No one wants to suffer from delayed flights or long layovers, but sadly, it can be inevitable. Unfortunately, not everyone can get into an expensive airport lounge exclusive for business class, so it leaves you wondering what you can do to kill time until boarding begins.
Whether you love to stay in one place or move around, here are some fun ideas you can try!
1. Go on a food crawl
Airports are known to be fast food central, but you’ll be surprised to know that there are more local and hip restaurants coming in. This is your chance to explore the delicious food and local cuisine of the country you’re in!
Have a small food crawl and sample some snacks, even bringing some home for your loved ones to try. There may be bars or pubs open, so you can enjoy a drink or two to pass the time. Just make sure that you don’t eat or drink too much before boarding to avoid the effects of alcohol or airsickness.
2. Explore the airport
Some airports come with so many amazing facilities! There are veritable museums that have various exhibits across different terminals; some have adult playgrounds, rest areas, free lounges, and a LOT of shops. Some airports have foosball tables or show free movies, so try to research ahead about the airport you’ll stay in and what they offer.
If you’re allowed to transfer terminals, you may want to try that and explore the entire airport and bask in its beauty. It’s a great way to explore a bit, and so you can make new memories right before heading home. Plus, you can hit up some shops to go window shopping or purchase last-minute souvenirs you’d like to keep for yourself or your family.
For those with extremely long layovers or delayed flights, try asking if you are able to go out of the airport. This gives you a chance to explore the city one more time before going home. Some airports, like in Korea, offer free tours for those with long layovers, with some tours being 3-6 hours long.
Just make sure that when you are traveling to different terminals or outside the airport, you have ample time to go back to your gate. You wouldn’t want to miss your flight!
3. Play games
If you know you’ll spend a long time in the airport, then pack cards or video games to keep yourself entertained for the next few hours. You can also download virtual entertainment like movies and television shows, which can have time pass very quickly.
For those in Sweden who love to gamble, you can also take advantage of their Svenska online casino. This is a favorite that many adults do; just make sure that you follow Swedish laws and regulations and that you are on a licensed platform. You’ll be surprised that boarding time has begun after a few hours of playing!
You can take advantage of the airport’s free Wi-Fi and outlets, so you can use your devices for entertainment. Play games, watch movies, or even catch up on work and chat with your loved ones.
4. Exercise
Yes, it IS possible to exercise in the airport! Some airports are equipped with gyms and showers to utilize (if you have the appropriate outfit). Or, you can exercise by doing brisk walks around the airport. Avoid running, as you might be questioned by suspicious security!
Another form of exercise is yoga or meditation, which you can do in one place. While some people may stare, don’t mind them.
5. Sleep or check your luggage
Don’t be shy! You must be exhausted from all the traveling, and you deserve the rest. Plus, you aren’t alone, with so many other fellow travelers stretching their legs and catching some zzzs.
Just make sure that you don’t take up all the seats and that your valuables are secure. You can use your carry-on as a pillow or place it in a locker in the meantime.
Or, if you just want to sit down, you may want to recheck your carry-on to ensure that everything you have is there. You might also want to sort out travel photos so you’re ready to show off to family and friends back home!
The author, Amy Martinsson, offers a ton of insight about traveling! You can learn more about her here.
Wrapping It Up
Next time you go traveling and have a long layover, try following any of these ideas, and you won’t get bored again!
