark Liberty International (EWR)
10. Seattle, WA - Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)

As useful as this information may be, the fact still remains: for many, traveling today is unavoidable. Many businesses are still open. Many schools are still in session. At this point in time, reasonable travel alternatives are scarce. Yet, regardless of these simple facts, Orbitz still says “if you have already booked a flight in or out one of these airports, well, then it sucks to be you.” Translation: for those of you committed to traveling today, congratulations! You’re doomed for a real miserable time.

It’s no secret, airport foul-ups are incredibly frustrating, particularly during the holidays when time is of the essence. Likewise, bad processes in the workplace—no matter how expected or unexpected they may be—are sometimes hard to avoid. However, this shouldn’t be the reason to fret over elements that are out of your control. It shouldn’t be a viable reason for giving up on the venture either. In fact, such a resolution seems counterproductive.

Instead, rise to the challenge. Stop focusing on how terrible the consequences may be, and narrow your focus on making the outcomes better. For those of you traveling today: pack light to avoid checking bags, pre-print your boarding pass at home,  familiarize yourself with current TSA rules, bring that book you’ve been wanting to read, splurge on the latest tunes for your iPod. Regardless of the situation, vow to head out knowing what’s in store and prepared to handle the worst. You may just end up finding out it wasn’t so terrible. Thinking constructively about workflow challenges and techniques is methodology engineering. Slaughter Development assists in seeking positive, productive solutions to problems. Contact us today to learn more about our Workplace Diagnostics program to start the process at your organization.

Safe travels and happy thanksgiving!