Guest blogger Barb muses about how differences in “travel styles” can make for stressful eventful trips to and through airports.

My Wise Hubby is a Just in Time traveller. I am not. Since travel in general, and air travel in particular, is a big part of our lives, the philosophy differential can make life interesting! A recent long-haul journey gave me the opportunity to reflect on these different styles.

In a manufacturing environment, Just In Time is a great thing. The theory originated in post World War II Japan and the management theory was popularized globally. The main idea is that if inventory and output can be delivered or produced just in time for the moment of requirement then resources are optimally utilised.

I appreciate the benefits of this, but I am a Just in Case traveller. I consider all possible variables. To me it’s all about contingency planning. What if the car breaks down on the way to the airport? What if the check-in line is huge? What if they board the flight early? I would much rather spend time at the gate than race through the airport to be the sweaty, hassled last passenger to board.

Wise Hubby, however, has truly taken the JIT philosophy to heart. He manages his travel with absolute precision. I sometimes think he enjoys being called for a flight, although he says not. He spends a huge amount of time travelling solo on business, so I understand that he has to be efficient with his time. I also understand that JIT works for him.

Our recent return from skiing involved 15 hours of flying on three flights – lots of travel deadlines to make. Lots of stress for this Wise Woman when we cut things too close for my comfort. And, to be fair, lots of stress for Wise Hubby who thought we were being too conservative. And, hey, we didn’t miss any flights, right?

Over the years we’ve developed ways of coping with our different travel styles. I remember one time when the boys were younger walking to the gate with them (Wise Hubby wanted to spend more time in the lounge area) and fielding all sorts of questions about “What if Daddy doesn’t make it to the flight?” The passengers walking alongside were in hysterics.

More recently we’ve lapsed into the habit of travelling as a group through airports, but after the last trip Wise Hubby and I agreed that we’ll again try the divide and conquer approach in the airport on the next trip. But the boys are old enough now to want to decide which parent to travel with. Will they be Just in Time or Just in Case, I wonder?

How about other Wise Women? Are you Just in Time or Just in Case? How do you manage when there’s a difference?