By Thomas Kaplan

DENVER, 11:15 a.m. — My plane ride may have just been like any other, but here in Denver, it is another story.

I entered the baggage claim area a few minutes ago and heard a ruckus from the corridor behind me. Passengers from another plane were ambling toward the baggage carousel. They were shouting.

As they turned the corner, the sounds became clear. ”Fired up!” an older woman bellowed. “Ready to go!” a person next to her responded. Over, and over, and over again.

It begins.