Flying is often the most convenient way to get from Point A to Point B, but there might be a few hiccups and detours along the way. Delayed flights are more common than ever, making it smart to schedule a longer layover if your flight has connections.
The extra time soothes anxiety when your current flight isn’t running on time. But if you’re lucky enough to have everything run smoothly, that extra time spent on a layover can feel wasted. There’s nothing you can do about it, so why not make the best of it?
Depending on how long the layover is and how well you’ve planned your “free time,” you could be productive and use the opportunity to work or simply give yourself this chance to relax between rushing around.
Here are four of our favorite ways to pass time during a layover.
1. Rest (Strategically)
We get it. There’s no way to get comfortable on airport seats, and spreading out on the floor is just, well, gross.
Luckily, you can use the airline lounges to pretend you’re far away from the hustle and bustle of the airport and relax.
If you’re traveling business class, you may be able to use the lounge for free. Two of the most well-known lounges are American’s Admiral’s Club and Delta’s Sky Lounge. Your airline may have a version of these lounges, too.
Even if you have to pay for the privilege, it’s worth it for the free snacks, better meal choices, and drinks (including alcohol). Then, of course, there’s the comfy chairs and peaceful environment. It’s the ideal place to catch up on your sleep, take a hot shower, or read a book.
2. Plan for Your Trip
Most of us spend more time planning lodging and transportation than the actual trip itinerary. What will you do when you get there?
If you’re heading for a business trip, you’ll still have downtime before and after your scheduled meetings. Take a little time right now to get familiar with the area. What restaurants are you interested in trying? Are there any attractions that you’d like to explore?
When your trip is international, this time could be spent getting well-versed in the customs and cultures of the foreign country. You might find out about common practices you didn’t know or travel restrictions you would have accidentally violated. This article by Hotel Engine is a wealth of information for the international traveler.
You’ll be glad you spent your layover studying when you get to your destination and know what you’re doing.
3. Organize Your Photos
Most of us take hundreds or thousands of pictures on our phones with no semblance of organization at all. So when you want to find a particular photo, you’re stuck scrolling through every image on your phone, hoping to stumble upon it.
Now is the perfect time to get those images organized into albums! Create a few basic folders on your phone, such as Family, Friends, Pets, Vacation, or other relevant titles, then start dragging the images into the appropriate destination.
As a bonus, it’ll be easier to organize future photos, and you can quickly send them out for printing without a hassle. Once you print an album, delete it from your phone and increase your storage space.
4. Leave the Airport and Explore
Got a few hours on your hands with a layover in a big city you’ve never visited? If you’re feeling adventurous, head out and explore the area.
You’ll likely find taxis and rideshares stationed outside the airport exit. Book one and have them take you downtown, where you can walk around for a couple of hours. Make sure you schedule a pick-up well before your next flight because you’ll need to go through security again.
It’s close enough for you to get back in time for your next flight, and you can get an idea of the city. If you fall in love with it, make plans to come back another time and truly explore.
Conclusion
Airline experts suggest passengers find flights with long layovers to reduce the stress of delays, and they’re right. It’s a smart idea. But when you have to deal with the full time waiting between connections, you don’t want to sit around bored.
Use these four tips to make the best of your layover, and you might find that you enjoy it!