Photo: Denver International Airport at approximately 9:30AM.

I have no misgivings about my own borderline alcoholic tendencies. However, this doesn't come close to the scene I witnessed this morning at Denver International Airport: a bar full of patrons at 9:30AM. In stark contrast, the neighboring Caribou Coffee shop was almost empty.

Airport bars universally enjoy the status of socially acceptable 24-hour drinking. Only casinos and strip clubs come close. So why do people feel like they can stroll right up to an airport bar and order a dirty martini at 7AM? A few random thoughts as I watch it happen real-time:

1) It's five o'clock in your home timezone.
2) The line at Starbucks was too long.
3) Sitting with the rest of the people is too reminiscent of cattle herding.
4) If a 65 year-old lady with a yellow sweater can pony up at the bar, so can you.
5) Flying makes you nauseous, beer makes you feel good. 
6) Because you can't afford The Crown Room.
7) After sitting next to that fat lady with the screaming baby you really need a drink.
8) Pure boredom.
9) It's the only place to watch ESPN Sports Center.
10) Because your wife doesn't know.