What Is An 'Airport Divorce'? This Bizarre Trend May Be Perfect For Some Couples

Airports can sometimes be romanticized. Think tearful reunions between loved ones or scenes from iconic movies like "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Casablanca." However, with the multitude of things that can become stressful pain points — from long security lines to delayed flights — air travel becomes less romantic. Add this to the anxiety which some travelers experience when flying and even the happiest of couples might not be able to gaze lovingly at each other at an airport.

To prevent the possibility of taking out frustrations on their significant others, couples are trying out the "airport divorce" trend, wherein they arrive at the airport and go through security together, but then go their separate ways right up until it is time to get buckled into their seats. The idea struck journalist Huw Oliver when he was traveling with his fiancée, and he shared the benefits of the experience in the Sunday Times.

Airports can really bring out the worst in people, and how to cope with such an environment differs from person to person. What also differs is how people choose to spend the time waiting before a flight. Huw Oliver explained that these differences led to his airport divorce idea. Oliver likes to stay close to the departures board and wait for the flight gate to appear, but his fiancée prefers to do some duty-free shopping to pass the time. Splitting up until takeoff is their solution.

It may sound strange to think that couples could have a more relaxing time at the airport without their significant other. However, in an article published by The Conversation, psychology lecturer Steve Taylor explained that, "Stress and anxiety produce irritability...People who are generally anxious are more prone to anger." Therefore, an airport divorce might help the heart stay fond when traveling together.

Traveling together is a good way to test relationship strength, but perhaps couples can best navigate their first vacation together without being joined at the hip 24/7. Aside from preventing arguments brought on by stress and anxiety, clinical psychologist Anne M. Appel told Afar that couples spending their time in airports separately gives both a sense of control "in an environment designed to take it away." Appel's main caveat is that anxious flyers might desire the feeling of safety provided by a loved one traveling with them. But if flight nerves are not an issue, airport divorce is worth a try.