One of the worst things about traveling is having to deal with the stress that comes with airports. After paying an arm and a leg to check a bag, being frisked by TSA, and searching in futility to find an available outlet to charge your cell phone, you just want to be able to relax until it’s time to board. Here our favorite ways to pass the time while waiting for your flight or layover.
- Take A Tour: Stretch your legs a little bit and walk around the airport. You might discover a cool restaurant or get some entertaining people watching. Download Gate Guru (free, Android & iPhone) to see a map of your airport and be able to find the closest Starbucks with ease.
- Listen To A Bestseller: Sites like Audible make it easy for you to listen to that book you’ve “been meaning to read” at affordable prices. There are also many coupon codes online you can use to get credits for a free audiobook when you sign up for a trial.
- Appreciate Some Art: Certain major airports, like San Francisco and Philadelphia, have libraries, museums, or art galleries on display so you can take in some culture while you’re waiting to board.
- Finish Your Presentation: Business lounges are the next big thing in airports, offering a quiet, comfortable workspace at a nominal fee for travelers who want to knock some things off of their to-do list while waiting for their next flight. Check out the Regus Express business lounges at Atlanta-Hartsfield, Chicago O’Hare, and more!
- Take Advantage Of Free Wi-Fi: Need to get some work done, but not interested in paying extra to use a business lounge? Just connect to the free (or low-fee) Wi-Fi that many airports are offering now.
- Work Up A Sweat: Be sure to pack a pair of sneakers in your carry on, because airport hotels are now offering day passes to their gyms for passengers to use. If your next flight is international, your body will thank you for getting your blood flowing before sitting for 10 hours.
- Unwind At The Spa: Nothing eases away the tension of 3 hours in a middle seat like a good massage. Airport spas are sprouting up at many major concourses, offering everything from Swedish massages, to foot rubs, to manicures that’ll have you arriving at your destination fresh and relaxed.
How do you choose to spend your time during a layover?
