While checking the flight information display at Auckland Airport, something struck me as rather odd.

There are only two flight statuses: “Relax” and “Departed.”

That’s it.

No “Boarding.” No “Proceed to Gate.” No “Final Call.” I stood there for a while just to make sure it wasn’t a coincidence. Nope. Those really are the only two statuses.

It is such a wonderfully Kiwi approach to air travel. The airport seems to be constantly reassuring you, “Relax… we got this… no need to rush…”

And then, one fine moment, it calmly informs you that your flight has already left.

It’s basically:

“Don’t panic.” … “Don’t panic.” … “Don’t panic.”

“…Okay. Now panic.”