I was given a standby ticket by the airlines and told to come to the airport the next morning and see if any flights were leaving. Problem was, there were not alot of nearby hotels or any other places to go ( believe it or not!!! The airport is several miles from any actual amenities!) . Adding to the dillemma, the airlines refused to pay for any more lodging or food or transporation, claiming "an act of god." All in all, even faced with a fun night of discomfort, I felt it smarter to just suck it up and spend the night on the floor, with 1500 or so of my closest pals. My tickets were first come, first serve, and I didn't want to lose a good, early shot at leaving. I staked out a carpeted area near the esclators for maximum comfort and quiet. A few people tried to snatch it from me, or crowd me out of the space. It made me realize how homeless people must feel every day: that your belongings and your safe spot might be stolen out from under you, which makes for alot of stress and feeling very territorial. I learned alot about empathy that day.