If you’re a frequent flyer, you know how it feels to arrive at your destination only to realize that your layover is longer than anticipated. Sometimes this happens because of delayed flights; other times, it’s just an unfortunate quirk of air travel. In this post, we’ll go over some ways to pass the time during long layovers so that you can avoid boredom and maximize productivity while waiting for your next flight!
Play Video and Casual Games
One of the best ways to pass the time while you’re waiting is to play games. You can do this by yourself or with friends, and there are lots of games available in airport lounges, on your phone, or even just by looking around at other people’s devices.
If you want something fun and easy that doesn’t require much skill or thought, try “Uno,” “Yukon Gold Casino,” or ‘”Candy Crush Saga.” If you want something more challenging (and possibly competitive), try “Words with Friends” or “Scrabble Blitz.”
Chill at the Airport Lounge
You may not have time to go sightseeing during your layover, but there are plenty of ways to make the most of it. You could visit an airport lounge and enjoy some time relaxing or working in a quiet area with free Wi-Fi.
Airport lounges are also great if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of traveling through the airport—and they’re not just for first-class passengers anymore. Most major airlines now offer access to their own VIP lounges for economy-class travelers too (although some charge fees).
Grab a Shower at The Airport
If you’re not staying overnight in your layover city, or if you simply don’t have time to check into a hotel before catching your next flight, there’s still hope. You can ask for a shower at the airport. Most major airports have showers available for purchase that are open 24 hours a day.
If the airport doesn’t have showers on site (or if you prefer to avoid them altogether), look for nearby hotels with day spas and gym facilities where you can clean up before heading back out into the world again.
Check out the Duty-Free Shop
Duty-free shopping is a great way to pass the time, especially if you’re traveling with children. You can pick up some treats for them and maybe even yourself, which will make your flight more enjoyable. There are also some great deals on luxury items like perfume or jewelry that can make excellent souvenirs for friends or family back home.
If you had planned on buying snacks and drinks at the airport before checking in for your flight, then duty-free shopping might be a good option for stocking up now so that it’s waiting in your carry-on bag when it comes time to board (or if there’s not enough room).
Pass the Time At The Airport Lounge
This is the easiest way to pass the time at an airport, especially if you have a few hours to kill. A lounge will have food, drinks, and comfortable seating areas. Some lounges even have showers!
You can get into most lounges with a boarding pass from your airline or a credit card that gives you access to lounges. If you’re flying business class on one of their partner airlines (like domestic flights), then that will also grant entry into their lounges; however, this isn’t always true for international flights, where only first-class passengers receive lounge privileges.
Work Remotely For An Hour Or Two (or More)
If you’re on a business trip, consider working remotely for an hour or two. You could use this time to take care of some quick tasks that are easy to knock out with no supervision. The airport lounge is probably the best place in the airport for this kind of work, as it’s quiet and generally has power outlets available.
If there aren’t any open spaces left in the lounge, bring along your laptop and charger so that you can find another quiet spot where there is access to WiFi and plug into an outlet (there will likely be one close by).
If possible, try using a VPN service such as TunnelBear or Windscribe when using publicly available WiFi networks. This will help protect your privacy, your data, and the device you’re working on.
Take Advantage Of Your New Surroundings By Exploring Downtown
If you’re in an unfamiliar city, take advantage of your long layover to explore the local area. If you don’t have much time, try going on a walking tour or renting a bike from one of the many companies that offer rentals in most major cities. If there’s something specific that interests you, like art or history, visit a museum or gallery nearby (or go on an organized walking tour). You can also visit landmarks like museums and parks, eat at restaurants, shop at markets, check out bars and cafes, or see live music performances while there.
Get Your Body Moving
If you’ve been sitting for a long time on a flight, getting up and moving around can be exactly what you need to regain your equilibrium. Many fortuitous encounters might occur just by strolling through an airport. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the city as you walk, listen to music or a podcast, or go window shopping.
Plan the Rest of Your Route
People who travel better with a plan or even a rough schedule can use their stopover to figure out the rest of their trip. Do some digging to find out which places are must-sees and how to get there.
Conclusion
If you’re worried about spending time at the airport, don’t be! There are plenty of ways to make your long layover more comfortable and enjoyable. Whether that means booking an overnight room or catching up with friends, there’s no shortage of things to do when you have a long layover.
