The comfort on board planes has significantly improved compared to a couple of decades ago, especially during long-haul flights. Today, you can watch video content on streaming services on your phone or other device. Most airlines even offer access to wifi these days, That means you can play free no deposit bingo, read the latest news, or even respond to business emails to save some time.
While the actual flight might be more enjoyable than in the past, a problem occurs when you have a long layover. Nobody likes to wait for hours until their next plane arrives and they take off to their final destination. However, sometimes it is the only option for the intrepid traveler. Here is what you can do to pass the time quickly and ensure you don’t miss the next flight!
Do You Have Enough Time to Explore the City?
Here is the first thing to ask yourself – how many hours will the layover last? You might have ten hours between the flights, but you need to be at the airport for an hour or two before the next flight. That is something to consider when calculating if you have enough time to leave the airport.
If you have several hours to spare, there is no reason why you shouldn’t explore the city. It might be a unique opportunity because who knows when you will find yourself in that location again.
The experts advise designing your city exploration plan in advance. You probably won’t have time for everything, so focus on sight or two that you want to see the most, with perhaps a meal away from the typical airport fare. Additionally, make sure that you return to the airport by the specified time. Make sure to leave some wiggle room in case something goes wrong, such as your taxi getting in a traffic jam while taking you back to the airport. It’s better to be at the lounge an hour or two earlier than to risk missing your flight. Remember – this is only a layover. It isn’t worth missing your ride to your final destination!
Your Gadgets Are Your Best Friend
It’s vital that your mobile phone is fully charged and capable of enduring active use while you are waiting for the next flight. Your cellphone will allow you to check-in with your friends and loved ones and talk to them. You will also need it for other activities we suggest later in the article. Anyone living in the modern age understands the essential nature of a cellphone while traveling. If you are traveling to a foreign country, you might want to consider being prepared with a SIM card for your destination(s). Otherwise, you might be swarmed with hidden fees.
Apart from a mobile phone, you might be carrying a laptop, tablet, or another device. All these can be useful to pass the time, so make sure you have sufficient battery. The alternative is to find a place to charge at the airport, which can be a restaurant or coffee shop. Additionally, you can be prepared by bringing your own portable charger. These are an essential gadget for any traveler – some suitcases even come with them built in these days!
Here is what you can do with these devices:
- Respond to business emails and finish work-related tasks – you have time to spare, so why wouldn’t you use it intelligently and complete those work-related things you’d like to avoid while on vacation? Whether it’s responding to emails or writing a draft of a meeting, all it takes is finding a quiet place where you can focus.
- Play games – mobile phones and tablets feature games that can keep you interested for hours. If there is a game you love playing at the moment, you will have several hours to enjoy it, which is a true blessing.
- Watch TV shows and movies – the odds are the airport has high-speed internet, so how about watching a few episodes of your favourite show?
- Listen to music – you will need headphones because you don’t want to disturb the passengers, but listening to your favourite tunes is another option. Furthermore, you can also listen to podcasts and other content.
Make a Game Out of People Watching
Some people find it a bit strange, but others believe this is a creative way of passing the time. The idea is to position yourself in a place where people often pass by, and the airport is the perfect location for that. Your task is to watch a person and see what you can guess about them. Some find coming up with elaborate backstories for different travelers quite amusing.
Perhaps you can guess where they came from and then see what their luggage says. Make sure that you do the entire watching discreetly because it should never be one’s intent to make another traveler uncomfortable.
Freshen Up for Your Next Flight
Most airports have large toilets where you can invest some time to freshen yourself up to feel better. You probably have carry-on luggage that includes your skincare and other cosmetic products. Even a couple of wet wipes, a mouthwash and a swipe of deodorant might do the trick.
If you want to take things to the next level, discover if the airport offers showers or spa services. Many airports where layovers are common include these facilities as they want the layover passengers to feel comfortable. You can get your batteries charged and energized by having a hot shower or getting yourself a massage to relax after a tiresome flight. Why approach the next step of your journey feeling overly foggy, when you can approach it pampered and prepared?
Are You Feeling Hungry?
The next thing to consider is whether you could use a nice meal. Most airports offer multiple restaurants and fast food facilities, but the time of day (or night) will effect which of them are open. If it’s the middle of the night, the odds are that only a late-night snack bar will be available, which is better than nothing. Treat yourself to a coffee, and healthy snacks such as a granola bar or fruit to keep you feeling energized.
However, if you find yourself at the airport in the afternoon, you can probably pick between multiple options. Since you are not in a rush, take some time to think and go with the restaurant that seems most tempting. It may even be an excellent opportunity try the local cuisine.
Read a Book
Did you start reading a book on your first flight and didn’t have time to finish it? If you can’t wait to see what happens next, how about reading it now? If it is an interesting read, it will help keep you wide awake and engaged in your surroundings. That’s the entire point – finding an activity you find attractive ensures you don’t fall asleep.
Books are a convenient way of passing the time but don’t forget to pick them carefully. If you need to start a new book and you find it boring, you might become sleepy. That’s why choosing the right title is imperative, so go with those books you know you will like. Many airports offer bookstores where you can browse numerous titles if you are in the market for something new.
Conclusion
It’s not pleasant when you have to wait for hours for the next flight. However, we staying awake can be easier if you engage in entertaining activities. Apart from ensuring that you don’t fall asleep, time will pass more quickly until you finally hear that boarding call to your final destination.
You want to plan your layover before heading on a trip. Make sure all devices like smartphones and laptops are charged and don’t hesitate to bring books and headphones to listen to music. It’s all about designing a layover plan that suits your preferences, as that one increases the odds of staying awake for as long as necessary.
