Today we have a very unique guest in our weekly interview column – someone who actually spends all of their time in the airport, but doesn’t actually go anywhere. I’m talking about Jetside Johnny, a Vancouver airport regular and the man you’ll usually find behind the bar at the Fairmont Vancouver airport. I’ve always figured airport bartenders have some great stories to tell, and Johnny did not disappoint. Here’s a bit more about his story.
Could you introduce yourself and explain how you got your nickname, Jetside Johnny?
I am a 44 year old Toronto area transplant completing the 18th year of my 3 week Vancouver holiday. I have been bartending at the Fairmont since september of 1999, two weeks before we opened. Yes I’ve seen it all. I was in computer hardware sales with IBM and others for the 10 years previous. Jetside Johnny came from our original food and beverage director who found my mildly sarcastic and endless pursuit of the comedic in daily life, left me as sort of a character. I still maintain this approach at work and it definitely keeps myself and many co-workers a little more sane.
It must be interesting to be the person who is stationary when everyone else is moving. What’s that perspective like? Do you see similar faces and stories day-to-day or is it always-changing?
As far as being the stationary one, it is mostly to my advantage. I feel for the families of business travellers who are gone so much of the time. I don’t know how much money would make it worth it to not see my 3 and 5 year olds growing up. Some of these guys are here 5 nights a week for months at a time. Same food, same scene they seem to really appreciate my company. I have a number that I keep in touch with, one of the most rewarding parts of my job. The regulars are in the hundreds including business and vacation travellers. It is a treat every day waiting to see who’s turn it is to randomly pull up to the bar. I deal with a lot of people each day so it takes a moment after the initial familiar look to recall their story. Business travellers (usually men) typically like talking sports and I am an encyclopedia. I keep up with current events so this fuels the other conversations. The repeat vacation travellers are awesome. Typically in a great mood, we go over their last holiday and I bleed them for as many travel tips as possible. I have couples that travel once a year to say the Formula 1 in Montreal (last year excluded) and they have been coming in for 10 years. It’s like they were here last week we hit it off so well. Overall I travel enough that I am not envious, it’s just part of the scene.
What’s the best drink to order in an airport bar? And do you have a Jetside Johnny special concoction that you’d like to share?
Best drink in an airport bar is likely a stiff one. Travel is largely uncomfortable save for the first class set. Our lounge is an oasis for so many people with its quality food and the cosy room. I have concocted dozens of drinks over the years that have been popular but I will recommend a current one I devised for the opening of the rapid transit from the airport to downtown last August. It is called the CANADA LINE COZMO and consists of 1.5oz Bueberry Stoli, .5oz Grand Marnier, .5oz each of lime juice, pomegranite juice and simple syrup, poured over 5 mulled frozen blueberries and shaken violently with lots of ice before being poured into a chilled martini glass. Very tasty and popular right now with it’s carbon neutral/ sustainable footprint, antioxidant properties!
Andy – yum! I’ll have another, please.
You likely have some pretty incredible stories to tell. First, what’s the most inspiring?
Most inspiring story is probably this eighty-six year old farmer from northern B.C. who travels for 6 weeks at about the same time each year. He has brought his grandson with him every year but this one and he travels to several new countries each trip. His planning is very thorough and he goes about it like a twenty-five year old. They always sit in the same seats at the bar and order the same thing and I get the full low down on the tour. This guy defines lust for life and I just dream of winding down life like that versus a retirement home.
Andy – that is so awesome. I love the little rituals built into their trips – a little comfort zone before jetting off somewhere new.
Last but not least, Johnny: what’s your top tip for surviving bad airport layovers?
Surviving bad layovers varies with the quality of the airport. If you’re in Sudan, good luck. In Vancouver, pay for a massage or if not in the budget at least spring for a shower. Get rid of the travel grime and life get’s a lot better. Next check out the exercise potential. Can you hike a trail near the airport (yes at YVR)?Is there a gym you can pay for day use? For sure you should safely store your luggage with the hotel. This gives you freedom to roam a bit with out the headaches. Next have a decent meal because you know the airline isn’t about to provide one. A glass of wine or a few pints, a good magazine and your eight hour delay will only seem like seven and a half. Cheers!
Cheers, Johnny! Thanks for those fantastic insights. Any for anyone who finds themselves at the Vancouver airport in the near future, be sure to say hello to Johnny and the team at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport.
Photos by Fairmont Hotels, hurtingbombz, BriYYZ
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
The Fairmont Vancouver Airport hotel is one of my favorite airports. It’s easy to dismiss an airport hotel as boring, but this one is anything but. The rooms are lovely, the service outstanding, and I like getting a room with a view overlooking the tarmac. (You don’t hear the noise.)
Speaking as an employee from The Fairmont Vancouver Airport, it is a great hotel and Johnny is one brilliant bartender!
MJ, Blair – I definitely agree, the Fairmont at VYR is pretty awesome, to say the least. I haven’t spent the night there but certainly would in future. And as for Johnny, I love anyone who can tell a good story, and he’s got some good ones. Fascinating.
Great article! Incredible stories and I’m sure Johnny has many more… can’t wait to fly to VYR some day soon hopefully! There truly is nothing better than a good bartender to make your airport experience enjoyable. Cheers… To good bartenders!