Unexpected Airport Layover? No Worries, These Tips Are All You Need

No matter for what purpose one travels from a destination to another, the chance of a delay or a layover always keeps in a person’s mind like the only grey cloud in the sky on a bright day. It would be far more than optimistic to tell someone to get this idea off their mind because despite the pace of technology and the mind blowing improvements it brings together, it is always probable to hear an announcement of your flights being delayed or rescheduled for a time that cannot be considered as just a delay.

Some airlines offer their passengers a number of options to choose from in case of an airport layover; it is not uncommon for them to pay for a one night hotel stay or welcome you in their lounges if there is any at the airport you are stuck in. On the other hand, your airline may be one of those that confine themselves with just letting their passengers know that they will not be flying for the next 8 hours.

In both ways, you may need some tips that will remind you a layover at an airport is not the end of the world and you can actually turn this undesired time into an efficient break in your business trip that will be or has been packed with meetings.

Here are 8 great tips to spend some good time at an airport.

You are ready for the layover mentally. Make sure you are physically, too!

Assuming you have already accepted the possibility of the layover or the real layover itself, now it is time to get ready for it physically. You didn’t set out for a long time at an airport so your outfit may not be the best that fits the situation. If you have your luggage with you, take out something more comfy that will enable you to learn how to relax on an airport chair. If it is already too late for that, check out the stores at the airport for something more casual. You can call yourself lucky especially you are traveling internationally and stuck at an airport with duty-free.

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Your airline may not have a lounge at the airport you are in but that doesn’t mean cannot get in one

If you feel that you need a bit more comfort to get some energy in order to cope with the rest of your layover, try to find a lounge at the airport. The good start will take care of the rest of it, or let’s say make it a bit easier. The information desk at the airport will probably have a list of the lounges that accept passengers. You will probably be asked for a fee but is going to worth the fresh bites along your drink while enjoying their free Wi-Fi service.

Spare some time to the minor things you have been postponing to do

When was the last time you had some minutes to go through your agenda? If you are at the airport after your meeting or holiday, did you have the time to go over your notes, to organize contacts before you got on the plane? Probably not. There can’t be a better time to do these. You can get a cup of coffee or drink, find a comfortable spot at the airport with a plug nearby and go through your notes, update your to do list or transfer the pictures you have taken with your camera to your lap top.

Treat yourself with some good food

Although flight meals are now considerably better compared to the past, eating a precooked food with plastic fork and knife is not something that pleasant. Besides, maybe you didn’t have time to try something local while running from a meeting to another while you were in your destination. This is a great chance for you to try a new taste at a decent place. Most of the airports around the world offer a wide variety of restaurant options, including at least one being local. Airport restaurants are also serve as one of the best spots to make some people watch. Enjoy your food and drink while you observe, or even eavesdrop the people from all over the globe.

Feel like taking a nap? Don’t hesitate, take it

You thought you could make it through the 9 hour overlay when you first heard of it however your body now says it can’t go any further and needs to take a nap. Plus, it is a bit too late to get a room since there is not so much left for your flight. Why don’t you try to take a nap on one of the chairs that surround the airport? We are not suggesting you to perform the art of sleeping at an airport like a backpacker but there is nothing wrong or unsafe resting yourself at an airport. Sleeping Airports has got some really good tips on how to take a short but refreshing naps at an airport. Check them out.

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Start getting back on the track

Traveling is great but it also hinders your daily routine in back home. You probably had to stop your work out a week ago and although you promised yourself to exercise when you had time, you didn’t. No worries, you can use this time of overlay to get ready for your workout routine back home. You are one lucky person if you are stuck in San Francisco International Airport, Singapore Changi Airport or Toronto Pearson International Airport since they have fitness rooms you can use. There are also other airports that are famous with their workout facilities. Even if yours doesn’t have a special place for fitness, you can still make some paced walking through the terminals.

Enjoy the silence

We know that airports are some of the most interesting places in the world to spend some time. However we also accept that they can be a bit tiresome with all the people flow and none stop announcements. You may need to clear your mind off with a pause of silence. It may sound impossible to find a place that is as quite as it is 03:00 A.M in the morning at an airport but the truth is it isn’t. Many of the airports today have a got a silent room or a prayer room where the visitors respect each other’s peace of mind and doesn’t make a sound or keep it at minimum.

Add up some leisure travel to your trip

Okay, this one goes for the adventurists among you who’d do anything to see a new place (or get out of the airport.) If the airport you are in is located just outside of the city center or in reach easily with public transport, you can turn your overlay into an opportunity to discover a city you haven’t been before or visit your favorite spot once again if you have seen there before. Don’t forget to make sure you have a valid visa to get out of the customs and your flight is not rescheduled to an earlier time before you leave the airport.

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