Patience and creativity are travel virtues. No place is this more true than in airport life with its unexpected layovers and flight delays. Seasoned travelers know the best way to deal with layovers is ‘go with the flow’. Stressing out isn’t the answer – it will only make the wait seem endless.
Here are tips on how to beat layover blues:
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Ask about airport entertainment options.
Inquire about entertainment options at your airline or airport information desk. From airport to airport, they may vary from Internet cafes to cinemas. Maybe the airport offers a sleep pod rental service for long private naps. Or you can always buy magazines or a paperback novel at the airport bookshop.
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Go sightseeing
For longer layovers, take in the nearest city or community. Maybe head out on a 1-hour city bus tour, visit a museum or browse downtown shops. Find out the exact commuting times and schedules for airport trains, buses and taxis so you can budget your time wisely.
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Explore the airport hotel
Traveling into the city might be too tiring for weary travelers. Why not walk over to the airport hotel instead? Like the airport, the airport hotel can be its own lively community of travelers. Dine out at their fine dining restaurant or grab an espresso at the lounge café. Maybe the hotel spa can take you for a relaxing 30-minute massage.
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Send postcards
If your trip is short and sweet, there isn’t always time to write postcards. Take time at the airport to send a few airport postcards to loved ones to let them know you care.
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Learn a new language
Well, no you can’t learn an entire foreign language at the airport. You can begin learning a few valuable words and phrases though like ‘Where is the bathroom?” or “How much does this cost?” If you haven’t had time to buy that language or phrase book, check out the airport bookshop.
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Make friends
If you’re stuck in a crowded airport lounge, make conversation. You never know who you will meet. Fellow travelers might share insider tips on that perfect private beach. Or you can make a love connection or business contact. Whatever the case, time is likely to pass more quickly and pleasantly.
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People watch
The airport is its own constantly changing community. All types of people travel for every reason imaginable. Practice the simple art of people watching. Sit back and feel the invigorating energy of people coming and going.
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Be touched by the reunion of families at Arrivals
Observe the relaxed, experienced travelers and learn from their luggage, clothing, gadgets and habits. Learn the rhythm and workings of the airport – security, baggage handlers, airline check-ins etc. Make a game out of imagining who the travelers are, where they’re going and what they’ll do when they get there.
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Study Arrivals and Departures screens
Looking at destinations and points-of-origin can be fascinating. You could be inspired to travel more or even discover future holiday ideas. Maybe you’ll see that your favorite airline now flies to a much-loved destination.
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Research your next trip
Instead of getting impatient, focus on being creative, present and engaged in your life. The airport can be a valuable travel information source yet we often rush through them. Go to your airline information desk and inquire about current overall schedules, fees, discounts and special offers. If you’re so inclined, seize the day. Proceed to airline ticket sales and book a future flight.
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Further plan your current itinerary
Dream more about your current destination. Further map out your itinerary by visiting airport Internet cafes and browsing related travel websites. Or maybe take a reading break with your guidebook, uncovering new important facts and details.
Photo of Dallas airport terminal originally posted by digiyesica
Topic: How to Tuesday |
6 Comments
Tags: airports, transportation
About the author
Sonya is a freelance writer and blogger who writes about travel and green living. She has traveled, lived and written all over Europe, North America and South America.
6 responses to “How to survive a long layover”
Report an inappropriate commentFebruary 27th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
I specially like the people watching. So much that I’ve started to make videos of people watching in different parts of the world: http://hombrelobo.com/mapas/people-watching-viendo-gente-pasar/
February 28th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
That sounds really interesting. People can be fascinating, can’t they?
February 29th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Watching and overhearing too!
I’m a very curious person, and when visiting a foreign country, I’m always interested in finding out how people live and think about certain issues. When I traveled to NY, my return flight had a 8-hour delay and I had to spend the whole night on a very uncomfortable bench in New York JFK airport, 
That wasn’t the best part of my trip, but I enjoyed listening people talking about things like 9/11 and their every day life in NY.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:58 am
Are you people kidding? People watch? Study arrival/departure screens? Make FRIENDS? This is the dumbest article I’ve ever read! Bring a book, get a portable DVD player, Gameboy, a life. People watch. Give me a break. Like that’s not the creepiest thing I’ve ever heard. “Be touched by the reunions of families at arrivals” – good plan, skulk around and grin at people. See how long you can stare at someone before they call security.
February 4th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
There’s a difference between people watcher and people-stalker. People watching is actually a lot of fun, and can be quite amusing. However, I usually just settle for my dvd player, the internet, or games on my iPhone, like Swordfish, Jetset and Can you see me now.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:46 am
I think it’s great how the guy who mentioned all the anti-social methods of entertainment calls this article stupid and suggests to get a life. Yes, go play with a computer ; that’s better than enjoying your surroundings for sure.
” This is the dumbest article I’ve ever read! Bring a book, get a portable DVD player, Gameboy, a life. People watch. Give me a break. Like that’s not the creepiest thing I’ve ever heard.”
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