Solutions Economic and Market Watch

Hello, and welcome to the Economic & Market Watch podcast for the week of September 15, 2025.

This is John Suter of CFC, and today we're talking about something that hits close to home, even if you don't travel much getting stuck in an airport. In rural America, you work hard, you plan carefully, and you don't always hop on a plane to get where you're going. But today's story isn't just about travel, it's about choices. And economics at its heart is all about making choices when resources are limited and time is tight.

Let me take you back to a recent trip I had flying from Little Rock, Arkansas to Dulles, Virginia. Sounds simple, right? Well, not quite. Weather delays, diverted flights and a shortage of pilots turned a routine trip into a night spent sleeping on a bench in the airport.

Now, you might be thinking, John, I don't fly much. What's this got to do with me? Whether you're stuck in an airport or dealing with a power outage in your community, the principles are the same. You've got to make decisions — quick ones — and often with limited options.

Let's break it down with a few lessons I learned the hard way that apply far beyond travel.

Number one, don't assume smooth sailing.

Just because something's worked before doesn't mean it'll work again. That flight with a perfect on time record? It can still get canceled. Same goes for a transformer that's never failed or a vendor who's always delivered. Always have a backup plan and allow yourself plenty of time. As my father used to say to me (which I hated, by the way) haste makes waste.

Number two, pack smart.

In travel, that means proper identification, warm clothes, snacks, and a container to carry water. Airport restaurants don't stay open all night, and wait staff want to get home after a long shift. Let's face it, they have heard it all before.

Don't forget to put your essentials in your carry on. Keep the essentials close. A spare pair of undergarments or a toothbrush and a toothpaste is nice to have when stranded for a night, but important medication is a must in your carry on. Sometimes it is not even possible to retrieve your baggage if your flight is canceled. Airline policy is very strict when it comes to checked baggage.

Being prepared makes all the difference when things go sideways. Nobody is perfect, but having an organized approach to unexpected events might make all the difference in keeping you calm and attentive.

Number three, act fast.

When my flight got canceled, I didn't wait in line, I got online. It really didn't help because the second plane I was rebooked on was ultimately delayed and then canceled — spending a night in the airport was the result. I definitely had a plan of action that would have worked. But, as it turns out, lady luck was not on my side that evening. Time is a resource, and it's one that you can't afford to waste.

Number four, find your spot.

In an airport, that means a bench near the restroom and away from noisy escalators. They run all night. I like to stay near my departure gate if I can. That way, I can relax right up until my flight leaves because I'm generally one of the last groups to board.

Number five, stay calm, stay kind.

I've seen gate agents get yelled at many times for things that they can't control. Maybe it is the same for you when the electricity goes off during a bad storm and your customers start to lose patience when the power outage will be corrected.

My power used to go off all the time when I lived in a condo in Reston, Virginia. So much so, I simply would go grocery shopping to make use of the time versus sitting at home stewing about it. In an airport, instead of getting antsy, usually I walk around to get my exercise and I also spend a lot of time on my phone doing research of all kinds. That really makes me tired, especially when I'm going to be sleeping on a hard bench at night at the airport. The more I can do to wear myself out, the better it is. You won't be alone. I guarantee it.

Patience and kindness go a long way, and sometimes they even get you a better outcome. The best help I got wasn't from an airline app, It was from the gate agent, who communicated clearly and gave me options. That's what we all want, right? Whether it's a flight delay or a service disruption, good communication is golden.

So, next time you're faced with a tough choice, whether it's in the air or on the ground, remember, economics isn't just about money. Time is a critical resource as well. It's about making smart decisions when things don't go as planned. None of us are perfect, but that extra time preparing before a trip might make all the difference when problems arise and save you money when it's all said and done.

That is it for today. As always, we thank you for listening, and be sure to download the Economic and Market Watch dashboard and intelligence brief. We'll talk to you soon.