As much as we all love direct flights, flight connections or cancellations are sometimes inevitable. So what to do if you have several hours? What to do at the airport while waiting for a flight?
ContentCheck Wi-Fi availability in advanceWhat to do at the airport while waiting for a flight: treat yourself to the available services Find an outlet immediately What to do at the airport while waiting for a flight: try getting into the lounge area Get out of the airport for a while What to do at the airport while waiting for a flight: use Other Quiet Places to Stay
Luckily, there are a few ways to make the most of your downtime before you reach your final destination. WomanEL will share her tricks with you.
Check Wi-Fi availability in advance
We are tied to our devices. Therefore, having a reliable Internet connection is especially important. That's why it's so helpful to see if you can connect when you're at the airport. “Find out in advance if the airport has free Wi-Fi,” says Becca Siegel, co-owner of the blog Half Half Travel. “Although this seems somewhat obvious, the truth is that some airports in some parts of the world have Wi-Fi that can only be accessed using a national phone number.”
“If you know that Wi-Fi may not be available, so bring something to pass the time, such as pre-loaded movies, audiobooks, playlists, or physical books and magazines, suggests Siegel.
Things to do at the airport while waiting for your flight: Treat yourself to available services
You can expect to get bored during a long stay at the airport. But in fact, this is a great reason to treat yourself to self-care.
“If you have a long layover at a major airport, make the most of your time,” says Cheryl Nelson, travel preparation expert and founder/owner of Prep With Cher.
“You need a new manicure.” or pedicure? I recently got a pedicure in the airport terminal. I didn't have time to do it before leaving for the trip, so I was grateful for this opportunity.”
Nelson adds that it can also be a good idea to calm down your muscles after a long first leg of the journey. “Take advantage of the services of massage therapists in the terminal! Although the prices may be higher than what you pay at home, after an uncomfortable flight, it's worth it,” she says.
Find immediately socket
Having your devices on hand becomes even more important when you're flying. After all, they are not only a source of entertainment and information, but they are often your boarding pass. If you have another leg of your journey ahead, it's important to find a place to connect.
“Whether you're preparing a report for work or playing games on your phone, you'll need an outlet or charging station,” says Becky Hart, content marketing strategist at Seven Corners Travel Insurance. “As a rule, there are not enough of them at airports. Find a retail outlet and fully charge your devices.”
Things to do at the airport while waiting for your flight: Try the lounge
The airport terminal can be a hectic place. That's why experts say the first place you should go is to the lounge.
“Not only do they provide food, but they also offer a wide selection of free drinks,” says Nelson. “Some rooms even have showers and more comfortable places to relax or sleep.” You can find out which lounges offer day access in advance by visiting the airport website.
Exit the airport for a while
Stuck in a very long layover ? Experts say you can take the opportunity to discover a new route before your next flight by getting away from the airport for a while.
“Even if this place isn't on your bucket list, you might be surprised by what it has to offer,” says Mercedes Zak, travel expert at ASAP Tickets. “You can leave your luggage at the airport or in a storage room at the nearest train station and travel to the city using the fastest public transport.” She adds that some larger airports sometimes even offer an organized group city tour that departs directly from the airport itself. Just be sure to be back at the airport in time for your next flight.
What to do at the airport while waiting for a flight: Use other quiet places to relax
There are many options for getting out of a crowded terminal, which do not require any payment to enter or use. “Even if you don't have lounge access, you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the airport by finding quiet spaces,” says Erica Forest, founder and CEO of Trip Scholars. “Many international airports offer meditation rooms, yoga rooms, sensory rooms and chapels that are open to both religious and non-religious travelers.”
Taking a trip with the whole family? Be sure to read this guide to the best places for adults and children.