The anticipation created by flying is, in my opinion, unmatched by any other form of travel. There is the exhilarating take-off roll (enjoyed for quite a while in 110 degree Phoenix), the powerful ascent, flying through the sky at 550 mph, the sudden drop of power as we start the decent, the feeling of wheels touching down and the eager glances as we search the crowd outside security for a familiar face. It is these familiar faces with whom we share our experiences, with whom we develop stories that are told years down the road. While traveling could be an end in itself, it is more often simply the method by which we reunite with those we love. And this is where I find myself tonight: on my way to a Midwest reunion with 7 of my friends, mostly from college, that I would just as quickly call brothers.

It was just 4 days ago that I was flying with my best friend on a whirlwind trip across the US. Now I sit, finally on my "home" airline, recalling how fortunate I am to see many of the most important people in my life within a week's time...all through travel. Because many of the flights John and I make seem to serve no other purpose than to earn miles, it would be pointless if there was no outlet in which to use those miles. But it's the flights like tonight that make every mile worth it to reconnect.

Whether the purpose of flying is to build a closer friendship with the friend flying with you or whether it's to quickly race across the country to meet upon arrival, air travel has indeed changed the way we interact with those close to us. Families come together, friends meet again, and walls of time seem to melt away. That is the beauty of air travel.